LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Andrew Wassef, M.D., board-certified and fellowship trained in joint replacement, has been named the new Medical Director of MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center (JRC) at Long Beach Memorial. Dr. Wassef specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted replacement surgery and complex joint reconstruction, including revisions of failed total joints.
In his role, Dr. Wassef will partner with physician leadership at Long Beach Memorial to advance innovative treatment options and undertake JRC’s ongoing mission to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Wassef succeeds Douglas Garland, M.D., who held the position for five years.
“Dr. Wassef is a respected and skilled surgeon with extensive experience in complex joint reconstruction and revisions of failed total joint replacements,” says Pamela Chevreaux, vice president, Ambulatory Services, Long Beach Memorial. “Dr. Wassef’s appointment as medical director reinforces MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Memorial as the regional leader in hip and knee replacement.”
Dr. Wassef will continue to instill the rapid recovery philosophy that encourages patients to stand the same day of surgery and participate in rehabilitation immediately following surgery, resulting in faster and safer recovery, as well as improved patient outcomes.
Dr. Wassef’s immediate goal is to regionally grow the use of MAKOplasty® robotic-assisted replacement surgery for hips and knees — the first robotic surgery of its kind for joint replacement — at Long Beach Memorial. The MAKOplasty surgeon-controlled robotic arm system offers patients the latest surgical technology and precision surgery. MAKOplasty enables the surgeon to precisely align and place implants; this precision is reproducible for every patient. Dr. Wassef recognizes MAKOplasty as a revolutionary technology set to impact the future of joint replacement surgery and keep Long Beach Memorial on the cutting edge of surgical advancements.
“I am honored to continue the legacy of JRC and work with an extraordinary care team that focuses on helping patients regain their quality of life through joint replacement surgery,” says Dr. Wassef. “Robotic-assisted procedures ensures precise placement and the best outcomes for patients while giving them the added value of knowing that they are receiving the highest quality of care possible.”
Dr. Wassef received his medical degree from Howard University and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Toledo, Ohio. He completed his fellowship in Los Angeles at the Joint Replacement Institute (JRI) where he currently is a member of the fellowship program and supports fellow training. Dr. Wassef also is a member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons and has published many works in peer-reviewed journals.
About the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Long Beach Memorial:
Long Beach Memorial is lauded for superior clinical quality outcomes and has been listed on U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Hospitals since the annual rankings began. In this year’s results, Long Beach Memorial received “high performance” rankings in nine clinical specialty areas, including Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Orthopedics. It also is among a small percentage of U.S. hospitals consistently recognized for outstanding dedication to patient safety by maintain a top “A” grade in eight of nine Leapfrog Group Hospital Safety Score evaluations for its ability to prevent errors, injuries, accidents and infections.
JRC specializes in a rapid rehabilitation program – where patients walk the same day of surgery – resulting in a shorter hospital stay – average hospital stay is zero to two days. The JRC features a dedicated unit for joint replacement patients with 15 private rooms, a joint care coordinator to help patients navigate through the program, patient education before and after surgery and “rehab coaches” to provide support as patients take their first steps toward an active lifestyle.
