Baptist Health Paducah earns re-accreditation as Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology and Robotic Surgery
PADUCAH, KY (April 22, 2025) — Baptist Health Paducah brought robotic surgery to the area over a decade ago, and since 2017 the hospital has maintained the distinction of being the community’s only accredited Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The hospital has been accredited in Minimally Invasive Gynecology since 2014.
Since introducing the region’s first Da Vinci Surgical System to patients in 2008, Baptist Health Paducah has remained at the forefront of minimally invasive surgery. With the advanced Da Vinci Xi Surgical System, our surgeons can perform procedures with increased precision, while also allowing our patients to enjoy the benefits of a faster recovery time and less pain.
“Our surgeons and their teams of surgical techs, nurses and nurse anesthetists provide high quality, cutting-edge care to patients in our region,” said Baptist Health Medical Group Urologist and Medical Director of Robotic Surgery for Baptist Health Paducah, Michael Knox, MD. “The accreditation shows Baptist Health Paducah is providing nationally recognized care to our patients. Our Da Vinci robotic surgery program continues to grow with addition of new surgeons, and I am excited to continue to positively impact our patients with this technology.”
Baptist Health Paducah is equipped with some of the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical technologies available, including two Da Vinci robotic systems, the ION robot, the Mazor robot, and Aquablation Therapy. More than 10 skilled surgeons utilize these systems to perform nearly 20 types of procedures across multiple specialties, including general surgery, gynecology, bariatrics, urology, pulmonary, neurosurgery, cardiology, thoracic surgery, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT).
In addition to the program’s national recognition, eight Baptist Health Paducah surgeons have been honored as Surgeons of Excellence in Robotic Surgery: Donald Spicer, MD, urology; Michael Knox, MD, urology; Anthony Davis, MD, bariatric and general surgery; Kristen Williams, MD, general surgery; and John Hahn, MD, general surgery. S. Blair Tolar, MD, OB/GYN; Matthew Sublette, MD, OB/GYN; and Amber Savells, MD, OB/GYN, have achieved the distinction of dual recognition in Robotic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Gynecology.
These accreditations recognize Baptist Health Paducah’s commitment and high standard of delivery of quality patient care and safety. Status as an accredited Center of Excellence means that Baptist Health Paducah has met nationally and internationally recognized standards. Not all hospitals and surgeons seek accreditation; not all that undergo the rigorous inspection process are granted accreditation.
Health care facilities and surgeons seeking an SRC accreditation undergo an extensive assessment and inspection process to ensure the applicant meets SRC’s proven standards and requirements. These requirements include surgical volumes, facility equipment, clinical pathways and standardized operating procedures, an emphasis on patient education and continuous quality assessment. Inspectors educate staff in the accredited departments on best practices to help an organization improve its care and services.
“We’re proud to recognize Baptist Health Paducah for its commitment to advancing and providing quality care for all patients,” said Gary M. Pratt, CEO of SRC. “This accreditation signals that this facility is among the best in this specialty and is dedicated to delivering the highest level of care possible.”