Colton, CA—Did anyone notice the giant mobile trailer out on DC lane all day on May 6?
The trailer was a mobile demonstration exhibition of the Intuitive surgical robot. It was part of an all-day experience for HEAL pathway students coinciding with HEAL’s lunchtime Community Health Fair.
Throughout the day, HEAL students interacted with robotic technology used in the medical field. They spoke to mechanical engineers and learned about two of the latest state of the art machines in the surgical field.
The robots employed shape-sensing technology to identify precise locations and provide information through navigation for biopsy. Students tested the navigation wheels and learned through the machine.
The second machine in the exhibition was the da Vinci Xi robot. This tool allows flexibility during procedures and gives medical professionals the ability to visualize anatomy up close. Students used the device to unwrap a Starburst candy in a fun demonstration.
This event was provided to inspire HEAL students to pursue a career in the healthcare field and recognize the quality of the equipment available for use by professionals.
“I’m just excited to see the students getting to experience healthcare in a new way,” said HEAL advisor Kristin Griffith.
In between all the robot viewing, Community Health put on their first Community Health Fair as a showcase for student research about health care issues.
“The purpose of this community health event is for HEAL students to tell their locals about the things happening in the community,” said Dawna Hughes, Community Health instructor and organizer of the event.
Along DC Lane, Community Health students set up several stations to spread awareness about topics as varied as mental health, nutrition, transmitted infections, and more. In addition, EMTs were on hand to teach general CPR techniques, and other vendors provided brochures and information about career opportunities in the healthcare field.
Junior Victoria Valdovinos contributed to the fair. She was impressed by the event. “It helps us students really just open our eyes and be like wow.”
While the event was a draw for students involved in the HEAL pathway and ROP Community Health program, several others came out of curiosity. Freshman Clair Wallace really enjoyed what the event had to offer. “It was a very interactive event,” she said. “It brought a lot of kids to see that health isn’t just like doctors. It’s also physical therapy, it’s also mental health.”
