Dr Njideka Obiekwe, an obstetrician and gynaecologist and a recognised robotic surgery specialist, has helped East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) retain its designation as a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence.

EAMC, located in Opelika, Alabama, is now the only hospital in the state to hold the Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence designation following reaccreditation by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC).

The reaccreditation was announced on August 24, 2026, after the hospital underwent the assessment and inspection process required by SRC. Reaccreditation surveys are conducted every three years.

Dr Obiekwe, M.D., FACOG, was also recognised by SRC as a Master Robotic Surgeon and Surgeon of Excellence. According to SRC’s records, she has held the Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery designation since 2023.

Obiekwe’s Role in EAMC’s Robotic Surgery Programme

Obiekwe helped establish EAMC’s robotic surgery programme in 2013 and currently serves as the hospital’s Director of Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery.

She has played a central role in expanding the hospital’s use of robotic-assisted procedures and was previously recognised by EAMC as having performed more than 1,000 robotic surgeries.

In 2022, Obiekwe became the first physician at EAMC to complete 1,000 robotic procedures. By June 2025, she had performed nearly 1,500 robotic-assisted surgeries, according to an East Alabama Health report on the hospital’s robotic surgery programme.

SRC first recognised EAMC as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery in 2023. At the same time, Obiekwe was recognised as a Master Surgeon in Robotic Surgery and Surgeon of Excellence.

Speaking about the role of robotic technology in patient care, Obiekwe said it gives surgeons greater precision and control and can help reduce pain and recovery time.

“For the entire robotics team, the goal is not just to perform surgery well, but to help each patient feel informed, supported and cared for throughout their experience.”

EAMC Expands Robotic Surgery Services

EAMC launched its robotic surgery programme in 2013 and has continued to expand the procedures available to patients.

The hospital currently provides general, gynaecological and urological robotic procedures, including hysterectomies, removal of uterine fibroids, kidney procedures, prostate surgery, gallbladder surgery, hernia repair and colectomy.

The hospital also became the third hospital in Alabama to acquire the da Vinci 5 surgical system, the latest generation of robotic technology for minimally invasive surgery.

According to East Alabama Health, robotic procedures can allow surgeons to operate through very small incisions, potentially reducing scarring, pain and recovery time for patients.

What the Reaccreditation Means

SRC accreditation requires hospitals and surgeons to undergo extensive assessments designed to evaluate their robotic surgery programmes.

The process includes reviews of surgical volumes, equipment, clinical pathways, standard operating procedures, patient education and continuous quality-assessment programmes.

EAMC said the reaccreditation means its robotic surgery programme has undergone detailed review and continues to meet SRC standards relating to safety, quality and patient care.

Chief Nursing Officer Nicki Ware said the recognition gives patients in east Alabama and west Georgia added confidence that they can access robotic surgery close to home from a team meeting established standards.

A Growing Record in Robotic Surgery

Obiekwe’s recognition comes as EAMC continues to invest in minimally invasive surgery and robotic technology.

The hospital’s robotic surgery team has grown to include specialists across general surgery, gynaecology and urology. EAMC has also highlighted four surgeons who have surpassed 1,000 robotic-assisted procedures, including Obiekwe, Allen Foster, Kerri Bevis and Wes Cutcliffe.

The latest reaccreditation therefore represents both a continuation of EAMC’s robotic surgery programme and recognition of the physicians and staff who have helped develop it.

For Obiekwe, who has been involved with the programme since its early days, the recognition marks another milestone in a career focused on minimally invasive surgery and the use of robotic technology in patient care.

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