Students get hands-on training in latest robotic surgery

Local high school students gain invaluable experience in health care at USC Arcadia Hospital

USC Arcadia Hospital (USC-AH) recently hosted 45 students from La Salle High School and Arcadia High School for a demonstration of its surgical robot. Students learned about the machine’s capabilities and how it helps surgeons, and possible health care careers.

Every student got a chance to test their hand-eye coordination directly on the robot through training exercises like moving small rubber bands from one peg to another to simulate the dexterity required to perform robotic surgeries.

Sharon Shiraga,MD, minimally invasive general surgeon at USC Arcadia Hospital, gave opening remarks and answered students’ questions about medical school, residency training, technology advancements in medicine and more. Additional USC-AH staff, such as nurses and surgery technicians, were available to answer students’ questions about their career paths.

At USC-AH, robotic surgery supports a wide range of procedures, especially in urology, gynecology, and complex abdominal surgery. By using small incisions and advanced instruments, robotic-assisted surgery can help patients recover faster, spend less time in the hospital and return to normal life sooner. The surgeon remains in full control at all times, operating from a console that provides a magnified, high-definition view for exceptional precision.

The hospital also hosted students from California School of the Arts – San Gabriel Valley and San Marino High School in separate sessions.

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