MedStar Georgetown Launches Robert A. Altman Center for Surgical Education

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital has established the Robert A. Altman Center for Surgical Education, dedicated to advancing surgical training and patient care. The center, named in honor of the late Robert A. Altman, a prominent philanthropist and advocate for healthcare, will focus on providing comprehensive education and training for surgeons at all levels.

A Legacy of Commitment to Surgical Excellence

The creation of the center was made possible by a significant commitment from the Robert & Lynda Altman Family Foundation. Carter, a close friend of the Altman family, emphasized the importance of the center as a tribute to Robert Altman’s dedication to the city and its residents. “Robert loved this city and its people,” Carter said. “This effort says, ‘thank you’ to the DMV by equipping the next generation of surgeons to deliver world-class care right here at home.”

Dr. Jackson, who will lead the center as the inaugural holder of The Robert A. Altman Endowed Chair of Surgery – the first endowed chair designated by MedStar Health – highlighted the critical role of training in improving patient outcomes. “Training matters,” Dr. Jackson added. “When young surgeons master complex procedures early, patients benefit for decades. I’m honored to help build that pipeline that will serve our communities.”

Four Pillars of Surgical Education

The Robert A. Altman Center for Surgical Education will integrate four core pillars of learning:

• Technical Skills Training: Providing hands-on training in surgical techniques.
• Non-Technical Skills Training: Focusing on teamwork, communication, and leadership.
• Educational Research: Conducting research to improve surgical education methods.
• Transdisciplinary Collaboration: Fostering collaboration between surgeons and other medical experts.

A key component of the center will be a new state-of-the-art simulation-based facility. This facility will offer a safe and controlled environment for surgeons to practice and refine their skills, enhancing patient safety and fostering innovation.

Community Impact and Gratitude

Lisa M. Boyle, MD, FACS, president of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and senior vice president for MedStar Health, expressed gratitude to the Altman family for their support. “We express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Robert & Lynda Altman Family Foundation for this incredible opportunity to shape the future of surgery,” she said. “We will ensure that each student of the Robert A. Altman Center for Surgical Education trains with the rigor, passion, and care that Robert and Lynda have instilled in our community.”

Kenneth A. Samet, FACHE, MedStar Health President and CEO, emphasized the broader impact of the center. “Incredible things happen when we come together to better serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities,” Samet said. “Thanks to Lynda and Robert’s transformational commitment to advancing surgical expertise, lives will be saved, families will get more time together, and we will improve health throughout the Washington, D.C., region. This is the work of real-life superheroes.”

Robert Altman passed away in 2021 after battling secondary myeloid leukemia, a rare blood cancer. The center stands as a lasting tribute to his life and commitment to improving healthcare in the region. MedStar Health