Alan Zambeli-Ljepovic, MD, MHS, a surgery resident at UC San Francisco (UCSF), is among those training on advanced robotic surgical systems in the university’s Surgical Skills Lab. Seated at a console, he operates a robot’s four arms to perform simulated procedures under the guidance of lab director and colorectal surgeon Hueylan Chern, MD.
Robotic-assisted surgery is becoming more common in specialties such as urology, gynecology, and gastrointestinal surgery. In 2024, there were about 2.63 million robotic surgeries performed in the United States, representing nearly a 20% increase from the previous year. The technology allows for minimally invasive procedures and can lead to faster patient recovery.
However, training medical students in robotic surgery presents challenges. Unlike traditional operations where students observe directly at the table, robotic surgery positions surgeons behind a console and crowds the operating room with equipment and staff. “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 Chern. “They just didn’t feel engaged.”
To address this issue, Chern and UCSF medical students co-developed a program to certify final-year medical students as robotic bedside assistants. These assistants help position robots before and after surgeries, change out tools during procedures, and ensure safe movement of robot arms. The certification provides hands-on experience with surgical robotics and may improve residency prospects for participants.
The new certification builds on UCSF’s existing robotic surgery training program launched in 2018. UCSF was one of the first institutions in the western United States to perform robotic surgeries and is now among California’s busiest centers for these procedures.
Surgical resident Anya Edwards, MD, MBA—who helped develop an early version of this curriculum while still a student—described her earlier experiences observing from afar: “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.” With support from faculty including Associate Dean Adnan Alseidi, MD; Patricia O’Sullivan, EdD; and Shareef Syed, MD; Edwards piloted an online-and-in-person simulation curriculum for medical students.
Research led by Edwards found that most participating students felt better prepared for surgical rotations after completing this pilot program.
The current bedside assistant certification includes online instruction followed by small group hands-on sessions led by residents Camilla Gomes, MD; MSc; and Alyssa Murillo, MD; MSc. After demonstrating proficiency with robot controls and safety protocols—and receiving feedback via weekly check-ins—students are cleared to assist during real cases under supervision before advancing to primary roles.
“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.”
More than twelve students have completed bedside assistant certification so far. Medical student Jessica Santhakumar described her initial nervousness but credited instructors with supporting her through early cases: “At first it was very intimidating…The whole team set me up for success.” She now assists regularly at UCSF Helen Diller Medical Center at Parnassus Heights.
Santhakumar encourages other aspiring surgeons to pursue this training: “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.”
In July 2025, Chern received national recognition when admitted to the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators for work on UCSF’s robotic surgery program.
“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,” said Edwards. “It’s a beautiful example of designing a program with the people it’s intended for.”
