Robots Will Become Future Surgeons What Role Will Humans Have

Welcome to the robot era: Future doctors are learning to ‘control’ intelligent machines in the operating room!

The Future of Medicine: Robotic Surgery Shaping the Next Generation of Doctors

With groundbreaking advancements in technology, robotic surgery is reshaping medicine and how future doctors are trained. From practicing in virtual simulations to applying skills in real-life operations, the new generation of medical practitioners must prepare for a completely different era of healthcare.

Robotic Surgery: A Tool or the “Right Hand” of Surgeons?

A revolutionary shift in the medical field is the emergence of surgical robots like the Da Vinci Surgical System, a towering 2.4-meter-high machine with four flexible arms. Da Vinci not only assists surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures but also precisely replicates the operator’s every movement.

Contrary to the misconception that robots operate autonomously, they are merely tools under the surgeon’s control. This robotic system provides crystal-clear 3D visuals and enhances wrist articulation, surpassing traditional methods.

The Rapid Growth of Robotic Surgery

Since receiving FDA approval in 2000, robotic surgery has witnessed remarkable growth. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the use of robotic-assisted surgery in the U.S. surged from 1.8% in 2012 to 15.1% in 2018. Notably, the adoption rate in urology and gynecology surgeries has been even more significant.

This technological surge has prompted companies like OssoVR to develop virtual reality (VR) headsets, enabling students to practice in simulated operating rooms before working with real patients.

Revolutionizing Medical Education: Preparing Robotic Surgeons

Medical education is also evolving rapidly to meet the demands of robotic-assisted surgery. At Johns Hopkins University, first-year medical residents are introduced to robotic training from the outset.

“Robotic surgery truly levels the playing field in medical education,” says Dr. Johannes Kratz of the University of California, San Francisco. The console system allows students to clearly observe the surgeon’s operations, providing a hands-on learning opportunity unavailable in traditional methods.

Virtual Reality and Groundbreaking Supportive Technologies

Companies like OssoVR are at the forefront of developing virtual reality (VR) technology to immerse students in virtual operating rooms. This significantly reduces risks associated with practicing on real patients. Students can complete practical tasks such as robotic manipulation or fine-tune critical skills in a controlled environment.

Ashutosh Tewari, Chair of Urology and Director of Robotic Surgery at Mount Sinai, has performed over 9,000 robotic prostatectomies. He strongly advocates integrating this technology into medical curriculums from the first year of training.

The Bright Future of Robotic Surgery

With the expiration of key patents, new robotic systems will soon emerge, lowering costs and increasing accessibility. Medical students will not only need to familiarize themselves with Da Vinci but also master other systems as hospitals adopt alternative tools. 

The future of medicine will be shaped not only by cutting-edge technology but also by how doctors of tomorrow are educated to use them. This opens up countless possibilities, from virtual dissection labs to the most advanced robotic surgical innovations. Robotic surgery is not just a technological leap; it is the bridge that brings the next generation of doctors closer to unprecedented medical opportunities!