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Niche: Best Schools - 2022
Pre-Med and Pre-Engineering Students Get Inside Look at Robotic Lung Cancer Solutions

Pre-Med and Pre-Engineering Students Get Inside Look at Robotic Lung Cancer Solutions

Pre-Professional Students Get Inside Look at Robotic Lung Cancer Solutions

Students from American Heritage Schools Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering programs, from both the Broward and Palm Beach campuses, recently experienced an eye-opening immersion into cutting-edge lung cancer technology through the Thoracic Oncology Mobile Experience (T.O.M.E.) truck. Visiting Memorial Cancer Institute in Pembroke Pines, the T.O.M.E., a massive 18-wheeler mobile lab created by Intuitive, showcases advanced robotic and diagnostic tools used in lung cancer treatment. This interactive experience gave students a unique glimpse into the latest technological advancements and how they are applied in real-world oncology settings.

Pre-Professional Students Get Inside Look at Robotic Lung Cancer Solutions

Dr. Mohamed El Zaeedi, a thoracic surgeon at Memorial Health Care System, highlighted the importance of the technology presented in the T.O.M.E., which is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. “With such technology, we can provide patients with the most advanced way of early diagnosis and precise treatment,” he explained. The T.O.M.E. truck is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness of these advancements, especially as lung cancer diagnoses rise and early intervention becomes even more critical.

For many students, this hands-on experience with tools such as Intuitive’s renowned Da Vinci robotic surgical system was both inspiring and transformative. Maxwell Whitney, a Pre-Medical student, was particularly excited by the opportunity to operate three of the four articulating arms of the Da Vinci system. “It’s a life goal of mine to solve issues in the world and help others,” he said. “This experience merges my passion for robotics and my desire to make a positive impact.” By practicing with the robotic arms, students gained a sense of the precision and control these machines offer surgeons, revealing how technology can drastically improve patient outcomes.
 
The T.O.M.E. truck featured Intuitive’s entire portfolio of robotic systems designed to support everything from early lung cancer detection to advanced surgical interventions. Students studying biomedical and pre-engineering fields explored these technologies in detail, learning how each innovation plays a role in diagnosing and treating cancer more efficiently and effectively. This exposure allowed them to envision future possibilities in their fields and reinforced the real-world impact of their studies.
 
Dr. Luis Raez, Chief Scientific Officer and Medical Director at Memorial Cancer Institute emphasized the importance of raising awareness about lung cancer. “Very few people know that we lose close to 140,000 Americans every year to lung cancer,” he noted, underscoring the urgency for advancements in both public education and medical treatment. Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November aims to highlight these issues, and events like the T.O.M.E. tour are vital for encouraging future professionals to engage in solutions.
 
The T.O.M.E. experience provided American Heritage students with invaluable exposure to medical technology and left a lasting impression on those with aspirations in healthcare and engineering. This interactive lab not only broadened their understanding of robotic systems but also underscored the significant impact these innovations can have on patients’ lives. As they look to the future, many students are more motivated than ever to pursue careers in medicine and engineering, equipped with a deeper appreciation for the life-saving potential of modern technology.