Published: 9/14/2022

During a special ceremony on September 13, Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) dedicated the surgery area in the John & Mary Alford Surgery Pavilion in honor of Licking County residents Megan & Mark Kvamme.  The couple assisted in the unveiling of a new information wall and interactive kiosk that provides information on technology available at LMH including the da Vinci Surgical System.  The Kvammes made a generous lead gift toward the acquisition of the robotic-assisted surgical technology which enhances the capabilities of physicians’ eyes and hands with robotic-assisted procedures in order to provide minimally invasive surgery. 
 
“We are very fortunate to have the support of philanthropic individuals such as the Kvammes,” LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese shared.  “It requires strong financial commitments to acquire advanced technology, and we are grateful to the Kvammes for making a significant pledge.”  In addition, the Kvammes hosted a fundraising event at their home in August 2021, which included the opportunity for guests to experience a hands-on demonstration of the robot.
 
Mark co-founded Drive Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in innovative technology, healthcare and consumer companies in the Midwest.  The company’s headquarters are located in Columbus, Ohio, in the Short North district.  “I grew up in Silicon Valley and watched it grow from fruit orchards into a force that ushered us into the silicon age.  The Midwest is the next frontier for technological transformation,” said Mark.  “Megan and I are passionate about bringing these technological innovations to small and rural communities, because everyone deserves to have access to state-of-the-art healthcare, regardless of where they live.”
 
Megan is an Ohio native and co-founder of Beez, a leading data analytics and data solutions company, also headquartered in Columbus.  She is also Chairwoman of Avery’s Trail Distilling Company, and serves on the Board of Directors for OhioTT, a company that is helping to bring broadband into rural Ohio communities through a unique profit-sharing model with customers.  “Living in Ohio for most of my life, I am instilled with the community spirit that Ohioans have,” explained Megan.  “We come together and get things done.  I am proud that Mark and I are able to give back to our community and improve the lives of so many people around us.”
 
With the new robotic surgical system, surgeons can view the operative field in 3D and more precisely perform delicate techniques.  Due to the enhanced accuracy, robotic-assisted surgery offers less blood loss, decreased damage to skin, muscles and tissue, reduced risk of infection, and smaller, less visible scars.  Other benefits include less pain, faster recovery times, and shorter Hospital stays. 
 
“The da Vinci robot is a great investment for Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) that advances our high-quality surgical capabilities, and we are very excited to be able to provide this service for the community,” said LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese. 
With the new robotic surgical system, surgeons can view the operative field in 3D and more precisely perform delicate techniques.  Due to the enhanced accuracy, robotic-assisted surgery offers less blood loss, decreased damage to skin, muscles and tissue, reduced risk of infection, and smaller, less visible scars.  Other benefits include less pain, faster recovery times, and shorter Hospital stays. 
 
“The da Vinci robot is a great investment for Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) that advances our high-quality surgical capabilities, and we are very excited to be able to provide this service for the community,” said Rob.  “LMHS is now able to offer urology and prostate procedures to our patients.  Our two urologists are proficient in using the da Vinci surgical system, and this equipment certainly enhances their practice.”
 
LMH physicians and medical staff received training on the da Vinci surgical system during the summer of 2021, and the first surgical procedure using the robot was performed in August.  The da Vinci surgical system is primarily used in procedures such as hernia repair, cholecystectomy – gall bladder removal, prostate surgery, and colorectal surgery.  Some general surgery procedures also utilize the da Vinci surgical system.
 
LMHS continues fundraising efforts to replenish monies used to purchase the da Vinci surgical system.  “LMHS leadership critically considers new technology, investigating how many patients will benefit from its use before purchasing any new equipment,” Rob disclosed.  “Replenishing these funds now will ensure that we are financially prepared to consider future technology purchases.”  Gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  To make a gift or for additional information, please call the Licking Memorial Hospital Development Office at (220) 564-4102 or visit LMHealth.org, and click on the Donate button at the top right corner of the page.