How to Become a Robodoc and Perform Surgery with the Help of Robots?
What's It About?
A robotic surgeon carries out minimally invasive surgical procedures through use of medical devices and systems. The robotic systems are equipped with arms for optics and camera which are inserted into the body and send images to video screens on a console where the surgeon sits. He then manipulates a pair of joysticks on the console connected to instruments inserted in the patient's body which replicate his movements and carry out the surgery. Robotic surgery has been utilised in cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, urology, gynaecology, general surgery, bariatric surgery etc.
Clock Work
5.30 am: Wake up and get ready and connect with OT staff to ensure if patient has been readied for surgery
6.30 am: Leave for hospital
7 am: Reach OT, check preparations for surgery, do checks of equipment
10 am: Patient wheeled in. Get ready for surgery
3 pm: Finish surgery, monitor patient for post-op care and wait for him to regain consciousness
6 pm: Prepare report on robotic system to send to manufacturer
The Payoff
At a government-aided institute like the AIIMS, the take-home salary for someone at a senior position of professor is approximately Rs 1 lakh a month. His or her counterpart in a private hospital could be making ten times more depending on the hospital or city he or she is working in.
Skills
- Finely tuned surgical skills with some technological orientation to be able to understand the workings of the robotic systems
- Dealing with high-tech systems which are upgraded constantly means you have to remain updated on everything that's happening in your field
- A desire to achieve cutting-edge excellence in your field and developed ability to network with the best brains
How Do I Get There?
Any medical student who completes a masters in surgery should first develop proficiency in open surgery before training with the robotic devices. Robotic surgery is a new and more precise method of doing surgery using the keyhole method with minimal invasion - thus ensuring quick recovery time. Surgeons are now able to perform complex manoeuvers in a small operative area.
Institutes & URLs
- India does not have any dedicated training centre for robotic surgery. Various universities in the US offer fellowship programmes in this discipline which is for two-three years. Dr Pier Cristoforo Giulianotti, MD, one of the pioneers robotic technology, and currently chief of the division of general, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, trains surgeons at the University of Chicago.
- However one needs to clear United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) in order to apply for these fellowship training programmes. International bodies like the Endourological Society (www.endourology.org) and the Society of Urologic Oncology (www.societyofurologiconcology.org) provide accreditation to institutes in Europe and Asia which offer the relevant programmes.
Pros & Cons
Greatly respected profession and an exciting field to be in
You save lives, what could be better than that?
Tough profession to be in - surgery can be risky for a patient and dealing with his or her death could be tough
Author: Ayesha Banerjee (HT Horizons)
Date: 6th January, 2011
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