Centers & Programs News

Columbia University Medical Center Opens New Endoscopy & Bronchoscopy Suites

Columbia University Medical Center opened new Endoscopy and Bronchoscopy Suites during the summer, 2001. The new facilities, which were dedicated in May 2001, are located on the 13th floor of the Herbert Irving Pavilion. Kenneth A. Forde, MD, FACS, Vice Chairman for External Affairs of the Department of Surgery, said this will be "the premier endoscopy suite in this area. We will provide efficient, state-of-the-art compassionate care for our patients, with a touch of class." The new suites will be able to accommodate 23,000 endoscopy patients per year-almost double the current volume-and will be equipped with eight endoscopy rooms, two bronchoscopy rooms, 27 recovery beds, a family learning center, and in- and outpatient suites. There are panoramic views of Manhattan from the recovery areas, which staff hope will help have a calming effect on patients.

Sharing ribbon-cutting duties were (from left) Dr. Kenneth Forde, Dr. Pardes, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Steven Corwin, MD. Andria Castellanos, and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Robert Kelly, MD.