Friday, July 10, 2026
Traveling Surgical Robot Visits San Juan Regional Medical Center
Have you ever wondered what it's like to perform surgery using a robotic surgical system? Now you can experience it firsthand. San Juan Regional Medical Center is inviting the community to explore a full-sized, traveling da Vinci? surgical robot on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 14–15, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The robot will be located on the hospital's main floor, directly across from the Surgical Waiting Area.
Visitors will have the opportunity to get an up-close look at this advanced technology, view a demonstration and ask questions, and even try a simulated surgical experience using the robotic system's high-definition 3D camera and hand controls.
San Juan Regional Medical Center has been offering minimally invasive robotic assisted surgeries since acquiring a da Vinci Xi in late 2022. We celebrated 1,000 robotic surgeries in early 2025 and continue to see how this innovative technology advances surgical care for our patients and community. We will continue expanding our robotic surgery program later this year with the addition of two da Vinci 5? Surgical Systems, the latest generation of robotic-assisted surgical technology.
The da Vinci 5 offers significant advancements designed to enhance both patient and surgeon experience, including:
- Less force applied to tissue
- More realistic, high-definition 3D visualization
- Streamlined surgical workflows
- Reduced procedure times
- Enhanced surgeon control and precision
"This industry-leading technology allows us to perform complex procedures with greater precision while helping patients experience less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recoveries. We're excited to give our community the opportunity to see firsthand how robotic-assisted surgery continues to transform the surgical experience and deliver cutting-edge care right here in the Four Corners," said Dr. Philip Ernest, General and Bariatric Surgeon at San Juan Regional Medical Center.
Patient benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative pain
- Less blood loss
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stays
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
Whether you're considering surgery, curious about medical technology, or interested in seeing one of the most advanced surgical systems available today, this interactive event offers a unique opportunity to experience the future of surgery. The event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
What: Traveling da Vinci Surgical Robot Demonstrations
When: July 14 and 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. both days
Where: The main floor of the hospital, directly across from the Surgical Waiting Area