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A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 13 - Submitted by Pamela Rada | Photos provided by Alan B. Miller Medical Center - BUSINESS PROFILE FromaMedical Emergency to Surgery and Recovery The robotic surgery team at Alan B. Miller Medical Center performed its first procedure at the hospital in June. “From the moment I arrived until the day I was discharged, I felt cared for, respected and genuinely valued.” — Linda Tijerina, patient ALAN B. MILLER MEDICAL CENTER PATIENT SHARES HER EXCEPTIONAL STORY A MEDICAL EMERGENCY By the time Linda Tijerina, of Lake Worth, Florida, arrived in early June at the ER at Westlake Freestanding Emergency Department — an Extension of Wellington Regional Medical Center — she was experiencing severe upper abdominal pain. Hospital admission was quickly recommended, and Tijerina was transferred to the newly opened Alan B. Miller Medical Center. There, she had extensive testing, blood work and imaging, including CT scans, MRI and ultrasound. She was diagnosed with gallstone pancreatitis, a medical emergency, during which pancreatic digestive enzymes become trapped inside the pancreas by gallstones and cannot flow into the small intestine, causing severe inflammation. Tijerina would need surgery to remove her gallbladder. FIRST PATIENT TO RECEIVE ROBOTIC- ASSISTED GALLBLADDER SURGERY AT ALAN B. MILLER MEDICAL CENTER Tijerina’s surgical procedure, known as robotic cholecystectomy,* is minimally invasive and performed through a few tiny incisions. Robotic surgery with the da Vinci® XI Robotic Surgical System at Alan B. Miller Medical Center can offer patient advantages, including less bleeding, less pain, less scarring and a quicker recovery time. “I was honored to learn that I was the first patient to receive robotic surgery at Alan B. Miller Medical Center,” Tijerina says. “The surgery team took the time to answer my questions and explain everything. I felt confident I was in good hands.” FEELING AT HOME WITH A TRULY CARING TEAM Tijerina, who recently relocated from Texas to Florida, was understandably nervous. This was the first time she was experiencing admission to a hospital because of a medical emergency. She also had never had surgery. Instead of feeling alone, however, she shares that she felt supported every step of the way. “I was cared for by an outstanding team of physicians, nurses, patient-care technicians, radiology, laboratory and dietary staff,” she says. “The professionalism, teamwork and compassion displayed by everyone became a reminder of how much a caring healthcare team can impact a patient and their family.” Tijerina noted that the staff extended their kindness to her son, who was visiting from Texas. “The little acts of kindness from the dietary staff, who would ask if he needed anything, meant so much during a stressful time,” Tijerina shares. “The nurses were incredible. They greeted me with a smile, checked on me often, answered my questions, and always made sure I was comfortable,” she adds. RECOVERY Tijerina shares that her pain has resolved, and she is making improvements every day. She is grateful to have answers and a successful treatment. “My entire experience at Alan B. Miller Medical Center gave me the opportunity to see firsthand the dedication and commitment of a team that is building something truly special for this community,” she says. Alan B. Miller Medical Center opened its doors in May. The 156-bed acute care hospital offers comprehensive and advanced quality healthcare services. Learn more about the modern hospital’s services at ABMmedicalcenter.com. *Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if robotic surgery is right for you. Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Alan B. Miller Medical Center. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations, and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.