Science students see the future: robotic surgery Students from the Academy of Allied Health & Sciences observe the da Vinci S Robot at work. LONG BRANCH - Students from Monmouth County Vocational School's Academy of Allied Health & Sciences got an up-close look at the future of surgery recently during a visit to Monmouth Medical Center. Students attended a Robotic Surgery Lunch & Learn that included a hands-on demonstration. The students, who are preparing for a career in the health and medical sciences field, arrived at the hospital for the Lunch & Learn session with surgeons from the hospital currently using the da Vinci® S Surgical System. After viewing a short video demonstrating the capabilities of the robot, the students participated in a question-and-answer session with Dr. Robert Grabe, chairman of obstetrics/gynecology at Monmouth Medical, and Dr. Lourens J. Willekes, medical director of the lung cancer program at the medical center. Both are surgeons skilled in robotic surgical techniques and applications. After the Lunch & Learn, the students had the opportunity to test the equipment and experience hands-on operation of the robot. According to a press release from the medical center, by enhancing surgical capabilities, robotic surgery is helping to improve clinical outcomes and redefine standards of care. The da Vinci S Surgical System allows surgeons to perform complex and delicate procedures through very small incisions with greater precision, superior visualization, enhanced dexterity, and ergonomic comfort for the optimal performance of minimally invasive surgery, the release states.