New robot surgeon brings cutting-edge technology to UT Health Athens
Published 5:25 am Friday, October 24, 2025
Robot surgeons are not a concept of the future anymore as The University of Texas Health Athens recently unveiled the new addition to its operating rooms.
Students, medical staff and community members gathered to get the first public look at the new surgical robot, Da Vinci Xi, at an all day event hosted by UT Health Athens, a branch of UT Health East Texas, in the main entrance marking a major milestone in expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive surgery for patients in Henderson County and surrounding areas.
“Minimally invasive surgery performed through robotics is essential for any regional hospital’s future,” said Buddy Daniels, CEO of UT Health Athens. “We’re actively recruiting specialty physicians to perform robotic-assisted procedures so our patients can receive the same high-quality care as they would at a large regional facility without having to leave their community.”
The Da Vinci Xi platform assists surgeons, allowing them to perform complex procedures through small incisions with enhanced visualization, precision and control. Benefits for patients often include less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries. Surgeons currently use the system for general surgery and urology.
From 8 a.m. to noon, UT Health Athens hosted more than 150 students from Trinity Valley Community College, Athens High School, Eustace and Wills Point ISD to participate in a special educational session, giving them a rare, hands-on look at how robotic-assisted surgery works and practice techniques with surgical staff.
“Introducing the next generation to surgical robotics was one of the highlights of the day,” Daniels said. “Watching students light up as they engage with the technology reminds us of why community partnerships like this are so important.”
In the afternoon from noon to 5:30 p.m., UT Health Athens had four rotating open house sessions for UT Health Hospital and clinic staff, community groups like the Chamber of Commerce, referring providers and the Rotary Club of Athens. In the sessions visitors received a live demonstration, a chance to operate the Da Vinci Xi system, explore its advanced features and have questions answered by the lead surgeon at UT Health Athens, Dr. Robert Dorman, and other clinical staff.
“This event was about more than showcasing new technology,” Daniels said. “It was about showing our community what the future of health care looks like and demonstrating that you don’t have to leave East Texas to receive world-class care.”
Officials say the state-of-the-art system reflects UT Health Athens’ dedication to giving back to the community by inspiring the next generation of health care and technology professionals, while being a significant investment in local health care. The robot represents another major step in UT Health Athens’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative care close to home, according to Daniels.
UT Health Athens continues to grow its robotic surgery program to meet the growing needs of the community by adding robot assisted gynecologic surgeries soon.
“The ideal healing environment is close to home, surrounded by family and support,” Daniels said. “The addition of the Da Vinci Xi system brings us closer to that vision.”
For more information about UT Health Athens visit, https://uthealtheasttexas.com/locations/athens/.