Since Dr. Varun Chakravorty moved to Norterra Fireside, he’s longed to introduce his neighbors to Valley Surgical Clinics.
He’s doing so from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4 — with kids in mind. He’ll show off a robotic surgery simulator at Norterra Fireside Community Center Great Room.
“It’s going to be a cool event where there are a lot of young professionals with kids,” he said. “They’ll learn about the DaVinci robot while they’re having fun. They’ll have the opportunity to sit and try the robot itself. I was hoping to hold it previously, but then the pandemic hit. Now the stars have aligned.”
A Toronto native who moved to the Valley in 2018, Chakravorty operates at HonorHealth and Abrazo and performs a wide range of procedures including cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), appendectomy, hernia repairs, colon surgery and thyroid surgery. His group, Valley Surgical Clinics, is home to a number of surgeons performing bariatric, anti-reflux and breast surgery, as well.
“I hope that, through this event, everyone — not just kids — can see that surgeons are members of their own community, and a lot of these services are available to them right around the corner,” Chakravorty said.
“It’s a great way to meet and talk to surgeons, whether they have an interest in a career in medicine or engineering, or they’re having a procedure.”
The event will feature snacks and soft drinks, activities for kids and goody bags. Children can earn “certificates” on robotic proficiency.
“I really love living in this community,” he said. “My girlfriend and I are expecting in April. I just really thought this would be something fun and educational that we could do not just for the kids, but adults or anyone who has any interest in it.”
Manufacturer Intuitive is bringing a traveling DaVinci robot to Norterra Fireside, and representatives will be available to chat with the public.
Chakravorty said minimally invasive surgeries are important considering the nation’s opioid epidemic.
“With minimally invasive surgeries, we’re significantly reducing the amount of medication after surgeries,” he said. “More surgeries are outpatient, rather than admitted. Seeing the techniques that go into it can give people more understanding. Surgeries are a big deal in people’s lives. I think it makes things a little more accessible.”
Valley Surgical Clinics is Chakravorty’s first employer, after graduating St. George’s Univeristy School of Medicine. He did his residency at St. Barnabas Medical Center.
“Medicine was something I’ve always been interested in,” he said. “My mom is a retired anesthesiologist. I think what inspired me is the relationships that doctors have with patients. There are very few professions where someone will innately trust someone they’ve met for the first time. They trust you’re going to do what’s best for them.
“I take that responsibility very, very seriously. I love having that responsibility.”
Robotic Surgery Demonstration
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4
WHERE: Norterra Fireside Community Center, 28185 N Melvern Trail, Phoenix
COST: Free
INFO: 602-996-4747, valleysurgicalclinics.com