Immersion in Robotics Surgery

Immersion in Robotics Surgery

Overview

Step into the future of healthcare with Immersion in Robotic Surgery - an innovative subject that brings robotic-assisted surgery to life through virtual reality, hands-on simulation, and surgical anatomy exploration. Developed in collaboration with the International Medical Robotics Academy, this program combines modern technology with practical, team-based learning to help students understand how robotics is transforming surgical practice and patient care. Whether you’re surgery-inclined or simply curious about how emerging technologies are reshaping medicine, this subject offers a unique and engaging experience at the cutting edge of clinical education.

This subject introduces medical students to the science, systems, and skills underpinning robotic-assisted surgery. It is designed for all medical students - not only those pursuing a surgical career - to enhance understanding of how robotic technologies integrate with anatomy, clinical reasoning, and healthcare delivery.

Through a blend of online, simulated, and in-person learning, students gain foundational knowledge and practical insight into robotic surgical principles, operative workflows, and human-factors teamwork. Learning experiences include narrated surgical recordings, virtual reality console simulation and structured workshops focused on both technical and non-technical skills.

    Dates and Times

    All MD Discovery 3 topics will be held during a 4-week block to be determined based on topic selection and clinical school availability.

    Teaching and Learning

    Students participate in a mix of asynchronous online modules and in-person workshops which are held at the International Medical Robotics Academy in metropolitan Melbourne.

    Teaching activities include:

    • Virtual reality console training and simulation exercises
    • Surgical anatomy and 3D operative videos
    • Weekly group tutorials and problem-based discussions
    • Human-factors and team-based learning activities

    A highlight of the subject is the two-day on-site workshop in Week 3, where students apply their learning through hands-on technical training and immersive non-technical skills sessions. This includes bedside assisting, instrument handling, docking and undocking, as well as team-based simulations and structured debriefing.