DELRAY BEACH, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2025) — Delray Medical Center has once again set a benchmark in healthcare innovation, earning a world-first distinction for its groundbreaking lung care program.

The hospital has been named the first facility in the world to receive the Center of Excellence in Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy accreditation from the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). The accreditation recognizes hospitals and surgeons that meet the highest standards for quality and patient safety in robotic-assisted bronchoscopy — a minimally invasive procedure that uses advanced robotic technology to diagnose lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions.

“This distinction is a testament to Delray’s leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing patient care,” the hospital said in a statement celebrating the achievement. The recognition highlights the work of Dr. Stephan Milan, Pulmonology; Dr. John Roberts, Thoracic Surgery; and the entire pulmonary team.

Delray Medical Center learned of the achievement on National Lung Cancer Awareness Day, a fitting milestone for a program designed to improve early detection and outcomes for lung disease patients. To mark the occasion, community members and staff were invited to tour a life-size lung exhibit and learn about the hospital’s ION Robotic Bronchoscopy Program.

The ION system, developed to improve precision and access during biopsies, allows physicians to reach deep areas of the lung with enhanced accuracy. The technology combines robotics, real-time imaging, and artificial intelligence to safely guide instruments to potential problem areas that traditional methods might miss.

“This program represents a major step forward in the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer,” said hospital officials. “It underscores the Palm Beach Health Network’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional patient care.”

The ION Robotic Bronchoscopy Program operates under the guidance of pulmonologist and advanced bronchoscopist Dr. Stephen Milan at Delray Medical Center, in collaboration with thoracic surgeons from Good Samaritan Medical Center. Together, they aim to revolutionize pulmonary diagnostics by reducing the need for invasive surgeries while improving early detection rates.

The technology’s potential impact is significant — offering more precise biopsies, faster recovery times, and earlier detection that could save lives. As lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, programs like this could reshape outcomes for high-risk patients.

To complement the innovation, the Palm Beach Health Network continues to promote its Lung Cancer Screening Program, offering low-dose CT scans to help detect cancer in its earliest stages. The screenings are aimed at adults ages 50 to 80 (or 55 to 77 for Medicare Part B) who currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years, with at least a 20 pack-year smoking history.

Lung cancer often develops silently, without symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Early screening, experts say, can dramatically improve survival rates.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 221,000 people are expected to be diagnosed with lung cancer this year. It remains the deadliest cancer in the country — claiming more lives each year than colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

With cutting-edge technology and forward-thinking leadership, Delray Medical Center’s recognition as the world’s first Center of Excellence in Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy cements its position as a leader in innovation and patient-centered care in South Florida.