Cutting-edge surgery
Posted: March 15, 2016
Ultra-sleek design, free range of motion, and intuitive control are just a few features of the da Vinci® XiTM Surgical System, the latest in minimally invasive surgery.
Powered by state-of-the-art robotic technology, the system seamlessly translates a surgeon’s hand, wrist, and finger movements into precise, real-time movement of surgical instruments. The equipment is impressive, but so is the skill required to maneuver complex procedures.
The man behind the machine is Peter Baik, DO, ’05, a thoracic surgeon at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, Okla. As a high schooler, Dr. Baik dreamed of being a doctor, specifically an MD. After only being accepted to DO schools, he chose KCOM because of its established curriculum and excellent record of residency placement.
“During medical school, I really did not want to be a DO,” Dr. Baik says. “That was very naïve thinking on my part.”
Now incredibly proud to be a DO, he’s grateful for the path that prepared him for a surgical career. He blends his love of medicine and technology as his work revolves around using technology to offer better treatment for patients.
“I was always interested in engineering and technology,” says Dr. Baik, who is extensively trained in robotics. “The human body is the ultimate engineering design.”
Tackling difficult surgical cases is what he enjoys most, and today’s medical advancements help him perform tasks that are otherwise not possible.
“The system includes 10x magnification and amazing wristed movements,” Dr. Baik says. “It allows me to be in full control.”
Being a tech-savvy surgeon, Dr. Baik participated in a Super Bowl XLVIII commercial showcasing the adaptation of Microsoft Kinect in the real world, not just in gaming. The commercial featured GestSure, a product that allows hands-free control of a computer mouse during surgery. More precisely, a surgeon who is scrubbed is able to control the mouse without risking contamination, asking someone who does not use the imaging software, or scrubbing out. It provides a better flow of surgery and better care for patients.
Better patient care is the ultimate goal, which is why Dr. Baik constantly seeks to learn about new technologies. As surgical advancements continue to revolutionize the face of healthcare, he remains on the lookout for the next best innovation, determined to stay on the cutting edge.