UT Health Athens Showcases Cutting-Edge Robotic Surgery with Community Event
Athens, Texas (October 16, 2025) — UT Health Athens hosted a dynamic community event Thursday to introduce its new Da Vinci Xi surgical robot, marking a major milestone in expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive surgery for patients in Henderson County and surrounding areas.
The day began with a special educational session for local students, giving them a rare, hands-on look at how robotic-assisted surgery works. More than 150 students from Trinity Valley Community College, Athens High School, Eustace ISD and Wills Point ISD participated in demonstrations led by UT Health Athens surgical staff.
“Introducing the next generation to surgical robotics was one of the highlights of the day,” said Buddy Daniels, CEO of UT Health Athens. “Watching students light up as they engaged with the technology reminds us of why community partnerships like this are so important.”
In the afternoon, the hospital welcomed community members for an open house and live demonstration, where guests had the chance to operate the Da Vinci Xi system, explore its advanced features and talk with surgeons and clinical staff — including Dr. Robert Dorman, a leading surgeon at UT Health Athens.
The Da Vinci Xi robot represents a significant investment in local healthcare, allowing surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision, smaller incisions and faster recovery times. UT Health Athens currently offers robotic-assisted procedures in general surgery and urology, with gynecology services to follow soon.
“This event was about more than showcasing new technology,” Daniels said. “It was about showing our community what the future of healthcare looks like — and demonstrating that you don’t have to leave East Texas to receive world-class care.”
UT Health Athens continues to grow its robotic surgery program as part of its commitment to innovative, high-quality care close to home — while also inspiring young people to explore careers in healthcare and medical technology.
About UT Health East Texas
UT Health East Texas provides care to thousands of patients each year through an extensive regional network that includes nine hospitals, more than 90 clinics, the Olympic Plaza Tower, 13 regional rehabilitation facilities, two freestanding emergency centers, regional home health services, an EMS fleet of more than 65 ambulances and four helicopters, and a comprehensive eight-trauma center care network, including the region’s only Level 1 trauma facility.
As a partner with The University of Texas System, UT Health East Texas is uniquely positioned to provide patients with access to leading-edge research and clinical therapies while training and educating the next generation of physicians and other health professionals. The nationally recognized UT System also includes The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, as well as three other major university medical centers located throughout the state.