Saturday, October 29, 2005

The Replacement Surgeons


A friend in her post - Is Technology Gonna Take My Place? - talked about her difficulties in finding a job as an administrative assistant (AA). It appears that today's technology can do most of the tasks of an AA faster and more efficiently.
"Now the 'boss' walks around with his or her cell phone connected at all times, a PDA that contains more info than you can possibly use, a laptop with THE INTERNET to find just about any info you need in a moment's notice.

So what do they need live human being for if they can do all this with technology that fits in a black bag then can sling over their shoulder?" [Ramble On]

I commented that technology will also change the roles of health care workers. That 'change' may come soon for surgeon. The University of Nebraska have developed tiny machines, they say, may replace open surgery.
Meet Dr. Robot: About the size of a lipstick case, it's able to drive around inside your body and serve as the eyes or hands of a surgeon who could be thousands of miles away.

University of Nebraska researchers have developed the tiny machines, which they say could allow doctors to remotely conduct surgeries in the battlefield or even space.

The tiny, wheeled robots, which are about 3 inches tall, can be slipped into small incisions and computer-controlled by surgeons in different locations. Some are equipped with cameras and lights and can send back images to surgeons. Others have surgical tools allowing them to make incisions, deliver medicine and perform other tasks.

Eventually, Oleynikov said, the tiny robots may enable surgeons to work without ever placing their hands in patients' bodies.

"That's the goal," Oleynikov said. "It's getting easier and easier. We can do even more with these devices." [CBS News, Oct. 27, 2005]

In the future, becoming a surgeon could mean just a 1-2 year course in operating this robots. What does this mean for patients? I can't wait to find out!
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