Virtuoso Surgical Appoints Veteran Healthcare Leader Robert Waggener to Board of Directors, Strengthening Strategic Vision Amid Breakthrough Robotic Advancements
Virtuoso Surgical, Inc., a Nashville-based medical technology company pioneering a revolutionary new class of robotic tools for endoscopic surgery, today announced that renowned healthcare entrepreneur and investor Robert Waggener has joined its Board of Directors. Known nationwide for his visionary leadership and transformative impact across healthcare organizations, Waggener brings over 35 years of experience in innovation, management, and strategic growth to Virtuoso Surgical’s mission to redefine minimally invasive surgery.
Founded in 2016, Virtuoso Surgical has developed the Virtuoso Surgical Robotic System, an advanced platform that uses needle-sized robotic arms to dramatically improve the precision and dexterity of procedures performed via rigid endoscopes. This novel technology allows surgeons to operate in areas of the body that were previously unreachable, representing a major leap forward in patient care and surgical outcomes. The company’s leadership team—comprising experts in surgical robotics, urology, engineering, and artificial intelligence—is dedicated to creating a new paradigm in endoscopic surgery.
Waggener’s appointment comes at a transformative time for Virtuoso Surgical. Earlier this year, the company achieved several key milestones: the first clinical use of its robotic system in Hong Kong in May, and in September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the device a Breakthrough Device Designation under the 21st Century Cures Act. Following these achievements, Virtuoso Surgical submitted a De Novo application to the FDA in late September, seeking marketing approval in the United States. The company anticipates the review process will conclude in 2026, though regulatory timelines can vary.
Dr. Duke Herrell, Virtuoso Surgical’s Chief Executive Officer and a leading urologic surgeon, welcomed Waggener’s appointment, stating:
It is a pleasure to welcome Rob Waggener to the Board of Directors of Virtuoso Surgical. Rob’s incredible career in healthcare management—spanning hospital leadership, corporate governance, and entrepreneurial ventures—makes him an invaluable addition to our team. From the beginning, Rob recognized the transformative potential of Virtuoso Surgical’s technology to benefit countless patients. He has been not only a supportive investor but also a trusted mentor to our leadership team. We are eager to draw on his deep experience and insight as we advance toward regulatory approval, manufacturing, commercialization, and clinical adoption.”
Waggener expressed enthusiasm about joining the company at this pivotal stage:
In a sweeping era of disruption powered by AI and robotics, Virtuoso Surgical represents the holy grail for surgeons, patients, and health systems—better outcomes, reduced costs, and enhanced efficiency. Having been involved with Virtuoso since its inception, I’m thrilled by the company’s progress and the remarkable clinical outcomes achieved in Hong Kong. The leadership of Dr. Duke Herrell and lead engineer Richard Hendrick has been extraordinary, and I’m excited to support the next phase of growth as the company moves toward FDA marketing approval and commercial expansion.”
Over his distinguished career, Robert Waggener has held leadership positions in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, working across rural, urban, and multi-state healthcare systems. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Waggener is widely respected for his pragmatic yet idealistic approach to leadership, captured in his personal motto: “Keep your idealism practical.” His track record reflects a rare ability to drive growth, improve operational performance, and inspire teams during periods of change and uncertainty.
Waggener’s professional background includes serving as Vice President of Addiction Services for Universal Health Services (UHS), a $14 billion hospital and healthcare company. Before that, he was the long-time CEO of Foundations Recovery Network, a nationally recognized treatment organization for adults and families affected by co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. During his 12-year tenure, he led Foundations through three successful acquisitions and significant organic expansion.
Today, Waggener continues to play a major role in behavioral health innovation as Chairman of the Board for Promises Behavioral Health, a private-equity-backed multi-state organization. He also co-owns ViaMar Health, an eating disorder treatment center in West Palm Beach, Florida, and serves as an advisor, investor, and board member for several emerging companies in the AI and telehealth sectors. Beyond his corporate endeavors, Waggener devotes significant time to volunteering and philanthropy, especially in behavioral health advocacy and community development. Together with his wife, Liz, he remains deeply engaged in charitable initiatives across multiple causes.
With Waggener’s appointment, Virtuoso Surgical strengthens its leadership team as it moves closer to market readiness for its groundbreaking robotic system. His extensive experience in healthcare leadership, strategic expansion, and innovation will be instrumental as the company enters the next chapter of regulatory progress and commercialization.
As the fields of AI, robotics, and surgical precision continue to converge, Virtuoso Surgical stands at the forefront of a new era in medicine—one where technology empowers surgeons to operate with greater accuracy, safety, and confidence than ever before.
About Virtuoso Surgical
Virtuoso Surgical has developed a groundbreaking robotic surgery system designed to radically improve minimally invasive rigid endoscopic surgery. The Virtuoso system features a pair of instrument delivery arms made of concentric nitinol tubes that mimic a surgeon’s hand motions to offer unprecedented control and dexterity to a full range of endoscopic applications. The system utilizes patented technology initially developed by Virtuoso’s founders at Johns Hopkins University, Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. For additional information about Virtuoso Surgical,
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