Robotic Surgery is truly a team effort at the Vattikuti Urology Institute (VUI). Patients benefit from care and service provided by leaders in the industry - many of whom have worked together through thousands of surgeries since the robotic program's inception in 2001.
UROLOGY ROBOTIC SURGERY TEAM
Mani Menon, M.D.
VUI Director
Specializes in robotic
prostate, kidney,
bladder, adrenal surgery
Brad Baize, R.N., and Kim Lindstrom, R.N., are registered nurses. They are responsible for post-operative patient education and training patients before discharge.
Stacy Dusik, RNFA, is the operating room nurse who has been with Dr. Menon since he performed his first robotic prostatectomy in 2001.
Janet Langlois and Walter Peterson are surgical assistants for robotic prostatectomy. Ms. Languis has been in the operating room with Dr. Menon for four years and Mr. Peterson for ten years.
Natalie Martinez, R.D., is a registered dietitian and AAFA certified group exercise instructor. She promotes total wellness through education on nutrition and physical fitness. Ms. Martinez's services are offered both pre- and postoperatively, and you will have an opportunity to meet with her individually and in a group setting.
Folusho Ogunfiditimi, MPH, PA-C, is a urology physician assistant who holds a master's degree in public health. He has been trained specially to treat patients undergoing the robotic procedure. You will see him at your preoperative visit and when you return for follow-up appointments.
Linda Ohl, MSW, LMSW, ACH, is a sex therapist who works with prostatectomy patients experiencing sexual dysfunction. She is trained to assist patients through physical, psychological, emotional and sexual healing following surgery. She spends time with patients and their partners discussing their life-changing issues, striving to help them put things in prospective and teaching new ways of being intimate.
Ramgopal Satyararayana, M.D., is a urologist with 17 years of experience, who works exclusively with Dr. Menon's patients to ensure highly personalized care. He will help address questions or concerns during your pre- and postoperative visits, and anytime in between through e-mail communication. If needed, he helps coordinate care with your local urologist.
Andrea Simone, CURN, is a certified urology registered nurse with whom you will have direct contact prior to surgery and following surgery for catheter removal. In addition, she is a patient advocate and penile rehabilitation educator who conducts weekly classes.
SUPPORT TEAM
Emily Carbott is the comprehensive clinic coordinator. She assists patients with any postoperative needs such as scheduling clinic appointments, obtaining test results, securing prescription medication coverage or submitting insurance disability paperwork.
Arleeta Ellerbee is the patient advocate who answers the Vattikuti Urology Institute's toll-free phone line (888-881-1117). She can answer your questions about the procedure, schedule consult appointments, and assist with making accommodation or transportation arrangements.
Kristin Kolasa is the robotic surgical coordinator. You will meet her at your consultation appointment. She provides surgery dates, obtains preoperative testing results, and assists patients will any concerns during the preoperative process.
Nancy Long is the patient liaison. Ms. Long is at your side from the time of consultation, through the surgery and post-operative stay. She is available 24 hours a day to answer questions, arrange transportation, retrieve medical supplies, schedule sightseeing excursions and dinner reservations, or provide any other concierge services at your request.
CONTACT INFORMATION
You can contact the Vattikuti Urology Institute any time at 888-881-1117. The Institute is located at Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202.
For medical concerns or questions after your surgery, call the VIP pager at 313-705-1102 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. In the case of an After-Hours Emergency, please call 313-916-2600 and ask to speak to the urology resident on-call.
