Christiana Care named Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology

Christiana Care Health System has earned recognition from the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists and the Surgical Review Corporation as an AAGL Center of Excellence in Minimally Invasive Gynecology (COEMIG). In addition, two Christiana Care surgeons were named as COEMIG designees.

COEMIG designation requires an extensive review of a hospital’s surgical facilities, operations and procedures as well as its staff’s education, training and continuous quality improvement efforts. Physicians who earn COEMIG designation must meet stringent criteria based on their individual expertise and experience.

Christiana Care surgeons named COEMIG designees are Gretchen Makai, M.D., director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, and Babak Vakili, M.D., director of the Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery. Three more affiliated surgeons await approval pending educational updates.

COEMIG “recognizes surgeons and facilities that demonstrate an unparalleled commitment and ability to consistently deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care. The program is structured to help minimally invasive gynecologic surgery providers continuously improve care quality and patient safety,” according to AAGL.

“Earning this designation signifies our commitment to serve our patients as respectful, expert partners in their health,” said Richard Derman, M.D., MPH, the Marie E. Pinizzotto, M.D., Endowed Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Christiana Care. “The COEMIG program fosters quality improvement, and participation has focused our team on exceeding clinical benchmarks and guidelines.”

Christiana Care offers a wide range of minimally invasive gynecological procedures, including endometriosis surgeries, treatment for uterine fibroids, hysterectomies, pelvic floor and incontinence surgeries.