Ross A. Kalman
Papers
2
Total Citations
160
H-Index
2
About
Dr. Ross A. Kalman is a urologic surgeon whose research centers on robotic surgery education and outcomes, particularly for robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). His most influential work challenges assumptions about surgical training, demonstrating that trainees do not negatively impact institutional learning curves for robotic prostatectomy. In a landmark 2008 study with 85 citations, Kalman and colleagues analyzed 383 RALP cases, showing that operative time, estimated blood loss, and positive surgical margin rates remained stable even as trainees participated in procedures under a structured teaching program. This finding, replicated in a second highly-cited paper (75 citations), provided crucial evidence that well-designed training protocols can maintain patient safety and surgical quality during the learning process. By systematically evaluating the learning curves of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon and his trainees, Kalman helped establish that robotic surgery can be effectively taught without compromising outcomes. His work has significant implications for surgical education, residency training, and the safe expansion of robotic surgery programs, making him a key voice in the ongoing discussion about balancing teaching responsibilities with optimal patient care.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1
- 2