KGH thoracic surgeon, Dr. Dimitrios Coutsinos, reflects on innovation, pivotal career moments, and what it means to aspire in health care today.

“I’ll never forget the very first robotic lobectomy I performed. The surgery went so smoothly that when I checked on the patient the following morning, he smiled as he was getting ready for discharge and asked, ‘Doc, did I break the record?’ He meant the record for the shortest hospital stay after a lobectomy. At the time, I chuckled and told him I wasn’t sure, but he would certainly be close. Later, when I looked back, he had indeed set the record. He went home the very next morning, something that would have been very rare with traditional techniques. When his final pathology confirmed we had effectively cured his lung cancer, we shared a moment of profound gratitude and hope. That experience reminded me why innovation matters: it changes lives in ways that words can barely capture. 

Looking back, the progress in thoracic surgery has been remarkable. Not long ago, major procedures meant large incisions, significant pain, and weeks of recovery. Today, thanks to advances in robotics and minimally invasive techniques, we are rewriting that story. Performing the first robotic thoracic surgeries in British Columbia was not just a milestone, it was a promise of what’s possible when technology and compassion come together.

 Right now, extraordinary work is continuing at KGH. We are bringing world-class technology to our region, ensuring patients receive care that equals the best anywhere. Robotic surgery allows us to operate with precision that was unimaginable a decade ago, reducing complications and improving outcomes. These breakthroughs may not make headlines, but they change lives every single day. 

What excites me most is the future. In the next five years, I see robotic surgery becoming standard across multiple specialties. In ten years, I envision artificial intelligence guiding surgical planning, predicting complications before they occur, and tailoring procedures to each patient’s unique anatomy. And in twenty years? I believe surgery will be profoundly personalized, guided by real-time data, advanced imaging, and innovations we can only begin to imagine. 

These possibilities are within reach because of partnerships that fuel progress. Donor support accelerates innovation in ways that cannot be overstated. Every new piece of equipment, every training opportunity, every breakthrough, it all happens because people of the Okanagan believe in what’s possible and choose to invest in their community. That belief turns vision into reality. 

As a surgeon, I am deeply committed to advancing care for our patients. Progress is never the work of one person alone. It is a shared effort, a collaboration between healthcare workers, researchers, engineers, and the generous individuals who make innovation possible. Together, we are shaping a future where patients in our region receive the best care possible. One robot has opened the door; additional systems will ensure that more patients benefit from this level of care without delay. 

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support inspires us to push boundaries, embrace new ideas, and never stop striving for better. The future is bright, and with your partnership, we will continue to lead the way.