Somers Students to Study Robot Surgical System

By Marcela Rojas

Somers High School students will learn about the da Vinci robot surgical system at an upcoming event at Putnam Hospital Center.

Dr. Hansraj Sheth, a general and vascular access surgeon with Putnam Westchester Vein Center who is on the medical staff at Putnam Hospital Center, will lead the discussion on the da Vinci system that uses robotic technologies to perform a variety of minimally invasive surgical procedures.

“This is an educational field trip where students will have an understanding of the state-of-the-art surgical techniques in the use of robotic instruments and the robot performing surgeries on humans,” Sheth said. “That’s the future students must know.”

About 15 sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing a medical career will attend the event that will include a lecture and robot demonstration in the hospital’s operating room. Sheth said he will discuss how the robot is used in gallbladder surgery and hysterectomies.

“We’re really excited about the opportunity,” said Michelle Tracy, a counseling assistant at Somers High School. “I think it’s a great hands-on learning experience for students to get a glimpse of a day in the life of someone in the medical profession.”

The seminar will be from 9 a.m. to noon April 30, in the Michael T. Weber Auditorium, 670 Stoneleigh Ave.