is also actively participating in nationwide collaborative research with other prominent Korean institutions. The CTC's director is Dr Moo-Hyun Kim, a cardiologist. Specialist divisions In fulfilling its role as a hub for medical specialists, Dong-A University Hospital is home to various centers of expertise, including: the Robotic Surgery Center, General Health Promotion Center, Stroke Center, Cancer Center, Breast Center, Parkinson's Disease Center, Spine Center, Transfusion-free Medicine & Surgery Center, Cardiovascular Center, Gastroenterology Center, Novalis Radiosurgery Center, Organ Transplant Center, Emergency Medical Center, Clinical Test Research Center, Mental Health Center, and the Sunflower Children's Center. Robotic Surgery Center The Da Vinci Surgical system is a surgical operating system approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2002. In April 2004, a robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy was first performed successfully in a Korean patient with localized prostate cancer by the urology team at the Robotic Surgery Center of Dong-A University Hospital in Singapore. Currently, more than 20 Da Vinci Robots are presently in Korea for the application of various surgical procedures. The system provides dexterous surgical precision with 10-15X magnified 3D images and improves the rate of successful delicate surgical movements when compared with skilled human hands. Other advantages of the Da Vinci System include: Shortened hospitalization periods Decreased pain Earlier recovery and return to social life Minimal surgical scars and a subsequent reduction in the risk of infection Significantly decreased blood loss resulting in reduced transfusion requirements Current indications for robotic cancer surgery Prostatectomy: prostatic cancer Nephrectomy: renal cancer Cystectomy: bladder cancer Pyeloplasty: ureteral stricture Gastrectomy: stomach cancer Thyroidectomy: thyroid cancer Esophagectomy: esophageal cancer Lobectomy of lung: lung cancer Hysterectomy: uterine cancer Regional cardiocerebrovascular center Dong-A University Hospital is a major location for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular care in Busan-Gyeongnam region. Cancer center Quality treatment is provided in DAUH's cancer-specialization center in cooperation with the departments of hemato-oncology, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiology, radiation oncology and general surgery. The Breast Center focuses on early diagnosis of breast cancer, surgical intervention and breast reconstructive surgery. Parkinson's Disease Center The Parkinson's Disease Center is a full service diagnostic center for Parkinson's disease. The center offers comprehensive approaches for diagnostic, surgical and rehabilitative services for patients with Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism. Detailed diagnostic procedures can determine origins as an occupational disease, the presence of accompanying dementia, and the need for the surgical intervention. Spine center Transfusion-free Medicine & Surgery Center Gastroenterology Center Operated by the