CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 22, 2025 — The world of surgical innovation reached a new milestone on Friday, Sept. 19, as IRCAD North America (IRCAD NA) officially opened its doors at Atrium Health’s innovation district, The Pearl, in Charlotte. The grand opening celebration brought together more than 450 guests, including leaders in medicine, technology, research and education, as well as industry partners and dignitaries from across the United States and around the globe.
Founded in Strasbourg, France, IRCAD is recognized as an international leader in minimally invasive surgery, robotics and digital health education for training and research. For over 30 years, IRCAD France has trained tens of thousands of international surgeons, pioneering new techniques and technologies that have transformed patient care. IRCAD currently has training centers in Brazil, China, India, Lebanon, Rwanda and Taiwan.
Establishing a North American headquarters for IRCAD in Charlotte was a vision shared by Advocate Health leaders Eugene A. Woods, CEO; Dr. Rasu Shrestha, chief innovation and commercialization officer; and Dr. Brent Matthews, chair of surgery — as well as IRCAD leaders Professor Jacques Marescaux, IRCAD founder and president; Professor Dionisios Vrochides, executive director of IRCAD NA; and Professor Nicolas Demartines, historical expert of IRCAD France and IRCAD NA board member.
The fulfillment of this vision was made possible thanks to the city’s vibrant health care ecosystem, the investment by Atrium Health, which is part of Advocate Health, and the collaborative and familial spirit of The Pearl.
As Marescaux shared during the celebration: “Today, the leaders of all IRCADs around the world stand here with us in Charlotte, underlining the historic importance of this moment … But why here in Charlotte? Of course, because your city is amazing. Yet, as always, the main reason was human trust. Trust is the most important catalyst for transformation. So, let the journey begin.”
Woods captured the spirit of the evening and the ambition behind IRCAD NA’s launch: “Tonight, as we stand at the threshold of this new chapter — in this place built not just of wood, steel and glass, but of dreams and determination — my ask is this: Bring your biggest dreams. Bring your boldest ideas. Bring your unwavering belief that the future of medicine can be rewritten by us together. Through the partnerships we are forging, we are making breakthroughs and impacting countless lives.”
Vrochides also shared that IRCAD NA will, “… fully incorporate the three pillars of IRCAD’s essence, as envisioned by IRCAD’s founder, Professor Jacques Marescaux, over 30 years ago: relentless excellence, disruptive innovation and comradery elevated to a ‘feeling-like-family’ level.”
The evening also featured a stirring performance by the Charlotte Symphony and remarks from strategic partners of IRCAD NA who will have a strong presence at The Pearl, including Stryker, Siemens Healthineers, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson and Boston Scientific.
The grand opening of IRCAD NA marks not just the launch of a world-class center for surgical training and research, but a new era of global partnership and innovation — where the boundaries of medicine are reimagined, and the future of healthcare is shaped by collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to excellence.
