Congratulations to Fermin Fontan, MD, FACS, FASMBS, on reaching the milestone of 1,000 robotic-assisted surgical cases at Memorial Medical Center. With robotic surgery, benefits for our patients can include smaller incisions, less pain, shorter hospital times and faster recovery times.

Just voted Best Bariatric Specialist in the Bulletin’s Best of the Mesilla Valley for the second year in a row, Dr. Fontan performs robotically-assisted sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and duodenal switch bariatric procedures. In addition to his weight loss practice, he also specializes in procedures for hiatal hernias and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

This accomplishment is a team effort, so huge credit also goes to team members from the New Mexico Bariatric Institute, perioperative medical clinic, ambulatory surgery unit, anesthesia, central sterile, operating rooms, post-anesthesia care unit and inpatient floors. Additionally, the hospital wouldn’t be at this celebratory moment without strong administrative support for its robotic surgery program and advanced technology.