Trauma

Juris Medicus has a medical expert who is board-certified in surgical critical care by the American Board of Surgery. This expert additionally serves as the Medical Director of Trauma for a Level I Trauma Center within the Department of Defense.

Traumatic injuries occur when a person experiences a blunt force or penetrating wound. These injuries can affect internal organs, bones, the brain, and the other soft tissues of the body. Trauma surgery is the specialization in surgery that focuses on the treatment and care of such injuries, which can potentially be life-threatening.

Trauma physicians are trained to quickly evaluate, diagnose, and stabilize patients who have sustained a physically traumatic injury. They are responsible for treating bone fractures, lacerations, internal injuries, burns, and shock. Trauma surgeons specialize in performing emergency surgeries on people who have had a critical injury or illness.

After a 5-year general surgery residency, a physician can participate in a 1–2-year trauma surgery fellowship. Additionally, trauma surgeons often also complete a critical care fellowship.