Nationally recognized urologist Po Lam, M.D., has been named medical director of Rome Health’s robotics program, announced Chief Medical Officer Cristian Andrade, M.D.
“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Lam as the medical director of our robotics program,” said Dr. Andrade. “He has performed more urologic robotic surgeries in the Central New York area than any other surgeon. Certified in da Vinci robotic surgery, Dr. Lam serves as a proctor for Intuitive Surgical, Inc. He was recognized in 2024 by Newsweek as a one of America’s best prostate cancer surgeons.
As medical director, he will provide oversight of the overall care and clinical services for robotic services, with an emphasis on maintaining high standards of quality and safety through ongoing education and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
With support from the Rome Health Foundation, the hospital invested in the da Vinci Xi™ Surgical System and began offering robotic procedures in June 2024. “The technology complements our surgeons’ expertise by extending the capabilities of the surgeon’s eyes and hands,” Dr. Andrade said. “For patients, it means smaller incisions, faster recovery time, minimal scarring and pain, less trauma on the body and shorter hospital stays.”
Bariatric, general surgery, gynecologic surgery and urological procedures can be performed using the robot. Dr. Lam specializes in advanced robotic surgery in the areas of prostate cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and difficult kidney stones. He will soon be performing robotic procedures at Rome Health.
Dr. Lam is a graduate of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He completed his surgical training from the University of Louisville Health Sciences Center. He went on to receive his urologic training at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He was also trained at Roswell Park Cancer Center in the area of urologic oncology. Roswell Park is the first NCi (National Cancer Institute)-designated cancer centers in the US. Dr. Lam finished his fellowship training in the area of endourology, laparoscopy, and minimally invasive surgery at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Lam is a diplomate of the American Board of Urology. He has authored several peer-reviewed scientific publications and presented his work at national and international meetings. Dr. Lam is a member of the American Urological Association, Endourological Society, Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, Society of Urologic Robotic Surgeons, and Minimally Invasive Robotic Association.
Dr. Lam is part of the Associated Medical Professionals multi-specialty group, along with New Hartford urologists Jeffrey Sekula, MD, Daniel Welchons, MD, Jonathan Block, MD, and Ronald Kaye, MD, who take call and perform surgical procedures at Rome Health.
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About Rome Health
Rome Health is a non-profit health care system based in Rome, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York. From primary and specialty care to long-term care, Rome Health delivers quality, compassionate medical care for every stage of life. We are a comprehensive health care system that connects you to the best clinicians and the latest technologies so they are easily accessible to you and your family. Rome Health is an affiliate of St. Joseph’s Health and an affiliated clinical site of New York Medical College.