Caldwell, ID — West Valley Medical Center is proud to provide a rare opportunity for local high school students and the community to experience surgical robotics technology on April 4, 2019.
West Valley is hosting an open house to give the public a chance to perform a simulated surgery using the hospital's state-of-the-art da Vinci surgical robotic system by Intuitive Surgical.
"Robust STEM education programs are essential to creating a healthcare workforce that can keep pace with the latest technology. It is our privilege to share our tools and resources with the community, including local high school students — allowing them to see first-hand what computer assisted surgery looks like," said Shawn Lindsay, Executive Director of Perioperative Surgery for West Valley Medical Center.
The da Vinci surgical system uses robotic technology to enhance minimally invasive general surgical, urological and gynecological procedures. Surgeons perform operations with da Vinci by using instruments that are guided via a console. Robotic‐assistance systems have been shown to increase surgical accuracy, lower complication rates, reduce postoperative pain, and aid in faster recovery when compared to open, freehand surgeries.
Surgeon Ryan Hardy, MD who actively utilizes the robot, will meet with the high school students and explain why this technology has transformed how surgery is performed. Attendees will have the opportunity to try their hand at computer assisted surgery in a biologic tissue model, as well as a computer simulation model (video game console). It's like a flight simulator, but for surgery.
What: Surgical Robotics Open House - A Hands-on Opportunity for the Community and Local Students
When: Thursday, April 4, 11:30am - 6:30pm
Where: West Valley Medical Center
Who: Local high schools planning to visit during the open house include:
- 10am: Vallivue High School - 20 students
- 11am: Ridgevue High School - 20 students
- 1:30pm: Caldwell High School - 10 students