Clinical trial could expand robot tech
TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa has begun a clinical trial using the Da Vinci SP robot to remove cancer, as well as non-cancerous masses, from the pancreas, stomach, gallbladder and more.
Currently, the robot is FDA-approved for urology and head and neck surgical procedures. This trial, which began in summer 2024, seeks to pave the way for FDA approval of the robot’s use in HPB and Foregut operations.
The first of four phases in the trial have been successfully completed with over 10 Foregut and HPB-related operations, including gallbladder removals, hernia repairs and gastrectomies at AdventHealth Tampa, by Dr. Sharona Ross and her surgical team. The next phase will involve more advanced procedures with the end goal of focusing on cancerous tumors with the Da Vinci SP robot.
Ross says this marks a significant leap forward in surgical innovation, with the potential to save lives of those diagnosed with pancreatic, stomach, esophageal, duodenal and liver cancers.
AdventHealth Sebring hosts heart symposium
SEBRING — AdventHealth Sebring hosted the “Every Beat Counts” heart symposium Feb. 25 to help inform residents about available heart care options.
More than 100 community members attended. They learned about treatments, surgical technologies and the techniques used by AdventHealth Sebring when caring for heart-related conditions and illnesses.
Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death across the U.S. and in Florida.
The U.S. Census Bureau says one-fifth of Americans live in rural areas, and data shows on average they live three years less than those who live in urban areas, largely due to heart disease and strokes.
BayCare adds seven more medical residency programs
CLEARWATER – BayCare has received approval to launch seven new graduate medical education programs, including its first emergency medicine residency program, for the 2025-26 year.
The health care system will also open four more internal medicine programs, another transitional year program and a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry.
The expansion brings to 16 the number of GME programs at BayCare hospitals.
BayCare will have about 280 residents systemwide in 2025-26, over twice as many as the current year. BayCare expects to grow to 650 residents by 2029.
“We are excited to train the next generation of physicians to serve the families of West Central Florida,” said Stephanie Conners, BayCare president and CEO.
