Maria Thomas

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Maria Thomas is a gynecologic oncologist whose research focuses on optimizing surgical outcomes in robotic-assisted procedures, particularly through the critical lens of bedside assistance. Her most cited work, "Does the bedside assistant matter in robotic surgery: An analysis of patient outcomes in gynecologic oncology" (2011), with 5 citations, represents a foundational contribution to understanding the role of surgical team dynamics in minimally invasive oncology. This study was among the first to systematically examine how the skill and experience of the bedside assistant directly influence patient safety and recovery in robotic gynecologic surgery, challenging assumptions that the surgeon alone determines outcomes. Dr. Thomas’s work has helped shape training protocols and team-based surgical standards, emphasizing that every member of the operating room team contributes to patient success. Her research bridges surgical technique, teamwork, and patient-centered care, offering practical insights for improving outcomes in complex oncologic procedures. For students and researchers, Dr. Thomas’s scholarship serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor roles in surgery can have measurable impacts on patient lives, and that rigorous analysis of team dynamics is essential for advancing surgical quality.