A New Approach to Shadow Training: How IMRA Surgical Is Changing the Game

For decades, “see one, do one, teach one” was the gold standard in surgical education. But as medicine evolves, so must our approach to training the next generation of surgeons.

At IMRA Surgical, we believe shadow training must be safer, smarter, and more scalable. That’s why we’re combining synthetic simulation, structured learning, and immersive technology to create ethical surgical training solutions—without sacrifice.

Why Traditional Shadowing Isn’t Enough Anymore
Shadowing has long been the starting point for aspiring surgeons: watching over the shoulder of a senior surgeon, learning by observing real cases. It’s valuable—but today, it’s no longer sufficient.

Here’s why:

• Limited Case Access: ORs are under pressure to run more efficiently. That leaves fewer opportunities for learners to observe complex cases.
  
• Patient Safety Concerns: Hospitals are rightfully cautious about letting inexperienced trainees participate in live surgeries. There’s little room for risk.
  
• Uneven Learning Experiences: Not every learner has access to the same cases or mentors. That inconsistency leads to uneven skill development.
  
• The Rise of Robotic Surgery: With more surgeries now performed robotically, the attending surgeon often operates from a console—physically separated from the patient and surgical team. This setup makes traditional bedside shadowing nearly impossible for residents and fellows, creating a critical gap in experiential learning.
  

In short, we’ve created a system where learners are expected to perform before they’ve truly practiced.

Simulation Should Come First—Not Last

Many institutions now supplement clinical learning with simulation. But too often, simulation is reserved for early training—or used as a fallback. We believe it should be foundational.

Simulation offers:

• A safe space to build confidence
  
• Repetition without patient risk
  
• Feedback that drives progress
  

The key is doing it right.At IMRA, we’ve developed a scalable training ecosystem that blends synthetic models, online education, and VR simulation—designed to meet surgeons where they are and help them advance faster.

The Role of VR Simulation in Modern Shadowing

Virtual Reality is no longer just a flashy add-on. It’s becoming essential.

Through our partnerships with industry leaders like Surgical Science, we’re helping to integrate VR-based shadow training into real-world surgical education. Their robotic and laparoscopic training systems allow residents to:

• Practice anytime, anywhere
  
• Build procedural memory
  
• Get immediate, objective feedback

VR simulation creates a structured and measurable pathway to proficiency—before ever entering the OR.

From Simulation to Synthetics: A Parallel Path to Mastery

VR simulation lays the groundwork, but hands-on practice is still vital. That’s where IMRA’s synthetic training models come in.

Our hydrogel-based skill trainers and full procedure torso systems mimic the feel and feedback of live tissue—without the ethical concerns or logistical limits of cadavers and animals.

With IMRA, learners can:

• Start with basic suturing and dissection
  
• Progress to complete procedural pathways
  
• Practice repeatedly and consistently

This dual-path approach—VR and synthetic—ensures more complete preparation than shadowing alone ever could.

Ethical, Outcomes-Driven, and Ready to Scale

At IMRA, we’ve rebuilt our company around a single belief: that surgical training should never require sacrifice.

• Not of ethics.
  
• Not of time.
  
• Not of quality.
  
• Not of access.

Our new brand ethos is reflected in our mission—and in our tagline “Ethical Surgical Training Solutions Without Sacrifice”, to our growing library of virtual demos, which let you preview every model before you purchase.

We’re proud to support teaching hospitals, surgical residency programs, and medical manufacturers alike with training solutions that are:

• Ethical (no cadavers or animals)
  
• Portable (train anywhere, not just in offsite labs)
  
• Data-Driven (built-in assessment and feedback)
  
• Aligned with Clinical Goals (train on the exact techniques and tools surgeons use in the OR)
  

Why We’re Redefining Shadow Training

We’re not here to replace human mentorship—but we are here to make every minute of OR time more valuable.

By frontloading learning through simulation, VR, and synthetics, we give trainees the confidence and competence they need to make the most of in-person shadowing. And when real-world cases aren’t available, simulation ensures training continues—without waiting on schedules or patient access.

The Future of Training Has Arrived

At IMRA Surgical, we’re building the future of surgical education—one learner, one procedure, one model at a time.

Whether you’re an educator, device innovator, or surgical resident, we invite you to explore our growing ecosystem. Watch our virtual demos, try our products, and see how ethical, scalable training can elevate every learner.

Because when training improves, outcomes follow. And the next generation of surgeons deserves nothing less.

Learn more at imrasurgical.com or get in touch at imrasurgical.com/contact