Grand opening of Robert Maloff Center in South Lake Tahoe

The doors are now officially open at the 26,000 square foot state-of-the-art Robert Maloff Center, home to the Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness.

During a ribbon cutting ceremony at the South Lake Tahoe facility Thursday, July 12, Lisa Maloff was honored for her $10 million donation in her late husband's name that made the dream to improve community health and well-being of others a reality.

Before she cut the ribbon, Mrs. Maloff was presented with her own pink monogrammed hospital jacket, complete with a Barton ID tag with her unofficial name, The Angel of Tahoe.

"Without Lisa there'd be no building to tour, no champagne to toast," said Chris Proctor, the administrative director of the center.

The new center breaks the mold of regional health care by combining orthopedics, rehabilitation, performance-based training programs and overall wellness therapies. This new model of care addresses the entire patient, not just illness or injury. It is one of a kind, like no other in the country.

Barton Health has addressed the community's health needs since its beginning in 1963. At the time the new hospital addressed the need for women to give birth in South Lake Tahoe, and not have to travel off the hill.

Kirk Ledbetter, chairman of Barton Health Board of Directors and whose family started Barton Hospital, addressed the community members and medical partners who attended Thursday's ribbon cutting ceremony.

"My grandfather's broken leg sparked the family's dedication to starting Barton," said Ledbetter who has seen first hand the growth of the hospital and its services.

"We are here to celebrate innovation and delivering health care in a new way," said Proctor.

"The Barton Center for Orthopedics & Wellness’ innovation is something we’ve been conceptualizing for over a decade,” said Barton Health CEO Dr. Clint Purvance at the Center’s grand opening event. “Now, with the support of our community, stakeholders, team members and donors we are providing a healthcare system that offers our community a new model of care, tailored to their personal goals and health journey.”

Besides Lisa's donation, the family of Dr. Paul "Papa" Fry donated $1 million to build the center's pool and therapy area. The name of Fry has been synonymous with orthopedics in Lake Tahoe since launching the first orthopedic treatment practice after the Winter Games at Squaw Valley.

After the ribbon was cut, champagne was toasted and tours of the new center were given.

For more information on what is offered, including community wellness classes, at the Robert Maloff Center, visit http://www.bartonorthopedicsandwellness.com/ortho-wellness/ortho-wellness-home.aspx.