Jamie, Mona and the Amazing Women of St. Joe’s Robotic Surgery Team

They may boast an impressive array of innovative bells and whistles, but “Jamie” and “Mona,” the two da Vinci surgical robots at St. Joseph’s Hospital, are not the stars of the show. Raising the bar for robotic surgery is a group of amazing women whose dedication, expertise, and compassion have earned St. Joe’s a prestigious Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation.

While being recognized in this way is certainly an honor, the positive impact the team is making on the lives of their patients, and each other, is the real reward, according to Dr. Elizabeth Myers, a board-certified colorectal surgeon who frequently uses the da Vinci technology.

As a female surgeon, Dr. Myers is somewhat of a rarity. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, among all female medical school graduates, only 10-15% choose a surgical specialty as their first career choice, and 25-30% of general surgery residents are women. The predominantly female robotic surgery team at St. Joseph’s Hospital – comprised of nurses, techs, and first assistants –  is also somewhat of a rarity. 

“It didn’t happen by design,” she explains. “Everyone is so busy just doing their job we didn’t really notice it. But during Women’s History Month this past March, Brian Morrison, our OR Nurse Manager decided it was worth highlighting and celebrating. And I think he’s right.”

While team members like Brian are quick to praise the way Dr. Myers’ has led her robotic surgeries, Dr. Myers is even quicker to express her respect and admiration for the women who make everything happen so seamlessly and successfully.

“It simply doesn’t work without all the parts – without the trust, the expertise, the collaboration, the genuine desire to elevate one another, and most importantly the relentless dedication of each and every one of these amazing women. It truly is an honor to be one of them.”

With decades of experience between them Alyssa Carney, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Meredith Quimby-Chames, Director of Surgical Services; Carolina Blanco- Asst OR Manager; Tammy Brown-Stroud, Robotics & General Surgery Charge Nurse; Leslie Zappa, Robotics & General Surgery Lead Surgical Tech; Angel Koenig, Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse First Assistant; Susan Tefs, Registered Nurse First Assistant; Taylor Rice, Operating Room Nurse; Amin Marte, Surgical Technician; Caitlin Rowe, Nurse Circulator; Michele Bowles, Nurse Circulator; Sarah Monte, Registered Nurse First Assist; Lauren Mullins, Surgical Tech First Assist; Bianca Avelar, Certified Surgical Tech; and Cheyenne Elle, Certified Surgical Tech are the heart and soul of robotic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

But “Jamie”, named after a favorite character in the popular “Outlander” series, and “Mona”, after artist Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous painting, deserve their moment to shine. The state-of-the-art da Vinci robots enable Dr. Myers’ and the rest of the team to offer patients improved outcomes over more traditional surgical methods such as open surgery or laparoscopy.

“Every surgery is different, and every patient is different, so operating with the robot isn’t always feasible. However, we use it whenever we can because the benefits for patients are substantial,” explains Dr. Myers.

Robotic surgeries mean less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times. The smaller incisions lessen the risk of infection and minimize scarring. Reduced blood loss is another critical advantage. Often patients are on their feet right after surgery and feeling better in less time with fewer complications. Speedier recoveries also allow patients, such as those battling cancer, to move on to additional life-saving treatment more quickly which can lead to better outcomes and a brighter, healthier future.

It isn’t just the patients who benefit. Surgeries – especially some of the complex procedures performed by Dr. Myers – can be long and exhausting. “Jamie” and “Mona” deliver relief. Improved visualization of the surgical area provides the ability to conduct surgeries more precisely and quickly and with greater dexterity and range of motion. And surgeons can even perform procedures from a seated position, reducing fatigue and improving comfort.



It all adds up to improved outcomes for all the patients who rely on St. Joe’s for hope and healing – and getting home to their loved ones and their lives as soon as possible.

In 2002, St. Joseph’s Hospital became the first in Florida to use the da Vinci robot. Thousands of surgeries later, they are on track this year alone to perform over 700 robotic surgeries, representing a 20% increase over last year alone.

To help keep up with the demand, two brand new, extra-large operating rooms will be opened this summer. The new ORs will not only provide more room for the robots themselves but also allow a larger number of surgical trainees to witness first-hand the expertise and cooperation that has made Dr. Myers and the robotics team so effective.

But these dedicated women are always thinking ahead.

“We know the need for robotic surgeries is increasing exponentially. We love ‘Jamie’ and ‘Mona’, but we do have our eye on the newest da Vinci platform (da Vinci 5) which has even more advanced bells and whistles for improved efficiency and education. We hope to continue our growth by bringing the newest technology to St. Joseph’s as funding becomes available,” says Dr. Myers.

“Recruiting” more robots along with dedicated operating room staff not only enables St. Joseph’s to continue offering patients the most cutting-edge technology available but also enhances our ability to attract and train the next generation of world-class surgeons.

In the meantime, these incredible women continue to provide their patients with the best care available – and to provide each other with the same.

Inspired. Compassionate. Innovative. Honored. Seen and heard. Proud. Cohesive. Fabulous. Collaborative.

All words the team uses to describe their experience working together.

“There is just something really special about what we’ve built here,” shares Angel Koenig, Nurse Practitioner and Registered Nurse First Assistant.

Adds Meredith Quimby-Chames, Director of Surgical Services, “When you spend long days with a surgeon like Dr. Myers and a team like ours, who are both skilled and supportive and just nice to be around, it makes you care more, makes your job easier, and makes you want to be better every day for your patients and your coworkers.”

Leslie Zappa, Robotics & General Surgery Lead Surgical Tech is humbled by the dedication she sees from every member of the team, even when there’s an emergency surgery in the middle of the night or a busy holiday weekend. “This group of women is exceptional, and it’s amazing what they accomplish together. I can’t wait to see what the future holds. With these robots (and hopefully a few more!) and these remarkable people, the sky is truly the limit.”

St. Joseph’s mission is to provide the very best care available close to home. Technology like the da Vinci robots is critical to that mission but having skilled and compassionate professionals like Dr. Myers and the talented women who make up the robotics team is what really sets us apart. And the continued support of our community, a community that trusts us with their care because they believe in what we do, makes it all possible.