A Victorian independent girls’ school has become the first in the country to introduce a surgical robotics curriculum, opening new pathways for young women considering careers in medicine and surgery.
Toorak College, in partnership with the International Medical Robotics Academy (IMRA), has launched the IMRA MedTech Futures – Secondary School Curriculum Package. The program, delivered in Melbourne at the only training facility of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, provides students with immersive, hands-on access to surgical robotics and emerging medical technologies such as synthetic organs.
The initiative is designed to address gender disparity in the medical profession, where only 15 per cent of active surgeons in Australia are women, according to the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons’ 2022 Activities Report.
Ms Kate Brown, Deputy Head of Senior School, Academic Growth at Toorak College, said the program reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students for the modern workforce.
“We are incredibly proud to partner with IMRA and be the first school in the country to create and trial a program of this kind,” Ms Brown said.
“At Toorak College, one of our core goals is empowering young women to ignite change. This program nurtures curiosity and confidence, while showing students that they can meaningfully contribute to the next generation of female surgeons. It all starts with education.”
Students who participate in the program gain first-hand experience operating surgical robots and learning about the future of minimally invasive surgery. Twenty-one Toorak College students have already completed a micro-credential through the pilot stage, an achievement that the school and IMRA hope will expand nationally in the coming year.
IMRA CEO Mr Adam Clark said the collaboration is about bringing the “pinnacle of modern surgery” into classrooms.
“Technology is moving at an exceptionally rapid pace, and the industry is constantly evolving,” Mr Clark said. “Our programs are revolutionising the concept of surgical training. We are proud to share our knowledge and resources with the next generation of surgeons in a way that is accessible and agile for the future.”
The IMRA model also addresses broader challenges in medical education. By using the latest synthetic training models, the approach reduces reliance on animals, combats surgeon burnout, and provides opportunities for skills maintenance and re-entry into the workforce after extended leave.
IMRA trainer Dr Jade El-Mohamed noted that this has particular benefits for female surgeons.
“In most cases, surgeons who take extended leave are women, often for parental responsibilities. The IMRA training model shortens the learning curve with the latest surgical technology, enabling them to confidently return to work,” she explained.
The partnership between Toorak College and IMRA is not only about preparing students for careers in surgery but also about inspiring them to think broadly about innovation, equity, and leadership in health care.
Toorak College plans to expand the curriculum as a nationwide model within the next 6–12 months, making it available to both independent and public schools across Australia.
For the students, it represents a rare opportunity to step into the world of medical robotics while still at school – something Ms Brown says has the potential to be transformative.
“In 2025, the gender gap in surgery remains significant. We want our students to see what’s possible, find meaning in their learning, and ultimately contribute to a more diverse medical workforce,” she said.
If successful on a larger scale, the surgical robotics curriculum could mark a shift in how Australian schools prepare students for the cutting edge of medicine.
