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As writer for the Winchester Sun, my voice is seldom heard from a first-person point of view. 

However, I – Matt Cizek – was subject to a unique opportunity on the morning of Monday, Dec. 9th. 

To provide some background knowledge, Clark Regional Medical Center just became the only facility for patients across several counties – Clark, Montgomery, Bath, Powell, Estill, Wolfe, and Morgan – to be equipped with the Da Vinci XI surgical robot.

As a powerful, state-of-the-art technological tool designed to enhance the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures by allowing for smaller incisions, reduced blood loss, faster recovery times, and shorter hospital stays, robotic-assisted surgery does not perform the procedures autonomously—as is a misconception—but does benefit patients with minimally invasive options. 

The tool supports a range of procedures, including general surgery, gynecology, urology, and more. 

My colleague and I were given first-hand access to the technology, guided largely by Clark Regional Medical Center CEO Matt Smith and other staff. 

After walking into a room, what struck me first was a machine that looked like it might be used for X-rays. 

However, it was something quite different. 

The machine was equipped with a metal device which bore a resemblance to bead maze toys you might find in a pediatrician’s office. 

The bar was surrounded by what appeared to be a cap, with various handle-like objects connecting to it from the outside. 

I soon discovered that – while it was being held up – other handle-like objects also served as just that – handles! 

Specifically, the handles could be operated from a separate area equipped with technology and could grab, move, and do more with objects. 

Though simulated, this in actual application could help simplify surgery with patients. 

As much as I understood it theoretically, I was thrilled when asked for an opportunity to move the mechanical hands. 

First, I sat and looked through equipment not unlike what you might see in a typical eye examination test. 

Through the lens, the same metal device could amazingly be seen along with the pair of mechanical hands. 

Following instructions as to how to use the hands – prioritizing the middle finger and thumb – the mechanical hands could be opened and closed, moved up and down, and more. 

It quickly became clear that – not only was the technology fun and amazing to marvel at – but it would become an immediate asset to trained professionals. 

The hands, I estimated, were thinner than those of many individuals – allowing further flexibility. 

It also could give medical professionals a more in-depth viewing of what they were looking at, which is especially beneficial in technical operations. 

Although, as expected, it takes training to make sure the machinery could be used optimally, I quickly understood its benefits. 

Yet that’s not all. 

One of the benefits of the technology is that – while doctors are using it – they can connect with professionals outside of the facility for assistance. 

In other words, as an actual example has proven, someone in the U.S. can consult with another individual from as far away as Australia to answer any questions and make sure operations go smoothly. 

Thus, the machinery is user-friendly and can benefit many patients, and it allows medical professionals to collaborate further. 

While I know there are criticisms here and there —as with any piece of technology—the overall benefits of effectively using such astounding technology are clear. 

From a reporter’s perspective, it’s always fun when you get to be a small part of an even greater story.