Dr. Andrews performs first surgeries at Andrews Institute
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Dr. James Andrews explains operating procedures to Lisa Newell, co-publisher of the Gulf Breeze News.

Dr. James R. Andrews performed the inaugural surgeries at the Andrews Institute on March 9. Conducted in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) of the Andrews Institute, the first patients were residents of northwest Florida and southern Alabama including a junior college baseball player located within the southeast region.

"They both had injuries to their throwing elbow, so I did a couple of Tommy John's ligament operations," Dr. Andrews said, referring to the intricate surgery that became famous when it was performed on pitcher Tommy John .

The surgery was developed by Frank Jobe for John in 1974. A tendon is removed from the patient's wrist or hamstring and grafted into the elbow, woven in a figure-eight pattern through tunnels drilled in the humerus and ulna bones. The procedure is known for lengthening a pitcher's career.

The Andrews Institute is more than a facility for professional athletes. Dr. Andrews will consult and operate on a number of regional patients and will work with other physicians located at the Andrews Institute in order to provide the same high-level quality of care to each individual that is treated. The physicians will utilize the newest techniques, technology and treatment for each and every patient including student athletes, weekend warriors, or persons seeking to improve their general health and wellness.

"Performing these surgeries today was a culmination of three years of hard work to create a world-class facility accessible to all patients seeking orthopaedic care," Dr. Andrews said. "I am proud to have partnered with Baptist Health Care to create a center that will provide the best outcomes for all of our patients - locally, regionally and nationally."

The Andrews Institute is the only facility of its kind in the United States. The locale of the Institute provides easy access to those that might have ordinarily traveled a long distance to receive care. The Institute also accepts most forms of insurance, therefore expanding the treatment opportunities available to those within the area.

Dr. Andrews said the most important part of the Institute is the staff.

"I've never seen a staff of nurses and medical personnel as proud and enthusiastic to be here," Dr. Andrews said. "The people who work here are more important than the beautiful facility. It's the best of both worlds."

As part of its mission, the Institute is home to a number of clinical departments in order to provide a one stop shop for its patients. Services include diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, outpatient surgery and physician consultations. In addition, the complex features an athletic performance center and a research and education institute.

Patients can also seek more than orthopaedic care at the Institute. There are more than 40 physicians on-site that provide consultations in the following medical specialties: Ear, Nose and Throat; General Surgery; Neurosurgery; Optometry; Ophthalmology; Pain Management; Physical Medicine; Plastic Surgery; Primary Care Sports Medicine; Retinal Care; and Vascular.

Each surgical suite is equipped with technology to transfer images through satellite to Dr. Andrews. He then can draw on the monitor to direct the surgeons, much like John Madden does when drawing plays on Monday Night Football, Dr. Andrews said.

"Visualizing goes a thousand times further," Dr. Andrews said of the technology.

Institute is also preparing for its Grand Opening Celebration from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21. Tours of the facility will be given. For more information, call 916-8700.