The latest technology in robotic surgery provided a hands-on learning experience for Wisconsin students from Amherst High School and Stevens Point Area Senior High School at an open house at Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital on Jan. 30. Ascension St. Michael’s recently put into service a new surgical robot system.
Urologists and general surgeons from Ascension Medical Group Wisconsin are the first specialists at Ascension St. Michael’s to use the technology for procedures including hernia repair, gallbladder removal, colon resection, prostate removals and full or partial kidney removals.
Approximately 50 high school students attended the open house. These students are enrolled in medical terminology or anatomy and physiology classes this semester, or are members of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a student organization for kids interested in a career in healthcare. Through a series of presentations and hands-on activity stations, these youth experienced how surgeons use robotic technology.
“This was a great experience for our students to hear directly from the surgeons and staff on how this technology is used and about their related career paths,” said Sara Pate, a science teacher at Amherst High School and advisor for the HOSA chapter. “The students especially enjoyed the opportunity to use the robotic simulator.”
Sara said the school tries whenever possible to make connections at medical facilities to give students better insight to healthcare careers as they contemplate the future.
Photo: Amherst High School students participate in a robotic surgery open house at Ascension St. Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
