On May 3, 18 high school students from across the Inland Empire met at the Loma Linda University Surgical Hospital for a tour and a robotic surgery simulation. This event marked the first time high school students were given access to the robotic surgery suites.
Students learned about the role that robotic technology has in performing minimally invasive surgeries. The highlight of the morning was the simulations with the da Vinci robot that measured students' completion time, economy of motion and number of drop. Over half of the students scored above 80 percent success.
The tour, a collaboration between Community-Academic Partners in Service (CAPS) and the nursing staff of the Surgical Hospital, provided exposure to the fields health care to under-represented and disadvantaged youth in the Inland Empire.
Planning for the event began several months ago when Patrick Hogue, RN first assistant, expressed a desire to show disadvantaged youth the field of robotic surgery. Mr. Hogue's desire aligned with the current high school pipeline programs and events currently coordinated through CAPS.
To be considered for this pilot event, students had to be seniors in previously selected high schools and submit an application and essay.