CMH Becomes First Rural Iowa Hospital to Perform Robotic-Assisted Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
September, 2026Compass Memorial Healthcare’s orthopedic surgery team made history as reported by Stryker Mako Robotics by performing the first robot-assisted total shoulder replacement surgery in rural Iowa. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ross Doehrmann and the Compass Memorial Healthcare surgery team also achieved another milestone by successfully completing the state’s first two robot-assisted total shoulder replacement procedures in a single day.
“Becoming the first rural healthcare organization in Iowa to perform robot-assisted total shoulder replacement surgery is more than a milestone; it’s a reflection of our commitment to ensuring the communities and patients we serve have access to the highest quality care close to home. By investing in innovative technology and expanding our surgical capabilities, we are making it possible for patients to receive exceptional care from providers they know and trust.”
Amanda Koehn, Surgical Services Manager
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer adds, “This achievement is an important step in our continued commitment to bringing leading-edge healthcare to rural Iowa and building a strong future for Compass Memorial Healthcare and the patients and communities we serve.”
Compass Memorial Healthcare (CMH) strives to provide remarkable services that make a difference in the well-being of the communities and patients served. That commitment includes investing in advanced technology to support procedures such as total shoulder replacement, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement using robotic assistance. CMH invests in the best equipment possible utilizing the Stryker Mako new 4.0 version for robotic-assisted total shoulder replacement surgeries, providing Dr Doehrmann with access to leading-edge technology for these procedures.
Bringing robotic-assisted technology to our orthopedic program expands the tools available to Dr. Doehrmann for joint replacement procedures. By providing advanced planning and intraoperative guidance, the system helps support precise implant positioning and personalize surgical care, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative orthopedic treatment close to home.
“At Compass Memorial Healthcare, we are committed to providing exceptional care through the expertise of our team members and the advanced technology we offer our patients. Being the first rural hospital in Iowa to complete a total shoulder replacement with robotic assistance is a significant achievement and represents the continued growth of our orthopedic services."
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer
When patients choose Compass Memorial Healthcare, they are choosing a team dedicated to delivering compassionate care supported by the latest advancements in surgical technology.
"We are proud to lead the state in offering our patients expertise, technology, and compassionate care they deserve without the need to travel long distances for advanced treatment.”
Barry Goettsch, Chief Executive Officer
To learn more about Compass Memorial Healthcare and orthopedic services click the link below.
Total shoulder replacement robotic equipment investment was supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $209,040,063.71 with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, CMS/HHS, or the U.S Government.
