Alan Zambeli-Ljepovic, MD, MHS, a surgery resident at UC San Francisco (UCSF), recently demonstrated the use of robotic technology in the Surgical Skills Lab. Seated at a specialized console, he manipulated a multi-armed surgical robot to perform incisions and cauterizations on a practice liver.
Robotic-assisted surgery has seen significant growth in recent years, particularly in fields such as urology, gynecology, and gastrointestinal procedures. In 2024 alone, approximately 2.63 million robotic surgeries were performed in the United States—an increase of nearly 20% from the previous year. The technology allows for less invasive operations and can lead to faster patient recovery times.
However, training medical students in this evolving field presents challenges. Traditional observation methods are less effective because surgeons now operate from consoles away from the operating table. This separation often leaves students disengaged during procedures.
“Learners are physically separated from the surgical team. We noticed that they weren’t really sure where they should be; sometimes we’d just see them sitting in the corner watching the video feed,” said Hueylan Chern, MD, director of UCSF’s Surgical Skills Lab and professor of surgery. “They just didn’t feel engaged.”
To address this issue, Dr. Chern and UCSF medical students created a program that certifies final-year medical students as robotic bedside assistants. Certified assistants help position robots before and after surgery, manage equipment changes during procedures, and ensure safe movement of robotic arms around patients and staff. This certification gives students practical experience with advanced surgical technology.
The certification builds on UCSF’s broader robotic surgery training initiative established in 2018. The university was among the first institutions on the West Coast to perform robotic surgeries and is now one of California’s busiest centers for these procedures.
Surgical resident Anya Edwards, MD, MBA, recalled her own experience as a student: “Sometimes I wouldn’t even scrub in, I would just sit on the sidelines,” she said. “I never felt integrated because I didn’t have a role.” In 2021, Edwards worked with Dr. Chern and others to develop an early simulation curriculum for students using both online modules and hands-on robot training.
According to research co-authored by Edwards in 2023 with faculty members including Associate Dean Adnan Alseidi, MD; Patricia O’Sullivan, EdD; and Shareef Syed, MD; almost all participating students felt better prepared for their surgical rotations after completing the pilot program.
This initial effort led to today’s bedside assistant certification program designed by Drs. Chern and O’Sullivan along with residents Camilla Gomes, MD; Alyssa Murillo, MD; and education fellows at UCSF’s Surgical Skills Lab.
Students begin with online instruction about robot controls before progressing to small-group tutorials focused on hands-on practice—manipulating arms or changing tools under supervision by Gomes or Murillo. Upon completion of training requirements—including paired cases alongside experienced assistants—students receive an identifier sticker signaling their certified status within UCSF operating rooms at Parnassus Heights and Mission Bay campuses.
“The nurse managers, the attending physicians, the residents, the bedside staff — they all welcome the students and really enjoy providing a meaningful learning opportunity,” said Gomes. “I’m appreciative of UCSF’s culture for promoting this kind of open-mindedness and allowing students to function in this role as part of their education.”
So far more than twelve students have been certified through this pathway. Many report that it has increased their interest in pursuing careers involving robotic surgery—and helped them stand out when applying for competitive residency programs.
Medical student Jessica Santhakumar described her own progression: “At first it was very intimidating but our instructors warned us that we’d be nervous and encouraged us to try our best… The whole team set me up for success.” She now regularly assists with surgeries at UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights.
“I’ve been encouraging all my friends applying to general surgery residency to go for this training because it really helps us shine in our rotations,” she added.
In July 2025 Dr. Chern received national recognition when admitted into the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators—the highest honor for surgical education programs in America.
“What’s really beautiful about this work is the input that I—as a student—and other students had into this curriculum because it’s ultimately for students,” Edwards said.“It’s a beautiful example of designing a program with the people it’s intended for.”
