Oscar Guillamondegui, MD, MPH, has been named chief of the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care for the Department of Surgery.
Guillamondegui, professor of Surgery, who has been with Vanderbilt University Medical Center for 17 years, served as medical director for the Trauma ICU, director of the Vanderbilt Multidisciplinary Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic and as section vice chair for Quality and Patient Safety.
In his new role, Guillamondegui will contribute key leadership to the division, department and Section of Surgical Sciences. He will also lead efforts to support and advance clinical, research and education missions.
“Dr. Guillamondegui is an internationally renowned trauma surgeon and expert clinician. He is a visionary leader who has mobilized the community in the service of trauma patients,” said Seth Karp, MD, H. William Scott Jr. Professor and chair of the Section of Surgical Sciences.
“His accomplishments as a talented surgeon and leader in the field of surgical quality and patient safety are matched by his commitment to the education and development of faculty, medical students, surgical residents and fellows alike,” said Carmen Solorzano, MD, John L. Sawyers Professor of Surgical Sciences and chair of the Department of Surgery.
The Vanderbilt Trauma Center admits about 4,750 patients per year. Guillamondegui is credited for initiating and successfully executing the first American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma (CoT) Level One Trauma Center verification for adult patients in the state of Tennessee.
“It is an honor to take on the privilege of leading a division of such incredible, hard-working surgeons who selflessly dedicate their time to the care of the injured,” said Guillamondegui. “This division, along with the wonderful NPs, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, respiratory therapists and the entire team in the OR and everywhere else in the Medical Center who take such great care of a group of patients on their worst day with extraordinary patience make this job so rewarding.”
His leadership skills are nationally recognized. He has been rewarded with significant service opportunities in the ACS, Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST), and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP), among others.
Guillamondegui, a Houston native, earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Dallas in chemistry and his Doctor of Medicine from University of Texas — Medical Branch (UTMB). He received his Master of Public Health degree at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.
“There is not a single person who wakes up in the morning and expects to be hit by a car, fall from a ladder or have a surgical emergency, but I am certainly proud to be a part of the team that can help them get through it in the best ways possible,” said Guillamondegui.
Bradley Dennis, MD, associate professor of Surgery, served as interim chief of the Trauma Division following the departure of Richard Miller, MD, earlier this year.
