New Thoracic Surgeon Benefits from Mentorship, Technology and Experiences at Hackensack University Medical Center
New patient pavilion, robotic surgery technology and seasoned mentors attracted post-fellowship surgeon who shares his on-the-job perspective
After Michael Spallone, M.D., completed his two-year fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery in July 2022, he knew he wanted to launch his thoracic surgery practice at a hospital where he would have access to advanced technology and facilities, opportunities for research, a track record of excellent outcomes and strong mentorship. Since he joined the Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center team in August 2022, he hasn’t been disappointed.
“Mentorship was the most important thing I was looking for in my first job, because being a surgeon is about lifelong learning,” said Dr. Spallone. “Here, I have outstanding mentors in Dr. [Nabil] Rizk, my division chief, as well as my partners, who bring diverse personal and professional experiences to the table.”
Dr. Spallone was also excited to be among the first surgeons to operate at the Helena Theurer Pavilion, a 530,000-square-foot, nine-story surgical and intensive care tower on the Hackensack University Medical Center campus. The state-of-the-art facility includes 24 operating rooms that are equipped with the latest technology and are among the most advanced in the U.S.
“Space is such a commodity in most ORs, but at the Pavilion, the ORs are huge,” said Dr. Spallone.
Dr. Spallone and his thoracic surgery colleagues are putting that space to good use. The Pavilion’s operating suites are specially designed to accommodate the Ion robotic bronchoscope and the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Each operating suite is equipped with movable and wall-mounted monitors so surgeons can access images, view the surgical field, and monitor the patient’s vitals simultaneously.
Further, surgeons can use robotic technology in combination with other advanced techniques, such as near-infrared imaging, to improve surgical precision and accuracy.
“Having access to the latest technology allows us to deliver the safest possible care with the best possible outcomes,” Dr. Spallone said.
Hackensack University Medical Center is also one of the highest-volume thoracic surgery centers in the region, allowing Dr. Spallone to grow his knowledge and skills by treating complex cases. He said he is proud to be a part of a team that has the shortest post-surgical average length-of-stay in the tri-state area — a testament to the minimally invasive, high-value, safe care for which the hospital is known.
“In surgery, experience is everything, and working at a high-volume center is a huge benefit,” said Dr. Spallone. “A lot of people equate more volume with a less personal patient experience, but that’s not true here — we’re efficient, and the compassion and expertise of our entire team is the best I’ve experienced anywhere.”
Dr. Spallone said he is grateful that the surgeons, nurses and support staff he works with share his commitment to continuous improvement through outcome analysis and research using retrospective databases.
Learn more about innovative pulmonology and thoracic surgery care at Hackensack University Medical Center.