For over four decades, Vanderbilt’s Acute Care Surgery division has been a pillar of expert medical service, extending its reach across Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the wider Middle Tennessee region. Our faculty’s deep knowledge spans critical disciplines including trauma, burn care, emergency general surgery, and surgical critical care. This dedication ensures that communities in and around Middle Tennessee receive the highest standards of surgical attention. Central to our ability to deliver exceptional care are our advanced facilities, incorporating specialized Trauma, Burn, and Surgical Intensive Care Units. Furthermore, our strong alliance with LifeFlight, encompassing both ground and air transport, enhances our capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to critical needs. Proudly, we stand as the sole Level 1 Adult Trauma center in our area, a testament to our rigorous standards, verified by both state and national certifications from the American College of Surgeons.
Our commitment extends beyond immediate patient care to encompass community well-being through proactive outreach, education, and preventative programs. These initiatives have garnered recognition throughout our community, region, and even nationally, reflecting our dedication to public health. We offer a comprehensive suite of courses sanctioned by leading medical authorities such as the American College of Surgeons, the American Burn Association, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine, ensuring our medical professionals remain at the forefront of best practices. Our innovative Future is NOW (Non-violent Options Win) program exemplifies our community engagement, fostering relationships with young individuals impacted by gun violence. Through collaborations involving our faculty, medical students, and community partners, we inspire these youth to envision and build positive futures. This holistic approach underscores the vital role of advanced practice providers, such as those trained in a Vanderbilt Acute Care Np Program, in extending care and education within the community and hospital settings.
Beyond our clinical and community endeavors, the Division of Acute Care Surgery is a hub of research and innovation, managing a diverse portfolio of research projects supported by federal bodies like the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD), alongside investigator-led studies. Our faculty members are at the helm of numerous national multi-center cohorts and clinical trials, serving as Principal Investigators, Co-investigators, and Site-Investigators. This robust research activity underscores our commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical science, seeking new knowledge, discoveries, and technologies to elevate the delivery of premier clinical care. This dedication to advancement is crucial in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, where the expertise of professionals from diverse backgrounds, including graduates of a Vanderbilt Acute Care NP Program, is essential.
We are deeply invested in shaping the future of surgery through our comprehensive training programs. These include our general surgery residency program and our distinguished Acute Care Surgery fellowship, which has been running for over 30 years. Our fellowship program, highly sought after and respected, boasts over 100 alumni. Many of these graduates have risen to prominence as leaders in Acute Care Surgery, making significant contributions in both civilian and military sectors. Their roles span leadership positions such as Deans, Director of Military Joint Theater Trauma System, Chief Medical Officers, Chairs, Division Chiefs, Service Line Directors, and Surgeon-Scientists. The success of our graduates highlights the rigorous training and the interprofessional environment that could be attractive to those considering advanced practice roles, potentially even in conjunction with or as a pathway from programs like a Vanderbilt Acute Care NP Program.
Mayur B. Patel, MD, MPH
Chief, Division of Acute Care Surgery
