When a hospital brings in a surgical robot, the natural question for most people is: Will this machine replace my doctor? Rutland Regional Medical Center took that question head-on this month by opening its newest da Vinci 5 Surgical System to the public in downtown Rutland, Vermont.
General Surgeon, Dr. Wigmore, shows the da Vinci Surgical System to a student.
Rutland Regional Medical Center recently debuted its brand new da Vinci 5 Surgical System to the community in Rutland, Vermont.
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Rutland Regional Medical Center is expressing gratitude toward the Paramount Theatre and the many residents who turned out for the official unveiling of the da Vinci 5 Surgical System, held Saturday, October 10 at the Paramount in Downtown Rutland.
The morning portion of the event drew students from local schools and area robotics teams. These young attendees, many with interests in both healthcare and technology, had the chance to engage directly with hospital providers and even try their hand at operating the machine the same way a surgeon would.
As the day progressed into the afternoon and evening, the audience shifted to include community residents, hospital volunteers, RRMC board members, and RRMC staff. All were invited to observe how the new system functions and to get hands-on experience with it themselves.
“It is important for the public to see this is a machine that will assist our surgeons during procedures. It is not a standalone robot that will do the work for the provider,” said Dr. Michael DiMeola, Anesthesiologist and President of Medical Staff at RRMC. “The da Vinci 5 is a true enhancement of surgical procedures. Investing in this technology is an investment in the long-term health and vitality of our local region.”
The da Vinci 5 represents the newest milestone in robotic-assisted surgery. It is a surgeon-operated platform that has been shown to deliver superior outcomes by supporting the surgeon in the operating room. Patients benefit from faster recovery times, reduced pain, smaller incisions, and an overall improved experience. RRMC is proud to offer the region access to the latest model currently available across the nation.
Click here to download two photos from the event.
About Rutland Regional Medical Center: Rutland Regional Medical Center is the largest community hospital in Vermont and is supported by a medical staff of 360 physicians and advanced practice providers trained in 43 specialty areas. The 145-bed hospital is supported by approximately 1,700 employees. With a strong patient-centered focus and award-winning care, Rutland Regional remains dedicated to improving the health of families and individuals throughout portions of southern and central Vermont and communities in eastern New York State with preventative, diagnostic, acute and rehabilitative services. RRMC.org
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Olivia Bucksbaum
Rutland Regional Medical Center
+1 802-747-1608
Why it matters: By inviting the public to see the da Vinci 5 up close, RRMC is addressing common fears about automation in medicine head-on, clarifying that this technology amplifies—not replaces—the surgeon’s skill. For residents of southern and central Vermont, this investment signals that advanced surgical care is no longer reserved for big-city hospitals, potentially improving health outcomes locally for years to come.
