The Jabaley-Songcharoen Center for Hand, Upper Extremity, and Nerve Surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first hand surgery center in the world to be designated a Center of Excellence by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC). This prestigious recognition underscores the Center’s commitment to providing exemplary hand care and sets a new standard for similar institutions globally.
The Center’s journey to this designation began in the fall of 2023, initiated by Dr. Marc Walker, the Center’s director and Mississippi’s sole pediatric hand surgeon. Dr. Walker engaged the SRC to conduct a third-party evaluation of the Center. This process involved a comprehensive review of board-certified hand surgeons’ training requirements, as well as an assessment of case volume and variety typical of leading hand centers nationwide. UMMC played a pivotal role in shaping the criteria for obtaining the Center of Excellence status and underwent a rigorous external evaluation to validate its qualifications.
Dr. Walker described the review as thorough, examining not only the Hand Center but also the broader institution. The result is a model for excellence in hand care, featuring a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in plastic surgery, orthopaedic surgery, and rehabilitation. This team addresses the needs of a diverse patient population, from children with hand differences to adults recovering from trauma or dealing with chronic nerve issues.
One such patient, Trey Wheeler of Brandon, experienced life-changing care at the Center after an excavator accident nearly led to the amputation of his arm. Through coordinated care involving multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, Wheeler is regaining function. Dr. John Morellato, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, performed a critical surgery to stabilize Wheeler’s arm, followed by reconstructive hand surgery by Dr. Walker to restore motion in his injured finger.
The designation as a Center of Excellence involves ongoing scrutiny, with the SRC conducting on-site reviews every three years and annual data evaluations. Dr. Walker emphasized the Center’s commitment to continuous improvement and cutting-edge care, aiming to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
Beyond clinical care, the Center invests in educational advancements. Two UMMC occupational therapists recently attended the Triennial Congress of the International Federation of Societies for Hand Therapy in Washington, D.C., with support from the Hand Center. This opportunity, funded by the Center, reflects its dedication to professional development that directly benefits patients.
The Center’s global recognition was further solidified when its founder, Dr. Somprasong Songcharoen, received the Global Pioneer in Hand Surgery Award in March. Looking ahead, the Center is preparing for a new facility in Colony Park North, scheduled to open in 2026. This move will consolidate services under one roof, enhancing access to elective procedures and innovative techniques such as WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet), which allows patients to actively participate in the surgical process.
The relocation will enable the Hand Center to expand its reach, offering services for chronic or elective hand conditions to more patients across Mississippi and the southeast region, beyond those requiring emergency or reconstructive surgery.
