Megan Cesta

Summa Health System, University of Louisville

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Megan Cesta is a leading researcher in robotic surgery safety and simulation-based training. Her work focuses on a critical, often overlooked aspect of robotic surgery: the emergency undocking procedure. Recognizing that traditional robotic training rarely addresses interprofessional team dynamics during crises, Cesta developed a pioneering simulation curriculum designed to train surgeons to lead their teams in rapidly and safely disconnecting the robotic system in an emergency. Her foundational paper, "Emergency Undocking Curriculum in Robotic Surgery" (2019, 19 citations), established a new standard for surgical preparedness, directly improving patient access times during critical events. This work, along with her earlier 2018 simulation curriculum (12 citations) and its accompanying video protocol, has become essential reading for institutions seeking to enhance operating room safety. By shifting the focus from individual surgeon skill to coordinated team response, Cesta’s contributions have filled a vital gap in surgical education, ensuring that robotic teams are as prepared for emergencies as they are for routine procedures.