FIU Medical Student Witnesses Robotic Heart Surgery

Natasha Mazinani observed a groundbreaking procedure at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:16am

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Natasha Mazinani, a first-year student at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, had the opportunity to observe a robotic heart surgery performed by Dr. Makoto Hashimoto and Dr. Tom C. Nguyen at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital. Mazinani was amazed by the experience, as she had never witnessed a robotic surgical procedure before.

Why it matters

This experience provided Mazinani, an aspiring medical student, with a unique glimpse into the cutting-edge world of robotic surgery, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in the field of cardiovascular care. Observing this procedure firsthand can help shape Mazinani's future career path and understanding of advanced medical technologies.

The details

Mazinani was invited to observe the robotic heart surgery after completing her first year at FIU Medicine. She was initially nervous about witnessing the procedure, but was ultimately amazed by the experience of seeing the inner workings of the heart displayed on a screen during the surgery.

  • Mazinani observed the robotic heart surgery in the spring of 2026, shortly after completing her first year at FIU Medicine.

The players

Natasha Mazinani

A first-year student at the FIU Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine who had the opportunity to observe a robotic heart surgery.

Dr. Makoto Hashimoto

A surgeon at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital who performed the robotic heart surgery that Mazinani observed.

Dr. Tom C. Nguyen

A surgeon at Baptist Health South Miami Hospital who performed the robotic heart surgery that Mazinani observed.

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What they’re saying

“When I walked into the room, I was a little nervous. I had never seen a robotic case before, so I didn't really know what to expect.”

— Natasha Mazinani

“I did not expect the inside of the heart to look like that when they put the cameras in and I was watching it happen on the screen. It was amazing.”

— Natasha Mazinani

The takeaway

This experience provided Mazinani, an aspiring medical student, with a unique opportunity to witness the latest advancements in robotic surgical technology, which is transforming the field of cardiovascular care. Observing this procedure firsthand can help shape Mazinani's future career path and deepen her understanding of innovative medical techniques.