Health system is one of only a handful in the world able to perform the complex robotic procedure

In May 2026, surgeons at Cleveland Clinic successfully completed the health system’s first robotic lung transplant in the United States, marking a significant advancement in minimally invasive organ transplants. Cleveland Clinic is among only a small number of centers worldwide offering this surgical approach and was the first in Ohio to complete this type of procedure. Robotic lung transplants have rarely been performed because they require advanced robotic capabilities and a skilled surgical team.

Gregory Jones, MD, a thoracic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic’s Heart Vascular and Thoracic Institute, led the surgical team for the single lung transplant procedure, which also included Kenneth McCurry, MD, a cardiothoracic surgeon and surgical director of lung transplantation and enterprise director of transplantation.

“This achievement reflects the collaboration and innovation across our transplant and surgical teams,” said Dr McCurry. “As these technologies continue to evolve, they will play an increasingly important role in improving patient outcomes and advancing the future of transplantation. Indeed, our kidney and liver transplant programs in Ohio have also been at the forefront of robotic organ transplantation with great success.”

In a traditional lung transplant, surgeons commonly gain access to the chest by dividing the breastbone or ribs to access the lungs. This is often associated with significant pain, which can prolong recovery. In a robotic lung transplant, surgeons use small incisions and robotic instruments and 3D visualisation to perform the procedure with a less invasive approach. This approach is designed to help reduce postoperative pain, shorten hospital stays, and accelerate recovery.

“This milestone reflects an important step forward in how we approach lung transplantation,” said Dr Jones. “It builds on our experience with both robotic surgery and transplant care and adds another option for some patients who may benefit from a minimally invasive approach.”

Robotic surgery has transformed many types of cardio-thoracic procedures over the past decade. By bringing this technology to lung transplantation, Cleveland Clinic is expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive transplant care.

The surgery was performed on a man in his 70s with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease that causes scarring of the lungs and can make breathing increasingly difficult. Following the transplant, he was discharged from the hospital and is recovering well.

Cleveland Clinic’s Lung Transplant Program is a national leader in advanced lung transplant care, having performed more than 2,500 transplants since 1990. In 2025, Cleveland Clinic performed 146 lung transplants in the U.S. The program is known for its expertise in caring for complex transplant patients, many of whom have been turned down elsewhere, and for advancing new approaches in transplant care.

In addition to the US, Cleveland Clinic is also a leader globally in transplantation. A team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi performed the enterprise’s first robotic lung transplant last year. It was also the first procedure of its kind performed in the Gulf region.

The Bahamas, May 29, 2026 – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with United Nations officials now warning that the disease has spread across multiple eastern provinces and become the third-largest Ebola outbreak on record.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of May 26 the outbreak had reached 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. More than 1,000 suspected cases have been reported, including 121 confirmed infections and 17 deaths. Six healthcare workers are among those who have died.

The United Nations says humanitarian teams remain actively engaged in treatment, surveillance, community outreach and disease containment efforts. However, the response is being complicated by insecurity, population movement and restrictions affecting the delivery of supplies and personnel.

While the outbreak remains confined to Africa, authorities in The Bahamas recently activated emergency health protocols after two men who had spent time in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived at Lynden Pindling International Airport aboard a British Airways flight.

The Ministry of Health confirmed the travelers were isolated after presenting low-grade fevers upon arrival on May 22. Officials later reported that the fevers subsided and neither individual displayed symptoms consistent with Ebola Virus Disease.

The two men, identified as a British national residing in Australia and a French national, were transferred to the Modular Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital for continued monitoring.

Health officials emphasized that there are currently no confirmed Ebola cases in The Bahamas and assessed the risk to the public as low.

Still, the growing outbreak overseas has prompted increased vigilance. Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville said the government is reviewing whether additional travel measures may be necessary for countries affected by the outbreak.

The United Nations this week announced up to US$60 million in emergency funding to support the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, warning that rapid action remains critical to preventing further spread.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

May 27, 2026 – Today, Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada proudly joins the global healthcare community in observing International Emergency Medicine Day, recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary dedication, courage, and compassion of emergency healthcare professionals who stand on the frontlines of patient care every single day.

International Emergency Medicine Day is observed annually on May 27 to promote professional, competent, and timely emergency medical care for all people around the world. Emergency medicine professionals provide lifesaving care for patients facing critical illnesses and injuries, often during the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives.

At the heart of every emergency department is a team of highly skilled and committed professionals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and allied healthcare professionals who work tirelessly together to save lives and provide hope when it is needed most.
Emergency medicine focuses on the rapid assessment and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrest, trauma, respiratory failure, severe bleeding, and sepsis. Emergency teams care for patients of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective care according to the urgency of their condition through the triage system.

As the safety net of the hospital, the Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serving patients during natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and daily medical emergencies. The demanding nature of emergency care requires teamwork, resilience, professionalism, and compassion.

“Today we recognize and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate themselves to emergency medicine,” said Dr Monnique-Chadee Waite, Head of the Emergency Department. “Our emergency team is there during some of the toughest moments in people’s lives. Their commitment, expertise, and compassion make a difference every single day. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, and we deeply appreciate every member of our department.”

Shantell Gardiner, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, highlighted the dedication of the nursing team and support staff. “Emergency nursing requires strength, compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork. Every day our nurses and support teams provide comfort and care to patients and families during stressful and emotional situations. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism our team demonstrates every single shift. We appreciate each and every member of our Emergency Department family for the vital role they play in saving lives.”

Dr Dawn Perry-Ewing, Chief of Medical Services, added, “Emergency medicine professionals are among the most vital frontline caregivers in healthcare. Their ability to respond quickly, work collaboratively, and remain calm under pressure saves countless lives. We thank them for their unwavering dedication and for continuously striving to provide safe, competent, and compassionate care to every patient.”

Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant, Chief Executive Officer, also expressed gratitude to the department. “On this International Emergency Medicine Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to our emergency teams for their extraordinary service and sacrifice. They represent the very best of healthcare, courage, teamwork, professionalism, and humanity. We thank them for standing ready every day and night to care for our community when it matters most.”

The Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital also acknowledges the importance of maintaining a safe and respectful environment within Emergency Departments. Emergency Departments follow a system called Triage, where patients are treated according to the severity and urgency of their condition rather than arrival time. Supporting emergency healthcare workers and respecting the triage process helps medical teams provide safer, faster, and more compassionate care to all patients.
Today and every day, the Turks & Caicos Islands Hospital, InterHealth Canada salutes its Emergency Department team for their dedication, resilience, and lifesaving work.

Teamwork makes the dream work and we appreciate you.