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Dr. Samantha Scarola is a PGY-4 General Surgery resident at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, where she has emerged as a leader in surgical education, clinical research, and innovation in robotic training. Her work focuses on improving surgical training pathways worldwide, with a particular interest in how immersive technologies, structured curricula, and global standardization can enhance competency development for trainees entering the robotic era.
Dr. Scarola has contributed extensively to research in surgical education, quality improvement, colorectal surgery, and minimally invasive techniques. Her published work spans topics such as the impact of surgical residents on hospital-level quality metrics, outcomes in colon and breast surgery, and the use of virtual reality as a tool to improve procedural learning for trainees. She has presented her research at national and international conferences, including the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), the American College of Surgeons (ACS), and the Association for Surgical Education (ASE).
Her growing academic portfolio includes peer-reviewed publications, multiple national podium presentations, and active participation in ongoing projects evaluating robotic training platforms, decision-making in acute care colorectal diseases, and technology-enhanced surgical education. She is also the Social Media Coordinator for her residency program, where she highlights surgical education initiatives, community outreach, and trainee accomplishments.
Beyond clinical and academic roles, Dr. Scarola is deeply committed to mentorship and the future of surgical training. She serves on her institution’s Residency Interview Committee, Program Evaluation Committee, and OR Engagement Initiative, where she works closely with faculty to enhance the training environment and learner experience. Her dedication to compassionate patient care and team leadership has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Anne Arundel Medical Center Humanism Award.
Dr. Scarola’s interests include resident wellbeing, global disparities in procedural training, and the integration of emerging technologies—such as robotics, VR simulation, and structured skills curricula—into surgical education frameworks. She is passionate about advancing accessible, high-quality training models that equip the next generation of surgeons for safe and effective robotic practice.