On Thursday, April 10, Corewell Health Lakeland – St. Joseph Hospital hosted an engaging and educational event for 30 students from the Average Joes Robotics Competition Team of St. Joseph High School. The students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, gathered for an evening of innovation, education and community partnership.
According to a release from Corewell Health, t he event featured an informal presentation by Michael Webb, M.D., surgeon at Corewell Health, who discussed the use of surgical robots in modern medicine. Students explored the precision and dexterity of robotic surgical instruments, the variety of surgeries conducted using robotic technology, and how these advancements contribute to better patient outcomes. A lively Q&A session followed, sparking curiosity and furthering understanding.
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to “test drive” a da Vinci Xi robot. They experimented with various robotic instruments, such as graspers and needle drivers, providing them with hands-on experience that was both enlightening and fun.
Corewell said this collaboration highlighted the importance of fostering community partnerships to inspire the next generation. By showcasing cutting-edge technology and its applications in health care, the event aimed to spark interest among students, many of whom may consider careers in the health care profession.
“As a hospital committed to education and community enrichment, we believe events like this play an important role in sparking curiosity and passion for health care careers,” said Webb. “Partnerships like these strengthen our community and support its future leaders.”
