Trauma surgery is a surgical sub-specialty. These surgeons specialize in the treatment of traumatic events (penetrating or blunt trauma). This management scenario is in the shock room or Stabilization Unit.
After completing a Surgery Residency Program, trauma surgeons can complete a fellowship training program in trauma and/or surgical critical care. In an acute care setting, a trauma surgeon is responsible for the initial stabilization of the patient, as well as ongoing evaluation and management of polytraumatized patients. Trauma surgeons lead the trauma team acting as the “Captain of the Ship”, including the supervision and performance of physicians, nurses, and technicians in the critical care units.
Trauma surgeons promote and advance the optimal care of injured and critically ill surgical patients. They contribute to the knowledge and development of other surgeons and professionals in the field of trauma and acute care surgery.
Patients with multiple body traumas in Puerto Rico are always referred to our supra-tertiary care (Level I Trauma Center) at the Puerto Rico Medical Center. Trauma surgeons in our program are leaders in evaluation and management of these patients in the Caribbean Basin.
Dr. Pablo Rodríguez
Division Director