High School Students Explore Surgical Robots

More than 100 students from Oak Park and River Forest High School recently had the chance to engage with the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. This state-of-the-art device, valued at over $1 million, was on loan from Loyola University. It offered students a glimpse into the realm of minimally invasive surgery, an area some aim to enter professionally.

The system has undergone more than 30 revisions, showcasing advanced robotic capabilities. Students gathered in groups to explore and understand how this robot operates. Allison Hennings, who coordinates the school’s nursing program and medical club, emphasized the significance of providing hands-on experiences. She noted, “Giving them hands-on experience shows they can do different careers they may not have considered before.”

Participants got to control the robot, undertaking tasks requiring precision, like unwrapping a Starburst candy and tying knots. Oliver Harks, a senior, expressed his enthusiasm. Planning to study microbiology, Harks said, “The opportunity to see an actual surgical robot at school was amazing.”

Harks aims to study at Case Western Reserve University or Loyola University Chicago, with a focus on researching level 4 pathogens, the world’s most hazardous biological agents. He reflected on the experience, saying, “Seeing the merger of technology and science was remarkable. It reminded me why I chose my career path.”

This event was possible due to OPRF’s collaboration with the Health Career Collaborative, part of the National Association of Health Services Executives. The Medical Club at OPRF began teaming up this year with the Chicago chapter of the Health Career Collaborative and Loyola University medical students to guide students on health topics and career paths.

Coralai Groulx, an OPRF junior in the nursing program, tried her hand at robotic surgery to explore potential career interests. Inspired by nurses who supported her mother during breast cancer treatment, Groulx hopes to enter the healthcare field. She shared, “I wanted to experience what surgery is like and working with these instruments. Nursing offers that close patient interaction and relationship.”