AVMA News

AMC expands offerings with enhanced surgical suite

The world’s largest nonprofit veterinary hospital, the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) in New York City, officially opened a cutting-edge surgical suite earlier this year as part of the latest phase of a $125 million expansion project.

Tripling AMC’s capacity with now more than 7,000 square feet of space, the new Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care features five operating rooms, a minor procedure room, a recovery room separating dogs and cats, and a new Central Sterile Center.

Woman speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony as a small group applauds
Dr. Pamela Schwartz, Department Head of Surgery at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), speaks during the opening of the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care as the Kellen family looks on. (Photos courtesy of AMC/Joy Glenn)

“With approximately 1.1 million pets in New York City, coupled with 66% of Americans now having animals as part of their families … having a world-class surgery center in the heart of New York City is more crucial than ever,” said Helen Irving, AMC president and CEO, in a January 29 statement.

Established in 1910 by the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, AMC is recognized as a leading center for veterinary research and clinical advances. Located on New York City’s Upper East Side, the veterinary hospital employs more than 130 veterinarians and offers more than 20 veterinary specialties.

As the sole Level I VetCOT veterinary trauma center in New York City, the hospital is now equipped to handle emergent and intricate cases that may pose challenges elsewhere in terms of care.

A medical operating room
One of five operating rooms in the Denise and Michael Kellen Institute for Surgical Care. The enhancement of the AMC’s surgical center, which feature state-of-the-art, human-grade technology, distinguishes it as one of the few hospitals nationwide with such advanced capabilities.

“Opening our new surgery center is a huge milestone for our entire team and expands the possibilities for the care and treatment we can provide at AMC,” Dr. Pamela Schwartz, department head of surgery at AMC, said in the statement. “The excitement about the lives that will be saved, treatments that will be pioneered, and teaching that will occur on this floor is not just palpable, it is invigorating.”

Later this year, the AMC will open an expanded emergency room, intensive care unit, and special care unit, with an expected completion time in 2025.

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