Monument Health expands robotics-trained surgery team

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 27, 2023) – Breanna Connett, D.O., board-certified general surgeon, and Marcus Tjeerdsma, M.D., board-certified general surgeon, joined Monument Health’s General Surgery team earlier this month. The addition of these two robotics-trained surgeons expands the ability to provide the most advanced minimally invasive, general surgery services to the region.

Both Dr. Connett and Dr. Tjeerdsma are trained in da Vinci Robotic Surgical Assist System. For patients, the benefits of robotic surgery include smaller incisions, which can alleviate blood loss and reduce risk of infection, among other things.

“The General Surgery Team is dedicated to not only bringing the most advanced surgical systems and techniques to the region but also the best physicians,” said Jacob Weasel, M.D., medical director of general surgery for Monument Health Rapid City Market. “Our surgical team continues to grow to meet the needs of our communities.”

At Monument Health, our surgical care teams in Rapid City and Spearfish include skilled, experienced surgeons and specialists equipped with the latest diagnostic and surgical technology. Patients will now have easy access to a full spectrum of board-certified surgical experts.

“The expansion of the robotics-trained surgical team allows our physicians to care for more patients, close to home,” said Robert Santa-Cruz, M.D., medical director of robotics for Monument Health. “Growing and expanding our team also allows patients to have shorter wait times to see a physician and get the care they need.

Visit with your primary care physician for a referral.

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About Monument Health

Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 38 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.