In this episode, AAST Disaster Committee Chair Dr. Adam Fox discusses the intersection of trauma surgery, disaster response, emergency management, and prehospital care. He outlines how trauma surgeons contribute across the continuum of care during mass casualty incidents, hurricanes, earthquakes, critical care transport operations, and austere environments. He highlights the skillset required for field trauma care, critical care stabilization, crush injury management, amputations, ICU-level transport, and providing both surgical and primary care support during large-scale disasters.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Seamon discusses the multifaceted role of a Trauma Medical Director (TMD), emphasizing the importance of communication, leadership, and continuous improvement in clinical care. He shares insights from his own journey, the influences that shaped his career, and the challenges and rewards of the position. Dr. Seamon highlights the necessity of a growth mindset and the value of introspection in enhancing both personal and team performance in trauma care.

Keywords: Trauma Medical Director, leadership, communication, medical education, performance improvement, mentorship, growth mindset, clinical care, trauma surgery, professional development

In this episode of The Cutting Edge, AAST President Dr. Ronald Stewart discusses the complexities of being a trauma surgeon, including the emotional challenges of delivering bad news, the importance of team support, and the role of forgiveness in personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the duality of the profession, where joy and sorrow coexist, and shares insights on how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and respect. The conversation also touches on the necessity of compartmentalization and the continuous journey of performance improvement in the medical field.