Robotic Surgical Team
In order to provide the highest in quality and safety, we have developed a specialized robotics team at The Smith Institute, marked by experience and excellence at all levels. Robotic surgery differs from traditional surgery in many ways, requiring anesthesiologists, nurses and technicians with specialized training and knowledge. Our dedicated staff has performed hundreds of robotic operations and works together to ensure a seamless experience before, during and after your operation in order to make you feel comfortable entering the operating theatre.
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Lee Richstone, MD is the Director of Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery at the North Shore University Hospital campus of the Smith Institute for Urology. He specializes in minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of prostate, bladder and kidney cancer. See Dr. Richstone's complete biography (link to Our Physicians)
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Dennis Lynch, a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook, has been a Physician Assistant for 32 yrs. He has been with the North Shore-LIJ Health System for 22 years and is the Director of the Department of Physician Assistants. He was the first PA in the New York Metropolitan area to become actively involved in Robotic Surgery and to this date has been involved in over 150 cases. Mr. Lynch has been active in teaching other PAs as well as residents in Robotics, and has authored an instructional manual on assisting in Robotic Surgery.
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Linda Russo, CNOR has been a key figure at The North Shore University Hospital for 30 years. As the operating room nurse manager, Linda supervises the Robotics nursing staff and surgical technicians, and ensures smooth operation of the DaVinci Robotic system. Linda is certified and trained in robotics, and has been a key figure in the robotics program since its inception in 2003
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Ken Whitney received his BS from Fordham University and subsequently graduated from the Bayley Seton PA Program. He has been the backbone of the Urology Service at North Shore Hospital since 1986. Ken brings his extensive experience to the Robotics staff, making sure each case runs smoothly.
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Victor Reyes is a 1997 graduate of The State University of New York Physician Assistant program. After graduation, he began working in the Department of Urology at North Shore University Hospital, and has become an integral part of the robotic surgery program.
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| Theresa Avigliano, RN, Mercy Babu, RN, and MaryEllen Melanik, Certified Surgical Technicians, are the heart and soul of the Robotics Operating Room environment. They provide the highest quality of nursing care, technical support and expertise over hundreds of robotics procedures. Most importantly, Theresa, Mercy and MaryEllen offer gentle care and support to our patients, making the operating room a comfortable and safe environment. |
