The Division of Trauma, Burn & Surgical Critical Care is part of the Department of Surgery. The division was designed to respond to any emergency calls 7/24 with fully equipped state-of-the art trauma bays. Whether a trauma or a burn victim, they will be seen by a multidisciplinary team of specialists including trauma surgeons, trauma nurses, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and spine specialists. All aspects of care and all subspecialties in medicine are coordinated in the care of each trauma/burn patient, under the direction and leadership of Raul Coimbra, MD, PhD, FACS; the team is always on standby and ready to provide care to critically injured patients. Our mission is to save lives and send them back to their families.

Regional Trauma Center

In 1976 our trauma center opened its doors for the first time and served the citizens of San Diego and nearby Imperial County as San Diego County’s first Level 1 Trauma Center and has been acknowledged for its commitment to the best possible trauma care provided by expert personnel.  Under the direction of division cheif, Raul Coimbra, MD,  the UCSD Trauma Center trains over 40 medical students, 35 residents and postgraduate fellows in both clinical trauma care and research every year. Recent research programs have included the clinical testing of blood substitutes, the evaluation of new resuscitation strategies including the use of hypertonic saline, the evaluation of inflammatory mediators and their relationship to the immunosuppressed state, the evaluation of trauma outcome and the long term effects of depression following injury.  read more....

Regional Burn Center

For over 30 Years, the UCSD Regional Burn Center has developed advanced systems for evaluating and treating the patients who arrive at the Center with major burn injury. We have developed a unique team approach to make sure there are no details overlooked. A dedicated team of medical professionals meet the patients and begin evaluating. Surgeons, anestheologists and highly trained nurses gather together upon the arrival of a patient. After the patient has been carefully transferred to the examination room (burn resus), the process of evaluation begins. The most important thing is the patient’s ability to breathe.  read more....

Wound Treatment & Research Center

UCSD has recently implemented a full service Wound Treatment and Research Center to provide advanced levels of care for patients incurring recalcitrant and non-healing wounds including, but not limited to, pressure, venous and diabetic ulcers. Patients with problematic wounds frequently undergo extensive care with minimal or no response to treatment. The Wound Center at UCSD thoroughly evaluates patients and their wounds to determine their potential for healing. Advanced treatment modalities including growth factors, skin replacements and biological materials may be used to expedite wound closure. Consulting services are offered for patients currently undergoing care at another facility. Educational services, information and presentations are available for other sites and departments interested in more information on the treatment of chronic wounds.  read more....