April 1, 2025
With Robotics Expanding at Waterman, Cesar Hernandez Helps Ensure Top-Tier Surgical Care Close to Home
By Cindy Peterson
With Robotics Expanding at Waterman, Cesar Hernandez Helps Ensure Top-Tier Surgical Care Close to Home
Cesar Hernandez
Nurse Manager of Surgical Services at Adventhealth Waterman
When a patient undergoes surgery at Tavares’ AdventHealth Waterman, there’s a good chance cutting-edge robotics are playing a role in their care. And behind the scenes, Nurse Manager of Surgical Services Cesar Hernandez is ensuring that these innovative procedures run smoothly.
“This technology is revolutionizing patient care,” Cesar says. “We started with general surgery, urology and gynecology, and we’ve now expanded into cardiac robotic surgery—with even more advancements on the way.”
Cesar’s passion for healthcare began in middle school when his mother faced a serious health scare.
“When she had surgery, I saw firsthand how the nurses worked together, how they cared for her and supported our family,” he says. “That moment stuck with me, and I made a promise to dedicate myself to helping others in the same way.”
That promise led him to Arkansas Tech University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Originally planning for medical school, he switched to nursing after working as an emergency department technician.
“I loved what the nurses did,” he says. “I got to work alongside them, and I realized that was the path I wanted to take.”
In 2020, he moved to Florida and joined AdventHealth Waterman during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a terrifying and uncertain time,” he says. “We were being floated to different units, helping wherever we were needed—sometimes the ER, sometimes the COVID floors. We were constantly adjusting as we learned more about the virus.”
Now, he is focused on expanding Waterman’s surgical capabilities and ensuring that patients don’t have to travel to Orlando or Miami for advanced care.
“Bringing robotics to the hospital was a huge step forward,” he says.
Cesar also appreciates the small town feel of Lake County and the level of care offered at AdventHealth Waterman.
“This place reminds me of home,” he says. “People genuinely care about each other here, and the leadership is incredible. I’m excited to see where we go next.”
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
