Shannon A. Fraser

Jewish General Hospital, McGill University

Papers

Total Citations

111

H-Index

About

Shannon A. Fraser is a pioneering researcher in surgical education and robotic surgery, with a focus on validating and developing simulation-based training curricula. Her major contributions center on establishing the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) robotic simulators for surgical skill acquisition. In her landmark 2013 study, she validated the da Vinci Surgical Skills Simulator across urology, gynecology, and general surgery, demonstrating its face, content, and construct validity—a foundational step for integrating simulation into robotic training. Building on this, her 2015 randomized controlled trial (52 citations) showed that a proficiency-based VR robotic simulation curriculum significantly improved robotic suturing skills compared to traditional methods, offering a scalable, evidence-based approach to surgical education. Though her 2014 trial has fewer citations, it reinforces the value of structured simulation. With over 100 combined citations, Fraser’s work has directly shaped how robotic surgery is taught, enhancing patient safety and surgeon readiness. Her research bridges technology and pedagogy, making her a key figure in modern surgical training.