Laser Spine Institute Year in Review: Looking Back at 2008

Since opening our doors in 2005, Laser Spine Institute has made significant strides. Our innovative approach to minimally invasive spine surgery and our commitment to providing outstanding service have built our rock solid reputation.  Understanding the vital role that these elements play, we continually strive to improve these areas; in essence, enhancing the total Laser Spine Institue patient experience.  During this year, many of our ideas were translated into action. I will share with you a number of significant events for Laser Spine Institute in 2008. Over the course of this past year, we embarked upon an "expand and improve" project in four main areas, namely, personnel, facility, technology, and service.

Personnel - important company-wide investments to better serve our growing patient family.
-    National search for 5 new surgeons
-    Increased medical leadership (PAs, RNs, NPs, CRNAs)
-    World class anesthesia team
-    Further education for team members to enhance patient service

Facility - expanded to better serve patients.
-    Tampa, FL Surgery Center - expansion and  improvement project
-    New imaging center with the addition of higher quality imaging equipment
-    Addition of 3,000 sq. ft. luxury patient and family lounge area
-    2 Operating rooms and 6 Clinic exam Rooms
-    Scottsdale, AZ Surgery Center- Debut of 35k sq. ft. state of the art, patient-centric western U.S. spine surgery center, bringing Laser Spine Institute to our west coast patient family
 
Technology - improved process and flow to boost operations efficiency.
-    Communication system upgrade
-    Operating and exam room video equipment
-    Electronic Medical Records system

Service in the Community - Laser Spine Institute expanded its horizons, taking service beyond our immediate patient family.

LSI Blog -The advent of the Internet has presented endless possibilities for communication. So, I figured that it would be a great idea to utilize this resource by creating a blog to connect with current, former and prospective patients.
 
Gridiron Greats - Laser Spine Institute made $1m donation in medical services to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, the largest donation to the non-profit organization.

In earlier posts, I spoke about Charlotte's battle with breast cancer. So, in honor of Charlotte and all the other women fighting this dreadful disease, Laser Spine Institute supported several events and activities in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
 
-    Several Laser Spine Institute Tampa employees and their family members participated in the Race for the Cure at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg, Florida. This event raised over $1 million in the Florida Suncoast area.

-    Laser Spine Institute Breast Cancer Awareness Day was observed on October 25th. In support of this worthy cause, Tampa, San Diego, and Scottsdale medical staff wore pink scrubs, while administrative staff wore Laser Spine Institute Breast Cancer Awareness 2008 t-shirts and bracelets. Laser Spine Institute employees donated over $2000 to the Susan G. Komen Fund, in aid of breast cancer research.

-    Laser Spine Institute sponsored several employees to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3-day walk in Tampa from October 31st to November 1st, contributing a total of over $7,000 toward the $4.5 million total raised for breast cancer.

Now that we have looked back at the past, we must look toward the future. Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone in the blogosphere a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Join me in 2009 for more exciting news and messages!