Mercy Medical Center Earns the Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Mercy Medical Center has earned the Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification for Shoulder Replacement Surgery, recognizing the hospital’s excellence in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care for individuals undergoing shoulder replacement procedures. Mercy’s Shoulder Joint Journey program—an initiative to optimize recovery and provide comprehensive patient education for shoulder replacement surgery—is one of only four programs in Maryland to hold this certification.

“This certification reflects Mercy Medical Center’s longstanding dedication to orthopedic excellence and to providing patients with the highest standards of care,” said David N. Maine, M.D., president and CEO, Mercy Health Services, Mercy Medical Center. “Being recognized by the Joint Commission places Mercy among an elite group of programs statewide and underscores our leadership in shoulder replacement surgery in the region.”

The Joint Journey at Mercy provides patients with education, resources, and coordinated support before, during, and after surgery—helping them recover more quickly and comfortably while returning to the activities that matter most in their lives. These patients benefit from a highly specialized team of experienced orthopedic surgeons, physician assistants, nurses, and therapists who are specifically trained in shoulder replacement care. Working collaboratively, the team ensures seamless care across every stage of the patient journey, from preoperative planning through rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

“Earning the Joint Commission’s certification confirms that patients receiving shoulder replacement surgery at Mercy can expect outstanding outcomes, low complication rates, and care that meets the most rigorous national standards,” said Gregory V. Gasbarro, M.D., medical director of the Shoulder Joint Journey program. “It is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and teamwork of everyone involved in the Joint Journey at Mercy.”

The Joint Commission’s Advanced Certification in Shoulder Replacement Surgery is awarded to programs that demonstrate excellence in performance measurement, infection prevention, surgical volume, and patient outcomes, as well as a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

With this achievement, Mercy further strengthens its reputation as a regional leader in orthopedic surgery and reinforces its mission to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to the communities it serves, Dr. Maine said.