Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Dr. Maria Castaldi is a leading researcher in surgical education, with a focused expertise in the development and validation of structured training protocols for robotic-assisted surgery. Her major contributions center on the creation of the Robotic-Assisted Surgery Training (RAST) program, a comprehensive, multi-modular curriculum designed to bridge the gap between traditional surgical skills and the new technical demands of robotic platforms. Through her work, Dr. Castaldi has pioneered objective, simulation-based assessments for both surgeon console ergonomics and patient cart docking skills, moving beyond subjective evaluation to provide measurable metrics for trainee proficiency. Her foundational educational research protocol (2021, 6 citations) has provided the methodological backbone for this field, while her subsequent studies (2023, 7 and 6 citations) have demonstrated the program's effectiveness in creating a structured, safe learning environment outside the operating room. By systematically addressing the "how" of robotic training, Dr. Castaldi is shaping the future of surgical education, ensuring that the next generation of surgeons is technically prepared for the operating rooms of tomorrow.