Central Ohio Urology Group Opens New Interventional Radiology Center with Leading-Edge Men’s Health Initiative for Enlarged Prostate

Central Ohio Urology Group has opened a state-of-the-art Interventional Radiology Center and launched a groundbreaking initiative in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. Providing comprehensive urological services through 15 offices in Columbus and the surrounding region, Central Ohio Urology Group is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services.

Central Ohio Urology Group is at the forefront of delivering exceptional results in men’s urological care and has a longstanding commitment to provide the most advanced and effective treatment options to men suffering from the symptoms of BPH or enlarged prostate. The new initiative includes a collaboration between Central Ohio Urology Group and Prostate Centers USA®.

Frederick L. Taylor, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Central Ohio Urology Group, stated, “We are thrilled to be partnering with IR Centers to bring these life-saving and life-changing interventions to Central Ohio Urology Group, including prostate artery embolization, a new, minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia that can safely and effectively treat large prostate glands without the need for surgical intervention.”

“Interventional radiology can be used to treat a variety of urologic conditions including benign prostatic hyperplasia, blockages of the urinary tract, vascular abnormalities that commonly cause pain, and urologic malignancies such as kidney cancer. We look forward to offering those services to our patients, conveniently located at the Central Ohio Urology Group Wilson Bridge location,” said Dr. Taylor.

Jason Guagenti, Chief Operating Officer of Central Ohio Urology Group, stated, “The new Interventional Radiology Center enables our urologists and their interventional radiology colleagues to work hand in hand to provide comprehensive urologic care for our patients in a convenient, outpatient environment where patient care is at the forefront. From scheduling, to the procedure, to after care requirements, our streamlined system is designed to focus on the patient’s needs and experience first.”Dr. Sandeep Bagla, Chief Executive Officer of Prostate Centers USA®, said, “This partnership signifies a leap forward in providing world-class care, particularly for those suffering from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. By combining our expertise in interventional radiology with the comprehensive urological services offered by Central Ohio Urology Group, we are setting a new standard in patient care. Our goal is to significantly improve the quality of life for our patients through minimally invasive procedures, ensuring they receive the most effective treatments with the least amount of discomfort and downtime. We believe this initiative will have a profound impact on men’s health care in the region, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this advancement.”

To learn more about Central Ohio Urology Group or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.centralohiourology.com or call (614) 396-2684. The new Interventional Radiology Center is located at 350 W. Wilson Bridge Road, Worthington, OH 43085.

 

About Central Ohio Urology Group

Central Ohio Urology Group is one of the nation’s leading providers of urological services with a network of 15 offices in the region. Headquartered just outside of Columbus in Gahanna, Ohio, Central Ohio Urology Group provides comprehensive services, including general urology, men’s health, women’s health, interventional radiology, cancer care, advanced cancer treatment and radiation oncology. Facilities in the Columbus area include an Advanced Prostate Cancer Clinic, as well as the state-of-the-art Central Ohio Urology Surgery Center that is one of the first ambulatory surgery centers in the country to offer urologic robotic surgery. Central Ohio Urology Group’s experienced care team provides more than 50 urological specialties and subspecialties. For more information, visit www.centralohiourology.com.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 60 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including affiliate practices Associated Medical Professionals of NY, Central Ohio Urology Group, Florida Urology Center, Greater Boston Urology and Urology of Indiana. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, visit www.us-uro.com.

About Prostate Centers USA®
Prostate Centers USA® is a leading provider of minimally invasive men’s health care solutions. With a team of renowned physician leaders and state-of-the-art facilities, they deliver exceptional outcomes for men suffering from various urological conditions, including BPH. Through their collaborative approach, they partner with leading urologists across the United States to ensure that patients have access to the best care possible. Their commitment to innovation and patient-centric care has earned them a reputation as the trusted leader in the field of men’s health care. Prostate Centers USA® is a network partner of Hemorrhoid Centers®, Ortho Centers™️ and IR Centers™️. For more information about Prostate Centers USA® and their services, please visit www.ircenters.com.

Leading Radiation Oncologist Dr. Steven E. Finkelstein Joins Associated Medical Professionals of NY

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is pleased to announce that internationally recognized radiation oncology physician, researcher and thought leader Steven E. Finkelstein, M.D., DABR, FACRO, has joined its care team as Director of the Center of Advanced Radiation Excellence (CARE) and Director of Radiation Oncology Research.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY spans 18 locations in Central New York, including nine offices and nine hospitals. A.M.P. Radiation Oncology is the region’s leading provider of comprehensive cancer care services, providing the most advanced, effective treatments available for urological and other types of cancers. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and specialty related services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

Dr. Finkelstein has treated thousands of patients with prostate cancer and genitourinary malignancies, been principal investigator for groundbreaking clinical trials, and continues contributing to prestigious scientific journals with over 11,000 literature citations with an H-Index of 42. Additionally, he is renowned in bladder, kidney and testicular cancer as well as lung, breast and skin cancers which he will also treat at A.M.P. Dr. Finkelstein is passionate about leadership in organized medicine and is a strong advocate for physicians and the patients they serve. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he completed his medical degree, and spent his residency at Moffitt Cancer Center and fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. Dr. Finkelstein has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for five years in a row.

Corina Tracy, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “Dr. Steven Finkelstein’s extensive experience in radiation oncology care and his leadership in the medical field will be a tremendous asset to U.S. Urology Partners, Associated Medical Professionals of NY and most importantly to individuals receiving cancer care in the Central New York region. Dr. Finkelstein’s dedication will further our mission to provide the best treatment available to our patients in the most compassionate way utilizing the most advanced, proven technology for every person we are privileged to serve.”

Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Corporate Director of Clinical Research of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “The Central New York community has long been the geographic heart of New York State and is on the cusp of a significant population influx from the construction and opening of Micron Technology Inc. We have recruited Dr. Steven Finkelstein for his prowess and expertise in providing cutting-edge clinical research in all aspects of radiation oncology to our patients. Currently Associated Medical Professionals is running over 30 active clinical trials, and we anticipate exponential growth with Dr Finkelstein’s expertise.”

Steven E. Finkelstein, M.D., DABR, FACRO, stated, “I am passionate about advancing patient care for all and committed to outstanding cancer care providing access to today’s leading-edge technologies and innovative treatment options. I am excited to join the team of Associated Medical Professionals of NY and look forward to helping patients in the community.”

To learn more about Dr. Finkelstein and A.M.P. or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.ampofny.com or call (315) 478-4185. Dr. Finkelstein will be based in the A.M.P. Syracuse office at 1226 East Water Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 60 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including affiliate practices Associated Medical Professionals of NY, Central Ohio Urology Group, Florida Urology Center, Greater Boston Urology and Urology of Indiana. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, visit www.us-uro.com.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY Revolutionizes Men’s Health Care with Groundbreaking New IR Center and BPH Treatment Initiative

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) has launched a leading-edge initiative in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate, including the opening of a new outpatient Interventional Radiology Center to serve Syracuse and the surrounding region. A multispecialty practice spanning nine offices and nine hospitals in Central New York, A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services.

The new initiative will include a collaboration between Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Prostate Centers USA®, furthering A.M.P.’s commitment to provide the most advanced and effective treatment options to men suffering from an enlarged prostate. With a team of highly skilled physicians and state-of-the-art technology, A.M.P. is at the forefront of delivering exceptional results in men’s health care. A.M.P.’s dedication to innovation and patient-centric care has earned them the trust of thousands of men seeking relief from the symptoms of BPH.

Dr. Christopher M. Pieczonka, Chief Executive Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Corporate Director of Clinical Research of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “A.M.P. has long been committed to being the leader in men’s health care, empowering men to live their lives to the fullest. A.M.P.’s expansion in Syracuse reflects our commitment to improving access to high-quality urological care in the Central New York region. The new outpatient Interventional Radiology Center will feature innovative technology ensuring that patients receive the best possible care in a comfortable and modern environment.”

Services provided at the new A.M.P. Interventional Radiology Center will include prostatic artery embolization (PAE). The 2023 American Urological Guidelines for the management of BPH were updated to include PAE as a recommended treatment option. This non-surgical alternative offers long-term relief with minimal downtime and fewer complications compared to traditional medication or invasive surgical procedures.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with Prostate Centers USA® given their expertise in effective minimally invasive treatments for men’s health care,” said Dr. Christopher Pieczonka. “Through this collaboration, A.M.P. will be able to offer minimally invasive, effective and lower risk treatment options for men suffering from an enlarged prostate. We are thrilled to revolutionize men’s health care together and provide the best care available.”

Dr. Sandeep Bagla, Chief Executive Officer at Prostate Centers USA®, said, “This collaboration between Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Prostate Centers USA® validates the dedication of physicians in the field of men’s health care to bring the highest quality outcomes, data and innovation to patients. We are truly excited about our initiative with A.M.P. as we believe our work together will drive further innovation in minimally invasive men’s health care and deliver treatments such as prostatic artery embolization to more men suffering from an enlarged prostate.”

To learn more about Associated Medical Professionals of NY or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.ampofny.com or call (315) 478-4185. The new A.M.P. Interventional Radiology Center serving the Central New York region is located at 1226 East Water Street, Syracuse, NY 13210.

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of New York (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multispecialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its nine offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of services, including advanced urological care, robotic surgery, cancer care, radiation oncology, interventional radiology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. For more information about Associated Medical Professionals of NY, visit www.ampofny.com.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 60 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including affiliate practices Associated Medical Professionals of NY, Central Ohio Urology Group, Florida Urology Center, Greater Boston Urology and Urology of Indiana. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, visit www.us-uro.com.

About Prostate Centers USA®
Prostate Centers USA® is a leading provider of minimally invasive men’s health care solutions. With a team of renowned physician leaders and state-of-the-art facilities, they deliver exceptional outcomes for men suffering from various urological conditions, including BPH. Through their collaborative approach, they partner with leading urologists across the United States to ensure that patients have access to the best care possible. Their commitment to innovation and patient-centric care has earned them a reputation as the trusted leader in the field of men’s health care. Prostate Centers USA® is a network partner of Hemorrhoid Centers®, Ortho Centers™️ and IR Centers™️. For more information about Prostate Centers USA® and their services, please visit www.ircenters.com.

Radiation Oncology Expert and Cancer Researcher Dr. Daniel Vanderbilt Joins Associated Medical Professionals of NY, an Affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is pleased to announce that Daniel B. Vanderbilt, MD, PhD, has joined its care team. Specialty trained in radiation oncology with a doctorate in cancer cell biology, Dr. Vanderbilt has vast experience in researching, diagnosing and treating cancers utilizing the latest technologies.

The Associated Medical Professionals of NY multi-specialty practice spans 19 locations in Central New York, including ten offices and nine hospitals. A.M.P. Radiation Oncology is the region’s leading provider of comprehensive cancer care services, providing the most advanced, effective treatments available for prostate, breast, lung, colorectal and other types of cancers. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and specialty related services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

Dr. Vanderbilt joins A.M.P. after serving as a Resident Physician at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medicine and West Virginia School of Medicine, and most recently as a Radiation Oncologist at MultiCare Health System. In addition to receiving prestigious grants and awards, Dr. Vanderbilt’s research is published in numerous peer-reviewed publications and presented at international medical conferences. More extensive information about Dr. Vanderbilt can be found at www.ampofny.com/physicians/daniel-b-vanderbilt/.

Christopher M. Pieczonka, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Corporate Director of Clinical Research of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “Associated Medical Professionals, as well as the central New York community, are very happy to announce the hiring of Dr. Daniel Vanderbilt. Dr. Vanderbilt has a fairly unique background including having a PhD in translational medicine and trying to identify how cancer cells proliferate and become aggressive. We anticipate his physician scientist background to help the care of our patients within our community and are pleased that he has chosen to join our practice.”

Daniel Vanderbilt, MD, PhD, said, “I am excited to join the fantastic team at Associated Medical Professionals of NY and serve our community in providing excellent cancer care. A.M.P. is a growing multispecialty practice providing cutting-edge cancer treatments. The A.M.P. facilities will enable me to provide optimal cancer treatment modalities, including intensity-modulated radiotherapy, using precisely targeted, noninvasive radiation beams.”

“My philosophy of patient care is to understand the unique needs of each patient as an individual, develop the best possible cancer treatment plan, and serve our community with compassion and diligence in oncologic care,” stated Dr. Daniel Vanderbilt. “I look forward to partnering with referring physicians in the care of their patients using my strong expertise in external beam radiotherapy, stereotactic body radiotherapy and image-guided treatments.”

To learn more about Dr. Vanderbilt and A.M.P. or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.ampofny.com or call (315) 724-1012. Dr. Vanderbilt will be based in A.M.P.’s office at 2 Ellinwood Drive in New Hartford, NY 13413.

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of New York (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multispecialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its ten offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of services, including advanced urological care, robotic surgery, cancer care, radiation oncology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. For more information about A.M.P., visit www.ampofny.com.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and related specialty services, including general urology, surgical and robotic procedures, advanced cancer treatment and other ancillary services. The U.S. Urology Partners clinical network consists of more than 60 locations throughout the East Coast and Midwest, including affiliate practices Associated Medical Professionals of NY, Central Ohio Urology Group, Florida Urology Center, Greater Boston Urology and Urology of Indiana. U.S. Urology Partners was formed to support urology practices with an experienced team of healthcare executives and resources, and is backed by NMS Capital. The U.S. Urology Partners corporate office is in Nolensville, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville. For additional information about U.S. Urology Partners, visit www.us-uro.com.

 

 

 

Internationally Recognized Urologist, Robotic Surgeon and Researcher Dr. Andrew J. Stephenson Joins Associated Medical Professionals of NY

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is pleased to announce that Andrew J. Stephenson, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCS(C) has joined its care team. Specialty trained in urologic oncology and robotics, Dr. Stephenson has vast experience in diagnosing and treating urologic cancers using the latest minimally invasive technologies and more conventional approaches. Dr. Stephenson has performed more than 2,000 robotic urology surgeries in his career.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY is a leading multi-specialty practice spanning 19 locations in Central New York, including ten offices and nine hospitals. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and specialty related services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

Christopher M. Pieczonka, MD, Chief Executive Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY and Corporate Director of Clinical Research of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “A.M.P. is very proud to have Dr. Andrew Stephenson join our practice. We are so excited to welcome a world renown expert and former Director of Urologic Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic to enhance and elevate the care of our local cancer patients. We look forward to the new skills and expertise that Dr. Stephenson will contribute that will put us on par with National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers.”

Dr. Andrew Stephenson said, “I am committed to excellence in patient care, research and innovations in urology. I am excited to join the team at A.M.P. as it provides me an opportunity to deliver innovative, compassionate and high-quality care to patients with complex urological problems, including cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidney and testis, BPH and prostate problems, and PSA screening. I am honored to join a team of like-minded and skilled professionals who are aligned in A.M.P.’s goals: to deliver world-class and comprehensive urological care to the people of the Syracuse community and upstate New York.”

“I am passionate about urological problems and the care of my patients. I endeavor to be my best every day for my patients. I have an unwavering commitment to developing and adopting the most effective treatments for my patients and advancing the field for future patients through clinical trials,” said Dr. Stephenson. “The state-of-the-art facilities at A.M.P. will enable me to deliver the most advanced and innovative urological care for my patients. We endeavor to be at the forefront of urological care, offering patients the spectrum of medical and surgical treatment for their urological problems.”

To learn more about Dr. Stephenson and A.M.P. or to schedule an appointment, please visit www.ampofny.com, www.ampofny.com/physicians/andrew-j-stephenson-md/ or call (315) 478-4185.                                                                                                                                                                                             

About Dr. Andrew J. Stephenson

Andrew J. Stephenson, MD, MBA, FACS, FRCS(C) is an internationally recognized urologist, robotic surgeon and researcher. Before joining Associated Medical Professionals of NY, he served as Director of Urologic Oncology at Rush University Medical Center, Director of the Center of Urologic Oncology at Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute and a staff member of the Taussig Cancer Institute. His clinical and research focus is on the treatment of patients with cancers of prostate, bladder and testis. He has published over 125 articles in peer-reviewed journals since 2002 on issues related to prostate, bladder and testis cancer, many of which have received international mainstream media attention. He has been invited to speak on these subjects at major international medical conferences.

Dr. Stephenson is board-certified in urology by the American Board of Urology and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He has received several awards from organizations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation, American Society of Clinical Oncology and Society of Urologic Oncology. He is listed as one of the Best Doctors in America. He received the Urology Teacher of the Year award while at Rush University and Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Stephenson has received grant support for prostate cancer research from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His research focus is on the development of prognostic statistical models called nomograms. These prognostic models provide accurate predictions of treatment outcome for prostate cancer and are widely used for patient counseling. He is on the editorial board for several urology journals, including Urology, and is an ad hoc reviewer for Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Journal of Clinical Oncology and Journal of Urology.

For patients with prostate cancer, Dr. Stephenson performs both nerve-sparing robotic prostatectomy using latest state-of-art approaches. The decision to perform either robotic or open prostatectomy is tailored to the specifics of each patient’s cancer and preferences. For patients with bladder cancer, Dr. Stephenson also performs robotic nerve-sparing radical cystectomy and orthotopic urinary diversion (neobladder or Studer) for both men and women. He is highly skilled on minimally invasive robotic approaches for kidney tumors and advanced kidney cancers. For select patients with testicular cancer, Dr. Stephenson performs robotic nerve-sparing lymph node dissection. He also has vast experience in minimally invasive treatments for BPH and voiding dysfunction. He has also been a pioneer in the development of biomarkers and image-guided diagnostic approaches for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of New York (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multi-specialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its ten offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of services, including advanced urological care, robotic surgery, cancer care, radiation oncology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and related specialty services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital. For more information, visit www.ampofny.com and www.us-uro.com.

Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., Named CEO of Associated Medical Professionals of NY, an Affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) today announced that Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.

Associated Medical Professionals of NY is a leading multi-specialty practice spanning 19 locations in Central New York, including ten offices and nine hospitals. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and specialty related services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital.

A nationally recognized urologist and clinical researcher with a specialty interest in the treatment of advanced prostate and bladder cancer, Dr. Pieczonka also serves as Corporate Director of Clinical Research for U.S. Urology Partners and Director of Clinical Research for A.M.P.

Corina Tracy, Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Urology Partners, stated, “I am excited to announce that Dr. Christopher Pieczonka has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Associated Medical Professionals of NY. Dr. Pieczonka’s extensive expertise in urological care and commitment to clinical research have been integral to the success of A.M.P. since he co-founded the practice more than 15 years ago. His leadership will further our mission of providing the most effective, efficient and innovative urologic care to every person we are honored to serve.”

Christopher M. Pieczonka, M.D., stated, “I am both honored and humbled to take on the new role of CEO of Associated Medical Professionals. The landscape of practicing medicine is different than it was when I co-founded the practice in 2008. Technology and innovation have vastly enhanced patient outcomes and patient experiences since then. For the last several years, I  have been the director of research for A.M.P. as well as our larger consortium of practices at U.S. Urology Partners. I view my new role as being able to bring the cutting edge technology and advances in care from the research side to all of our patients in Central New York.”

Dr. Pieczonka graduated from the SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine in 1997. He then completed his surgical and urologic training at SUNY at Buffalo Consortium Program in 2003. He is board certified by the American Board of Urology and is an active member of the American Urological Association (AUA), American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO). Dr. Pieczonka also has been co-author of over 100 publications and published abstracts.

Dr. Pieczonka has served as the Executive Vice-President of the Physician Teamster Alliance of CNY Local #1149 and has a specialty interest in the treatment of advanced prostate and bladder cancer. He has been the primary investigator of over 50 interventional oncology studies. Dr. Pieczonka has also been designated as a UroLift® Center of Excellence physician.

To learn more about Dr. Pieczonka and A.M.P. or to schedule an appointment with the care team, please visit www.ampofny.com or call (315) 478-4185.                                                                                                                                                                                                         

About Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.)

Associated Medical Professionals of NY (A.M.P.) is a multi-specialty medical practice based in Syracuse serving the Central New York region. Established in 2008, A.M.P. has grown to become one of the largest multi-specialty groups of its kind in the area that strives to provide quality care at each of its ten offices and nine hospital locations. As a pivotal point of care in each community, A.M.P. is able to provide continuity of care for a vast population of patients. A.M.P. maintains a robust suite of services, including advanced urological care, robotic surgery, cancer care, radiation oncology, pathology, lithotripsy, imaging and clinical research. A.M.P.’s provider base consists of more than 30 physicians and numerous clinical support staff practicing in 19 locations. A.M.P. is an affiliate of U.S. Urology Partners, one of the largest independent providers of urological and related specialty services in the nation, which is backed by NMS Capital. For more information, visit www.ampofny.com and www.us-uro.com.

U.S. Urology Partners Announces Partnership with Greater Boston Urology

NMS Capital portfolio company U.S. Urology Partners is pleased to announce that Greater Boston Urology (GBU) has joined its national network of affiliate urology practices. U.S. Urology Partners’ network now encompasses over 150 providers operating throughout over 60 clinical locations in five states.

Greater Boston Urology is a market-leading, multi-specialty urology practice serving Boston and the surrounding regions. Operating throughout Massachusetts via a provider base of over 20 physicians and 10 Advanced Practice providers, Greater Boston Urology is the largest urology group within the state of Massachusetts and maintains a longstanding history and track record of premier patient care and outcomes, a combination which in turn affords GBU its market leadership position.

The affiliation marks U.S. Urology Partners’ fifth partnership of significant scale since partnering with NMS and expands the broader platform’s geographic footprint into a fifth state. In addition, the transaction further cements U.S. Urology Partners’ leadership position as one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urological care and other specialty services. U.S. Urology Partners is led and supported by a premier, purpose-built executive management team with deep experience and expertise building and growing multi-site healthcare services platforms.

Corina Tracy, CEO of U.S. Urology Partners, commented, “U.S. Urology Partners maintains a track record of partnering with premier, market-leading integrated urology practices of significant scale. As such, our transaction with Greater Boston Urology fits these criteria perfectly and represents a seamless continuation of our past strategies. As we continue to grow and expand as a platform, the team and I at U.S. Urology Partners remain excited and enthusiastic by the prospects for future growth and efficiency made available to us. We look forward to welcoming Greater Boston Urology to the U.S. Urology Partners family and executing upon our common goals and aims together.”

Dr. Michael Curran, Greater Boston Urology President, noted, “We are thrilled to be joining forces with U.S. Urology Partners and are excited by the prospects of aligning with a leading, national platform within the urology market. Our choice to partner with U.S. Urology Partners was fueled by our shared commitment to patient outcomes and vision for growth, and we look forward to executing upon our next chapter of success together.”

Luis Gonzalez, Senior Partner at NMS Capital, said, “U.S. Urology Partners’ partnership with Greater Boston Urology marks the fifth of significant scale since we partnered together to form a best-in-class urological platform. Throughout that time, U.S. Urology Partners has grown to represent one of the largest integrated urology practices in the country driven by a combination of organic and acquisition-centric strategies.”

McDermott Will & Emery provided legal advice to U.S. Urology Partners and NMS. Financing for the transaction was provided by Twin Brook Capital Partners and Crescent Capital. Stifel Nicolaus & Company served as financial advisor and Katten Muchin Rosenman provided legal advice to Greater Boston Urology.

About U.S. Urology Partners

U.S. Urology Partners is one of the nation’s largest independent providers of urology and other specialty services, including general urology, surgical procedures, advanced treatment options for prostate and bladder cancer, and other ancillary services. The practice consists of over 150 providers across a network of over 60 locations throughout Ohio, New York, Florida, Indiana and Massachusetts including two ambulatory surgery centers as well as a state-of-the-art robotic surgery function. For additional information on U.S. Urology Partners, please visit our website at www.us-uro.com.

About NMS Capital

Founded in 2010, NMS Capital is an experienced private equity firm managing assets in excess of $1.4 billion. Since inception, NMS has partnered with management teams in over 100 investments and follow-on acquisitions across defined investment themes within the Business Services and Healthcare Services industries. The firm’s principal strategy is to create long-term value by providing strategic and operational resources to growth-oriented companies led by founders or experienced management teams. NMS has successfully built industry leading lower middle market companies in defensible and scalable end markets by accelerating organic and acquisition-driven growth. For additional information on NMS, please visit the firm’s website at www.nms-capital.com.

Robotic Surgery Pioneer Virtuoso Surgical Awarded $1.8 Million in SBIR Funding

Medical device company Virtuoso Surgical, Inc. has been awarded a $1.8 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) NIH grant to be received over the next two years. Virtuoso’s robotic surgery system enables a new scale of robotic tools and maneuvers in endoscopic surgery that are not possible using today’s instruments.

“We are honored to receive this SBIR Phase II grant as we move toward commercialization of our groundbreaking robotic surgical system,” said S. Duke Herrell, III, MD, FACS, CEO, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Virtuoso Surgical. “The Virtuoso system gives surgeons their hands back, enabling them to use two ’hands’ to perform procedures deep within the body, at the tip of an endoscope, with unprecedented control and dexterity.”

“For this SBIR Phase II grant, Virtuoso will continue its research regarding the use of its patented robotic technology to improve bladder lesion removal,” Dr. Herrell said. “Bladder lesion removal often does not obtain key information such as depth of invasion or margins if the lesion is a cancer, and we know that outcomes can be improved for these surgeries and patients.”

“We look forward to continuing to collaborate in this research with world renowned simulation and education expert Ahmed Ghazi, MD, and his colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University Simulation Innovation Lab at the Brady Urological Institute,” Dr. Herrell said.

While Virtuoso Surgical’s initial clinical applications will likely be bladder lesions and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tissue removal, the technology is a platform that will improve many if not all surgical procedures where tools are delivered through rigid endoscopes.

The Virtuoso Surgical system includes two robotically controlled, needle-sized manipulators working from the tip of a rigid endoscope that is less than half the diameter of a U.S. dime. The scope itself is far smaller than current robotic endoscope hardware, and the manipulators are 1mm in diameter. Equipped with a camera, the endoscope comes with an array of manipulators depending on the procedure, including a tissue grasper, retractor, tissue snare, laser aiming manipulator and electrosurgical tools.

In addition to Dr. Duke Herrell, the Virtuoso Surgical team includes Co-founder and President Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, who also founded the Vanderbilt Institute for Surgery and Engineering (VISE) with Dr. Herrell. They developed the Virtuoso Surgical system with a design team helmed by COO, Co-founder and Lead Engineer Richard Hendrick, PhD. Pending regulatory approval, company executives anticipate first-in-human use in early 2024 followed by regulatory submission pursuant of FDA approval for sale in the United States.

The Virtuoso Surgical system has demonstrated feasibility in animal, cadaver and tissue model studies examining use in surgeries for bladder cancer, uterine fibroids (among other intrauterine procedures), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia – BPH), central airway obstruction removal and endoscopic neurosurgery. The technology can provide dexterity in rigid endoscopic procedures, including in urology, neurosurgery, pulmonology, gynecology, orthopedics, thoracic surgery, otolaryngology (ENT) and other sub-specialties.

Virtuoso Surgical Resources

Videos of Robotic Surgery System in Action

Articles

About Virtuoso Surgical

Virtuoso Surgical has developed a groundbreaking robotic surgery system that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. The Virtuoso Surgical system features a pair of instrument delivery arms made of concentric nitinol tubes that mimic a surgeon’s hand motions to offer unprecedented control and dexterity to a full range of endoscopic applications. The system uses patented technology developed by Virtuoso’s founders at Johns Hopkins University and Vanderbilt University with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about Virtuoso Surgical and the initial public offering of common stock, visit www.virtuososurgical.net and www.virtuososurgical.net/investors. This device has not yet been approved by the FDA and is not for sale in the United States.

 

 

Mississippi Municipal League Launches Affordable Health Insurance Partnership: Innovative Collaboration Improves Access to Care, Lowers Costs

Today Mississippi Municipal League (MML) announced a groundbreaking partnership of nationally recognized health care organizations to bring small and underserved Mississippi municipalities and communities more affordable health insurance and access to better care. Powered by Ambetter from Magnolia Health, Vigilant Health, and new member services organization Mississippi Communities Health Advisers (MCHA), the partnership brings unprecedented access to coverage and care.

“We are pleased to offer this innovative partnership combining high-quality insurance with accessible care to MML members and their communities,” MML Executive Director Shari Veazey said. “Our health care task force of municipal officers evaluated this and other opportunities for more than two years under the leadership of Mayor Errick Simmons of Greenville. This search was in response to the continued need of small-town Mayors for affordable health care. We are delighted with the partnership and grateful to Magnolia Health for bringing this resource to Mississippi.”

The new program is three-fold, offering better health insurance, community-based health care, and improved access to services. Affordable health insurance through Ambetter from Magnolia Health, a Marketplace Insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act, provides essential benefits and high-quality, locally based health care, at affordable rates. Aaron Sisk, CEO of Ambetter from Magnolia Health, describes Magnolia Health as a national organization led by Mississippians committed to improving the health care and the overall welfare of our state’s communities.

“Ambetter is delighted to bring much more than affordable health insurance to Mississippi communities,” Sisk said. “Our partnership with the MML and Vigilant Health is allowing us to combine comprehensive health insurance with state-of-the-art health care resources at no additional cost to our policy holders.”

Every individual who purchases Ambetter policies will have access to Vigilant Health community-based clinics and services with no waits for care, no limits on visits, and in many cases no out-of-pocket costs of any kind. Municipalities and other governmental entities who self-insure may also participate in the program to realize health plan cost reductions and improved member care through Vigilant Health.

Mississippi Communities Health Advisors (MCHA), the newly created dedicated member services organization for MML members and their communities, facilitates access to Ambetter insurance for individuals and self-insurance solutions for municipalities. The organization is led by Billy Sims, formerly Senior Vice President of Administration at Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance in Jackson.

“Together, Ambetter, Vigilant Health, and MCHA provide a powerful option for delivering insurance and care affordably using data analytics and direct health care,” Sims said. “This will have long-term positive effects on Mississippi, and we commend the MML leadership for their resourcefulness, willingness, and courage to seek new health care solutions for underserved communities.”

Mayor Jimmy Rafferty of Pass Christian serves on the board of directors for MCHA and appreciates the benefits the program will bring statewide. “This program provides enhanced access and care to municipalities and offers individuals in participating communities the enhanced services and care their municipalities receive,” Rafferty said. “It also provides municipalities too small to self-insure the opportunity to join a larger plan with the benefits of scale and management larger cities enjoy. In addition, the Ambetter policies will fill the coverage and care gaps for those ineligible for Medicaid and who don’t have access to employer health plans.”

 

About Mississippi Municipal League

The mission of the Mississippi Municipal League is helping cities and towns excel. MML is a non-partisan association established in 1931, representing 290 city, town, and village governments in Mississippi. MML is also affiliated with the National League of Cities, a lobbying, legislative, and legal arm representing municipalities before the U.S. Congress. For more information about the Mississippi Municipal League, visit www.mmlonline.com.

 

About Ambetter from Magnolia Health

Ambetter from Magnolia Health is Mississippi’s largest Health Insurance Marketplace insurer, with more than 150,000 members in 2023. Magnolia Health’s parent is the largest national Marketplace carrier with more than 2 million members. Ambetter from Magnolia Health is led by an executive team in Ridgeland and employs 200+ Mississippians. Ambetter is the only Marketplace carrier in Mississippi from the inception of the Health Insurance Marketplace. Its network of physicians and providers includes all major hospitals and physician groups in Mississippi. Ambetter is part of the federal Health Insurance Marketplace and provides subsidies that substantially reduce the costs of both premiums and out-of-pocket costs for many individuals based on family income. Over 90% of Ambetter members in Mississippi receive a subsidy to help reduce their insurance premium. Almost 50% of Ambetter from Magnolia Health members have a $0 deductible. Learn more at www.ambetter.magnoliahealthplan.com.

 

About Vigilant Health

Vigilant Health is a nationally recognized provider organization that has integrated health care delivery, information technology, and an innovative payment model to deliver predictable long-term outcomes, substantial cost savings, and high patient engagement. Vigilant produces the same superior results in every demographic, every payer group, and every market, including Medicaid, the most challenging diabetes and chronic disease patients, and under-served communities in the deep south. Vigilant’s self-insured clients include the City of Vicksburg, South Central Regional Medical Center, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance, Taylor Group, Levi Strauss, Baptist Health in Little Rock, and the Mississippi School and State Employees Health Insurance Plan. Learn more at www.vigilant-health.com.

 

About Mississippi Communities Health Advisers

Mississippi Communities Health Advisers was created to provide dedicated member resources for the communities and individuals who purchase Ambetter policies as part of the MCHA partnership. Its purpose is to improve access to coverage and access to care by providing essential information and guidance about the choices, coverage, and costs of health insurance. For more information, contact MCHA at (769) 241-2424 or (888) 343-2999 or visit www.mscommunitieshealth.com.

EndoTheia Announces Successful Clinical Study Results for a Novel Medical Device for Endoscopic Surgery

EndoTheia, Inc. has announced the completion of a successful first-in-human clinical study performed at Vanderbilt University for their groundbreaking technology that radically improves minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. EndoTheia is pleased to report that all primary and secondary endpoints were successfully met with no adverse events. This news follows the company’s recent announcement that the FDA recently named EndoTheia’s ENT endoscopic surgery technology a Breakthrough Device.

EndoTheia’s new device is designed to answer the FDA’s “call to action” highlighting alarming infection rates in difficult-to-sterilize reusable duodenoscopes, and calling on medical device companies to create  new, cost effective, disposable devices to treat biliary disease. “EndoTheia is proud to have been able to respond to this call-to-action from the FDA in a unique and outside-the-box way,” said Robert J. Webster, III, PhD, Co-Founder and President of EndoTheia. “We took a look at what others were doing within the space and saw mostly incremental advancements and/or costly fully disposable endoscope solutions.”

EndoTheia’s system completely eliminates the need for the duodenoscopes that concern the FDA, replacing them with inexpensive, disposable components that allow standard endoscopes to perform their same functions. “EndoTheia is pleased to report the success of this first-in-human clinical study. It is a major milestone for EndoTheia and for the 700,000 patients suffering from biliary disease per year domestically,” stated Joshua Gafford, PhD, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of EndoTheia.

“We are deeply appreciative of the patients and clinical investigators who participated in this study, and look forward to the broad clinical impact of this technology following FDA clearance,” said Gafford. He went on to thank Launch Tennessee for their support and for helping to fund the successful trial through a generous SBIR/STTR matching grant awarded to EndoTheia in August 2022.

Dr. Keith Obstein, Professor of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted, “This device enabled us to clearly visualize the duodenal papilla en face with a standard forward-viewing endoscope, which normally would not be possible, and has the potential to eliminate the risk of infection from reusable duodenoscopes. This would be a huge win for patients, hospitals, and healthcare systems.”

The results of this clinical study will support EndoTheia’s FDA 510(k) application for its biliary product, scheduled for submission later this year. EndoTheia plans to follow this initial product with several other product lines using its proprietary technology in urology, neurosurgery, interventional pulmonology, gastroenterology, orthopedics, and otolaryngology.

About EndoTheia, Inc.

EndoTheia has developed a novel technology that radically improves dexterity in minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. This technology harnesses the power of micro-machined advanced materials to create highly dexterous manipulators at millimeter and sub-millimeter scales to improve therapeutic outcomes in complex flexible endoscopic procedures. This patented technology was invented and developed by EndoTheia’s founders at Vanderbilt University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with funding from the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about EndoTheia and the FDA Breakthrough Device designation, visit www.endotheia.com.