Surgeon Achieves Record Milestone at Baptist Health

On August 27, 2009, surgeon Anthony Gonzalez, M.D., performed his first robotic procedure. Nearly 15 years later, Dr. Gonzalez hit a new and significant milestone, completing his 5,000^th robotics case and becoming the #3 general surgeon in robotics in the U.S.

That surgery in early May at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital, also made Dr. Gonzalez the first general surgeon in South Florida to reach 5,000 cases.

Anthony Gonzalez, M.D., chief of surgery at Baptist Hospital and medical director of bariatric surgery at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital

“Dr. Gonzalez has always pursued innovation and excellence in surgery, which has allowed him to be a pioneer in robotics,” said gynecologic oncologist John Diaz, M.D., director of robotic surgery and chair of the Robotics and Innovations in Surgery Subcommittee at Baptist Health.

Included in the Miami native’s impressive statistics are more than 1,100 single-site cases, 1,400 bariatric procedures and 1,600 hernia operations. Dr. Gonzalez is chief of surgery at Baptist Hospital and medical director of bariatric surgery at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital. A graduate of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital.

By the age of 15, Dr. Gonzalez had a keen interest in science and anatomy and had set his sights on becoming a surgeon. He chose general surgery because he wanted to help as many people as possible. He routinely performs gallbladder and anti-reflux surgeries, stomach and colon procedures and weight-loss surgeries.

"Every surgery showcases the remarkable teamwork of our exceptional staff,” said Dr. Gonzalez. “Reaching this milestone is an honor, but it’s the collaboration and dedication of every team member that make these accomplishments possible. Our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of care remains at the core of everything we do."

Dr. Gonzalez has had an impact in and out of the operating room. For years he has traveled to Haiti, where his mother was born, to treat the underserved during surgical mission trips. He also spearheaded the Aspire program with Baptist Health, which since 2012 has worked to build skills and provide relevant work experience to those with special needs and abilities.

In classrooms and surgical suites across the globe, Dr. Gonzalez has prepared future generations of robotic surgeons and guided experienced physicians through the newest techniques. He is an associate professor of surgery at Florida International University's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine.

“He has shared his techniques and skills with other surgeons across the world to improve surgical outcomes for thousands of patients,” Dr. Diaz said. “He is a leader, innovator and partner who has led to the success of the Baptist Health robotics program.”

More than 64,000 robotic procedures have been performed at Baptist Health, with the health system’s South Miami Hospital recording more than 27,000 cases. This places the hospital among the top 20 medical robotic programs in the country.

In addition, the Center for Robotic Surgery at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital is designated as a Center of Excellence for Robotic Surgery by the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association and a Center for Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists.

Celebrating Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.'s milestone 5000th surgery are, from L to R: Baptist Health Baptist Hospital CEO Bill Ulbricht; Anthony Gonzalez, M.D.; Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Assistant Vice President of Nursing Hector Delgado, R.N.; and Baptist Health Baptist Hospital Vice President of Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer Sergio Segarra, M.D.