MEDIA ADVISORY For March 26, 2011: Peconic Bay Medical Center Presents The da Vinci Robot at School-Business Partnerships of Long Island’s FIRST Robotics Competition

Who: Representatives from School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI)
Representatives from Peconic Bay Medical Center

What: Members of Peconic Bay Medical Center will present a hands-on demonstration of the da Vinci robot at the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition, sponsored by School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI). The da Vinci robot enables the medical center’s specially-trained surgeons to offer a minimally invasive option for complex conditions, specifically in the treatment of urologic and gynecologic cancers.

In January 2011, Peconic Bay Medical Center brought the da Vinci robot to Westhampton Beach High School. The medical center is a sponsor of the school’s robotics club, and its director of gynecologic oncology, Dr. Hannah Ortiz, serves as the club’s mentor.

The demonstration emphasizes not only the different applications in which robots can be used, but the importance of having robotics programs in local high schools. The students who participate in robotics competition go on to college to study engineering, science and technology. Students who witness this demonstration will further be inspired to pursue a career in those related fields.

When: Saturday, March 26
8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Where: David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex (Arena)
North Campus, Hofstra University
Hempstead, N.Y.

Directions: Exit M4 of the Meadowbrook Parkway, Route 24 West (Hempstead Turnpike). Stay on 24W for about one mile. Pass Nassau Coliseum. Make the first right after the first overhead walkway (this is the main entrance into the campus). Make a right at the stop sign onto a street named Northern Boulevard. The second building on the right is the Hofstra Arena. Follow signs to parking.

About School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc.
SBPLI was founded in 1984 by Fred Breithut with the goal of developing partnerships between local high schools and businesses that would provide students with practical experience and curriculum development, while helping the business community develop its future workforce. Over 100 partnerships have been formed. In 1999, Long Island FIRST was formed for the purpose of developing a Long Island Regional FIRST Competition. In 2000, 14 high school teams participated. The Long Island Regional has since grown with 48 teams participating in 2010. In January 2011, registered teams were provided with supplies and the competition's game rules via satellite from U.S. FIRST’s home office.

Hank Russell, Public Relations Director
PRMG
156 North Ocean Avenue
Patchogue, NY 11772
631-207-1057
hrussell@theprmg.com

This release was published on openPR.