Kara Teruya

Papers

Total Citations

114

H-Index

About

Dr. Kara Teruya is a pioneering figure in the field of robotic surgery education, whose work has fundamentally shaped how surgical trainees acquire and refine their technical skills. Her primary research focuses on the development and validation of standardized training methodologies for robotic platforms, with a particular emphasis on establishing objective benchmarks for surgical proficiency. Her landmark 2013 study, which has garnered 114 citations, provided the first comprehensive comparative assessment of three major training modalities—inanimate models, virtual reality simulators, and in vivo tissue—demonstrating their construct validity and introducing the critical concept of cross-method validity. This work has become a cornerstone reference for surgical training programs worldwide, influencing curriculum design and credentialing standards. Dr. Teruya’s contributions extend beyond this seminal paper; she has been instrumental in advancing the science of surgical simulation, ensuring that training methods are not only effective but also transferable across different learning environments. Her research continues to drive innovation in how robotic surgical skills are taught, assessed, and mastered, making her a leading voice in the quest to enhance patient safety through rigorous, evidence-based surgical education.