Overview:
Trauma has been here since the beginning of civilization and will likely remain in perpetuity. Following a traumatic injury in the body is the golden hour. Whilst most may know the term ‘golden hour’ from photographic contexts, it’s definition diverges when put into medical terms. The golden hour refers to the period of time, following a traumatic injury, in which there is the highest probability that rapid medical and surgical treatment will prevent death. A trauma surgeon is an integral part of the medical field, as they can save the life of a patient that is on the brink of death.
Training
Training in a general surgery residency followed by a one to two-year fellowship in traumatology and/or surgical critical care gives trauma surgeons an array of unique skills and instruction that is pivotal to success in the operating room. The path to becoming a trauma surgeon usually looks something like this:
Obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Completing a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD).
Entering a general surgery residency program that lasts from five to six years.
Completing a one to two year fellowship. A fellowship in traumatology and/or surgical critical care is ideal for trauma surgeons in training.
Procedures done by a trauma surgeon:
Life threatening events requiring a trauma surgeon can range from a major car accident to a gunshot wound. A trauma surgeon must retain their ability to think linearly in high pressure situations. When assessing a patient, a number of factors come into play such as determining which injuries are the most severe, how to treat said injuries and in which order you should go about treating them. Trauma surgeons must treat the patient’s current injuries whilst thinking ahead to avoid negative, or even fatal, outcomes. The main objective of a trauma surgeon is to save the life in their hands and prevent further damage which could be catastrophic. Because of their extensive and in-depth training, trauma surgeons are able to perform a variety of complex procedures in the O.R. Often, trauma surgeons in remote areas undergo additional training/specialization, as time is of the essence in all trauma cases. The most common surgeries a trauma surgeon performs are on the colon, pancreas, spleen, and stomach, so they must have plenty of experience and knowledge regarding multiple areas of the body. However, some areas of the body such as the heart, brain, and spine, require a specialized doctor to come in and assess the injuries in order to determine the best course of treatment.
Skill set:
In a high intensity and fast paced environment, such as the emergency department, a trauma surgeon is required to rapidly make decisions and assessments about the injuries presented and the subsequent course of treatment. Not only do trauma surgeons require the ability to perform in an intense situation, but they also must possess a level of poise that allows them to take charge and lead a team. Trauma surgeons must have the utmost confidence in their ability as they often work with incomplete information and have to use their judgement to piece the puzzle together, requiring both intuition and ingenuity.
Conclusion:
Whilst trauma surgery is a time consuming and demanding speciality, it is one of the most pivotal in medicine. Trauma surgeons are instrumental to a hospital’s function. Trauma surgeons have the unfathomable responsibility to save a life under immense stress and pressure with such delicacy and care. It is because of this that trauma surgeons are rightfully viewed in reverence by both the medical community and society.
Bibliography:
The Apprentice Doctor 2018, Becoming a Trauma Surgeon, viewed 6 August 2020, <https://www.theapprenticedoctor.com/becoming-a-trauma-surgeon/>.
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