Members of the Northwest Hospital Foundation Corporation gathered on Wednesday, October 7 at Wanango Country Club for their annual meeting.
Keynote speakers Dr. David Thomas, DO, FACS, General Surgeon, Dr. Caleb Thrash, MD, the newest member of the General Surgery Team, and Heidi Schweitzer, Director of Surgical and Perioperative Services, provided a behind-the-scenes look at the newly installed Intuitive da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot, which has brought robotic surgery to UPMC Northwest for the first time.
Robotic surgery benefits patients by reducing length of stay, postoperative pain, and risk of complications. UPMC Northwest surgeons are now able to perform more precise and minimally invasive procedures with enhanced visualization and ergonomics. Local patients no longer need to travel to other UPMC hospitals for advanced surgical care.
The da Vinci Xi Surgical Robot has been in use at UPMC Northwest since September 11, 2026, and in September was used to complete 18 surgeries. Operating room and sterile processing staff completed specialized training and credentialing in preparation for the go-live last month, including both virtual and hands-on education with certified trainers. Physicians and staff were required to complete provider credentialing.
“In just a few short weeks, the robot is already strengthening our ability to provide leading-edge care locally,” said Schweitzer. “It’s meeting a growing demand in general surgery and gynecology, with future expansion into additional specialties.”
“This technology will prove invaluable in recruiting and retaining skilled surgeons here in Venango County,” Dr. Thomas added.
In addition to the robot, Foundation Executive Director Theresa Edder highlighted some of the organization’s support to UPMC Northwest in the past year, including the Linear Accelerator (SBRT) Machine Upgrade in the Cancer Center, $188,800 in uncompensated care assistance to patients, and the hiring of Pastor Mark Fultz as the full-time hospital Chaplain funded by the McElhattan Foundation. She noted these significant investments are only made possible through community generosity.
UPMC Northwest President Jonathan Bailey updated members on recent accreditation and recognitions the hospital has earned, including a CMS 4-Star Quality Rating, an A grade from Leapfrog in Spring 2026, and recognition on the national Forbes Top Hospitals list. Between January and September 2026, UPMC Northwest recorded 4,080 admissions, 3,808 surgeries, 388 newborns delivered, and more than 21,000 emergency department visits.
The Corporation elected three new members: Joseph Brooker, Douglas Suhr, Jr., and Kat Thompson.
Foundation Chairperson Linda Schell recognized the Board of Directors for kicking off the new fiscal year with an extraordinary twelve consecutive years of 100% individual participation in giving. She also proudly unveiled the new annual report which highlights work the Foundation is doing to strengthen UPMC Northwest and the health of the community.
For more information about the Northwest Hospital Foundation, please contact Theresa Edder, Executive Director by calling 814-676-7145 or emailing edderta2@upmc.edu.
