Rochester, NY – – The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has completed construction of the Saunders Center for Orthopedics and Physical Performance, marking a significant expansion of its orthopedic capabilities. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the final section of the $277 million, 19-acre Henrietta campus.
The Saunders Center is described as the largest and most comprehensive orthopedic facility in the Northeastern United States, encompassing 330,000 square feet. It is designed to provide specialized treatment for a wide range of bone and muscle conditions, from common injuries like sprains and strains to complex restorative surgeries.
A key feature of the newly completed section is a state-of-the-art training and education space dedicated to orthopedic surgery. This space is intended to foster the development of future orthopedic surgeons, with a particular focus on increasing representation of women in the field. Dr. Paul Rubery of URMC highlighted the importance of this aspect during the ribbon-cutting event, stating, “We’re having medical students who happen to be women from across Western New York, Buffalo, and Syracuse here today to learn from my female surgical faculty how you become an orthopedic surgeon. It’s a very special event and it’s exactly why we built this space.”
The center offers a comprehensive suite of services, including ambulatory surgery and post-operative care, advanced diagnostic imaging, movement-based physical therapy and athletic training, computerized motion analysis, and customized prosthetics and assistive devices. It also incorporates injury risk assessment and prevention programs.
The facility boasts 144 exam rooms – a threefold increase compared to the previous Clinton Crossing location – and eight operating rooms, with the potential to expand to 14 to accommodate future needs. This expansion reflects URMC’s commitment to providing advanced orthopedic care to the community.
The Saunders Center’s design emphasizes a patient-centered approach, aiming to deliver highly skilled, compassionate, and patient-focused care. The center’s website details clinic hours as Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. To 4:30 p.m., with urgent care available during those same hours by appointment. After-hours urgent care is offered Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. To 8 p.m. And on Saturdays from 9 a.m. To 1 p.m., also by appointment. Rehabilitation services are available Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m.
The completion of the Saunders Center represents a substantial investment in orthopedic care for the region. The facility’s size and scope, combined with its focus on advanced technology and training, position URMC as a leading center for orthopedic treatment and research in the Northeastern United States. The center’s commitment to fostering diversity within the field of orthopedic surgery, as highlighted by Dr. Rubery, further underscores its dedication to providing equitable and comprehensive care.
The Saunders Center is more than just a treatment facility; it’s designed to be a hub for innovation and education in orthopedic medicine. The integration of advanced diagnostic tools, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs aims to improve patient outcomes and advance the field of orthopedics as a whole.
