High School Students Explore Robotic Surgery

Over 100 students from Oak Park and River Forest High School had the chance to work with a Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System last week. The robot, valued at over $1 million, was brought from Loyola University to the school. This experience aimed to expose students to minimally invasive surgery techniques.

Groups of students learned how the robotic system operates and tested its capabilities. Allison Hennings, coordinator of the nursing program and facilitator of the medical club at OPRF, emphasized the importance of hands-on experience for students considering different career paths.

“Giving them hands-on experience shows they can do different careers they may have never thought about,” Hennings said.

During the session, students attempted tasks like unwrapping a Starburst candy and tying knots using the robotic system. Senior Oliver Harks, who intends to enter the microbiology field, shared his excitement about seeing the surgical robot.

“The opportunity to see an actual surgical robot at school was amazing,” Harks remarked. “I was curious and wanted to see what would happen.”

Hawks aims to study level 4 pathogens, which are highly dangerous biological agents, at Case Western Reserve University or Loyola University Chicago.

Coralai Groulx, a junior in the school’s nursing program, explored various aspects of the profession while testing robotic surgery. She described the experience as beneficial in understanding surgical procedures and revealed her interest in health care developed through personal experiences.

“I definitely want to go into nursing because I want to have that patient interaction and relationship,” Groulx expressed.

The event was facilitated by the Health Career Collaborative, part of the National Association of Health Services Executives, in collaboration with Loyola University medical students.