BRADENTON, Fla. — As part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month, students around Manatee County got firsthand experience with treating cancer patients using medical devices at HCA Florida Blake Hospital in Bradenton.

The hospital is among the leading institutions for general thoracic surgery in the United States and Canada, according to HCA Florida Blake Hospital officials.

Dr. Robert Ferguson, a thoracic surgeon, explains that devices like the Da Vinci robot have helped lung cancer patients recover faster.

“Traditionally, we used to have to completely open the chest, and people would stay in the hospital for upwards of a week. Nowadays, we’re doing some procedures with the robot where people are going home on the exact same day," he said.

Emma Harlow, a senior at Parrish Community High School, sees herself using this kind of medical device one day.

She has wanted to be in the medical field since she was a kid.

“I just want people to feel better. I’ve always had this empathetic streak, and seeing people suffer really hurts me,” said Harlow.

Coming from a family of nurses, Harlow wants to take things up a notch and hopes to become a surgeon specializing in pediatric oncology.

“It’s a calling,” she said. “With oncology, which is something I really enjoy and want to do, I know I won’t be able to bring everybody home, but at least I can help parents have more time with their children and make kids feel better."

She has even had the opportunity to volunteer at the hospital.

“In the ER, which will be my next shift, I’ll be working with stretchers, getting them ready for when patients come in, responding to call lights, stocking supplies, and bringing items to patients in the ICU,” said Harlow.

Harlow is gaining as much experience as she can now to set herself up for the future.

Next month she'll be applying to colleges, with plans to major in pre-med.

HCA Florida Blake Hospital awarded $5,000 to two schools—Nolan Middle School and Parrish Community High School—each receiving $2,500.