MARIO 2025 Elevates Surgical Excellence at the San

Last month, Sydney Adventist Hospital hosted the annual Mentored Australian Robotic Introductory Observership (MARIO) course, bringing together surgeons, fellows and nurses from across Australia and New Zealand for a focused weekend of robotic colorectal surgery training.

Held in the San theatres, the program offered participants an intensive, hands-on learning experience guided by some of the most accomplished robotic colorectal surgeons in the region. With 46 attendees and the highest number of surgical robots assembled in one room for training in Australia, including the country’s only Single Port (SP) robotic system available for teaching, the event underscored the San’s commitment to advancing patient-centred innovation.

MARIO is designed for fellows and consultants looking to deepen their expertise in robotic colorectal procedures. The program included live delayed da Vinci surgery, as well as practical sessions centred on complex procedures such as Robotic Ventral Rectopexy, Robotic Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), Robotic Anterior Resection, and Right Hemicolectomy.

Participants benefited from direct mentorship provided by a distinguished faculty: A/Prof Stephen Pillinger, A/Prof Craig Lynch, A/Prof Walid Barto, Prof Andrew Stevenson, Dr Carina Chow, Dr Justin Evans, and A/Prof Kim-Chi Phan-Thien. Collectively, this group has performed over 20% of all da Vinci colorectal procedures in Australia and New Zealand, offering a level of expertise unmatched in the region.

Alongside the technical training, the program also included talks from San staff about running a successful robotics program. Led by our Director of Strategy and Transformation, Gareth Craddock, the MDT room was a great interactive space for the attendees to utilise. Natalie Kusse spoke about the expectations of a Surgical Assistant, while Clinical Nurse Consultant Lauren Bradford gave a nursing perspective. These talks were well received with discussions going into the afternoon.

The interactive program allowed attendees to build professional connections and share insights into improving outcomes for patients undergoing robotic surgery.

The focus on patient-centred care remained central throughout the two-day program, with faculty emphasising how robotic innovation can enhance precision, reduce recovery time, and support safer, more effective surgical experiences.

As an annual event, MARIO continues to position Sydney Adventist Hospital at the forefront of surgical education and robotic capability, supporting clinicians, growing surgical expertise, and ultimately improving the care we deliver to our community.