Opening a Modern Trauma Center at UChicago Medicine: Residency Perspective and Partnerships

The chapter provides both a Program Director Perspective and a Resident Perspective on the incorporation of a new trauma center at the University of Chicago. The Program Director navigates the challenges of establishing the trauma service, addressing issues related to staffing, residency partnerships, logistics, and resident wellness. The program involves internal and external partnerships, a comprehensive training protocol, and the implementation of a trauma wellness curriculum to support residents. The Resident Perspective explores the transformative impact of the trauma center on surgical training. It describes the pre-trauma center experience, the increase in acuity and the challenges faced, emphasizing the growth in clinical, technical, and psychological aspects. The residents highlight the significant skill development, interdisciplinary learning, and broader implications for surgical education. The post-trauma center experience reflects on the resident’s journey, emphasizing increased readiness, autonomy, and a shift in career trajectory towards trauma surgery. Overall, the trauma center’s establishment is presented as a catalyst for growth and resilience in both program leadership and residents, contributing significantly to surgical education.