Texas Tech Students Practice Surgery Without Patients

The Da Vinci Surgery Simulator at Las Palmas Medical Center allows residents to preform complicated robotic surgery through virtual reality.

Vaneesha Vallabh is a third-year resident physician at Texas Tech. She was delighted when she heard that Las Palmas would be allowing residents to use the simulator.

“I was super excited about the robot. You couldn’t get me in here fast enough. It’s a technology that’s definitely growing, that everyone needs to know how to use in the future,” Vallabh beamed.

Texas Tech residents have been working with the simulator since last month. The simulator’s lifelike nature is getting them prepared for real-life patients.

“It’s very realistic when you practice on the simulation,” said Vallabh, “The tactile sense that you have is exactly like what it would be on a real person.”

Las Palmas purchased a new robot system in September and the Da Vinci simulator in March. The combined cost adds up to $2.2 million. For residents and practicing surgeons, the equipment is priceless.

“It definitely gives you an edge and a lot of fellowships that people are applying to … So by doing this residency, you’ve already had that practice. It puts you steps ahead of the rest of your fellows and residents,” Vallabh admitted.

While Texas Tech residents hone their skills, Dr. Richard Farnam, the Director of Robotic Surgery at Las Palmas, hopes to create a national destination in El Paso.

“Our goal is really to become a national training center for physicians to learn how to do robotic surgery,” Farnam said.

Las Palmas Medical Center is expecting to acquire another Da Vinci simulator sometime this year.