Dr. Ernesto Otero-Lopez and Team Celebrate 100th Robotic Surgery in SW United States
Albuquerque, NM – On Tuesday, November 19th, 2019, Dr. Ernesto Otero-Lopez (a spine surgeon with New Mexico Orthopaedic Associates) and his skilled surgical team including Kari LaVigne, PA-C became the first in the Southwestern US (and the third on the West Coast) to complete 100 surgeries utilizing the ExcelsiusGPS®. This revolutionary robotic navigation platform is designed to streamline the surgical workflow and reduce radiation exposure. It is the world’s first technology to combine a rigid robotic arm and full navigation capabilities into one adaptable platform for accurate trajectory alignment in spine surgery. This advanced technology enhances the safety and improves efficiency for patients, staff and surgeons in the operating room.
It has been an exciting experience to integrate robotic navigation technology into my spine practice and further advance minimally invasive spine techniques that allow patients to get back to their life more quickly. I look forward to the exciting opportunities and undoubtable impact ExcelsiusGPS® will bring to the field of spine surgery, robotics, and navigation” – Ernesto Otero-Lopez, MD
About New Mexico Orthopaedic Associates
NMOA, an independently owned physician group, has been serving patients for over 30 years with highly trained orthopaedic, sports medicine and spine care physicians, working together in New Mexico’s only medical practice that offers diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation within one group.
About Globus Medical
Globus Medical, Inc. is a leading musculoskeletal implant manufacturer driving significant technological advancements across a suite of spinal products. Founded in 2003, Globus’ single-minded focus on advancing spinal surgery has made it the fastest growing company in the history of orthopedics. Globus is driven to utilize superior engineering and technology to achieve pain free, active lives for all patients with spinal disorders.
New Mexico Orthopaedics Announces Relocation of Main Campus
Albuquerque, NM (June 26th, 2019) – New Mexico Orthopaedics Associates (NMOA), Albuquerque’s leading experts in orthopaedics, sports medicine, and spinal care is excited to announce the relocation of their main campus and two physical therapy locations to a newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility in Albuquerque. The new facility will be centrally located at the Winrock Town Center at I-40 and Louisiana.
NMOA is excited to be a major catalyst towards revitalizing an iconic city landmark, and to take their clinic to a more patient centric location positioned within a collection of shops, restaurants, and community amenities. The new 68,000 sq. ft. facility will allow New Mexico Orthopaedics to offer patients comprehensive and convenient orthopaedic care with same day appointments, relaxing, non-healthcare patient rooms, and cutting-edge technology including the best MRI and X-Ray machines on the market in addition to providing the world-class care patients have come to expect from NMOA.
Designed by local architectural firm Scout Design, the stunning 68,000 sq.ft. facility will bring more than 100 construction jobs to Albuquerque.
NMOA is committed to keeping it local for this project. Scout Design, a grass roots New Mexican Architectural firm, was contracted to design the new space. Insight Construction, the General Contractor for the project, has created more than 100 construction jobs to build this new facility.
NMOA, together with Goodman Realty Group is committed to green technology. The facility will feature solar energy with daylight harvesting and reclaimed water. Winrock will be a true village with community gathering spaces, retail shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, residential, office and medical uses.
The move by New Mexico Orthopaedics Associates is part of a growing trend in healthcare as doctors look to relocate their services out of the traditional healthcare setting by locating in amenity rich mixed-use environments. New Mexico Orthopedics seeks to rethink the patient experience by providing customer convenience with extended hours, easy access, the latest technology and ample parking.
The NMOA Campus will also feature a completely renovated Motion Shop, which provides patients and retail customers convenient, on-site access to necessary non-covered rehabilitative equipment and supplies.
NMOA is also working with Goodman Realty to open a wellness center that will work with community members to create and maintain healthy lifestyles.
“Beyond the beautiful, modern design and features of the multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic, the way in which it will enhance patient care is perhaps the most meaningful part of this project,” says Jeffery Racca M.D. President of New Mexico Orthopaedics Associates.
“By taking a unique approach to comprehensive orthopaedic care, we are reinforcing our commitment to the community and emphasizing what we have been saying for years: that the patient is truly at the center of everything we do.”
The new campus opens in December 2019.
About New Mexico Orthopaedics
NMOA, an independently owned physician group, has been serving patients for over 30 years with highly trained orthopaedic, sports medicine and spine care physicians, working together in New Mexico’s only medical practice that offers diagnosis, treatment, surgery and rehabilitation within one group.
“Every person we care for is different – their choice of exercise, sports and lifestyle are unique, so we design individual treatment plans that help each patient reach maximum performance and health.”
About Goodman Realty Group
Over the last six decades, Goodman Realty Group has built a nationwide reputation as one of the most innovative and versatile owners and developers of commercial real estate. With a long track record of increasing value by creating sustainably profitable properties throughout the United States, Goodman has owned, developed, leased and managed over 7,000,000 square feet of retail, office, residential, industrial and hospitality properties.
About Scout Design
Located in Albuquerque, NM, SCOUT Design brings small firm attention with large firm expertise to a broad range of projects. SCOUT is a woman-owned business with over 35 years of experience. The firm has a unique structure that emphasizes personalized service and engagement specializing in healthcare, hospitality, retail, office, and community projects. SCOUT Owner Shannon Parks received her BA in Architecture with a Minor in Engineering in 2006 from Lehigh University, and her Masters in Architecture in 2008 from UNM. She has over ten years of experience working on a diverse range of projects of all scales.
About Insight Construction
Insight Construction is proud to celebrate 11 years in business in New Mexico this July. Our birth as a company during the great recession of 2008 has forged a strong competitive drive and customer appreciation at our core. The company has grown to 50 full time employees, and revenue has grown each year though tireless dedication to the delivery of our construction services. We specialize in mid-sized commercial construction projects throughout New Mexico, and our partnership with New Mexico Orthopedics (our second client in company history), is a testament to the strong relationships we develop. This current build out for NMO is an incredible honor for our company, and we are so excited for our role in this new facility for NMO.
Dr. Douglas Allen – Albuquerque’s Top Orthopedic Doctor
What drew you to your speciality?
When entering medical school, Orthopedics initially appealed to me because it is an interesting combination of medicine, sports, and engineering.
Do you have a favorite on-the-job story you can share with us?
I had the opportunity to perform shoulder replacements on my fourth-grade teacher. It was great to reconnect with her and she was a pleasure to work with. She is functioning beyond her expectations and is pain free.
What is the best part of practicing in Albuquerque?
It’s great to practice in my hometown. Both my wife and I are physicians and multi-generational natives of Albuquerque. When we were finishing our medical training, it was obvious that we both wanted to come home and practice in an area that has so much going for it, but is generally underserved medically.
Off the clock, do you have any hobbies or causes you support?
Currently, I help coach my son’s high school wrestling team in my free time. I also enjoy skiing and all aspects of outdoor sports.
What’s the most exciting new development in your field?
Over the last several years there has been an emphasis on minimally invasive / arthroscopic procedures. I’m often amazed at our ability to perform surgeries through very small incisions.
What has been the proudest moment of your career?
Going back to Duke, (where I attended undergraduate school( after completion of my residency, to sub-specialize in the orthopedic care of athletes. Part of the requirement of the fellowship was serving as one of the lead physicians for the Duke basketball team.
In one sentence, what would be your advice for living a happy, healthy life ?
Exercise and have fun!