Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement Receives $4.2 Million Congressional Grant

CELEBRATION, Fla. — Jan. 19 — Orlando gets another boost in becoming a medical destination. Congressman Alan Grayson was at Florida Hospital’s Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement (NCSA) to announce a $4.2 million Congressional Directed Department of Defense Grant that will be used to revolutionize civilian and military capabilities in surgical robotic research. The grant was secured by Congressman Alan Grayson with additional support from Senator Bill Nelson.

“This proves that hard work pays off. We found a way to get millions of Department of Defense dollars to Central Florida, even though the District does not have a military installation,” said Congressman Grayson. “These new federal dollars are the perfect use of directed spending. The award will save lives, especially those of the men and women in the military. It will also create new, high-paying jobs in Central Florida.”

The grant will help establish a “Global Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics and Simulation,” which will be housed at the NCSA. The training at the Center will focus on capabilities in robotic tele-surgery, tele-mentoring and tele-broadcasting. Furthermore, the research conducted will enhance military and civilian health care outcomes, increase patient safety, reduce health care costs as well as create high tech jobs. The collaborative partners include the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, UCF Institute for Simulation and Training, UCF Medical School and Florida Hospital.

“It is so important that physicians have access to a training facility that advances the understanding of robotic and simulation technologies,” said Dr. Monica Reed, administrator of Florida Hospital Celebration Health. “Florida Hospital Celebration Health is so fortunate to house this outstanding facility where physicians from all over the world will have the opportunity to further improve their skills.”

Florida Hospital’s Nicholson Center for Surgical Advancement was established in 2001 as a global training and education institute. Since its inception, more than 35,000 physicians have used the Center for training in the newest surgical techniques and technologies. The state-of-the-art technologies at the Center are designed to improve patient care and provide access to training.

For additional information, contact Florida Hospital Media Relations at 407-303-8217.

SOURCE Florida Hospital