Kicking off the 2026 season of the AAST Cutting Edge Podcast, new hosts Dr. Caroline Park and Dr. Susan Kartiko launch this inaugural episode with a timely discussion on pediatric readiness in adult trauma centers. Joined by pediatric surgery leader Dr. Barbara Gaines, they explore the Pediatric Readiness Project, trauma verification requirements, and how emergency departments can strengthen preparedness for critically ill and injured children through structured assessment, process improvement, and multidisciplinary collaboration. 

The episode highlights practical strategies including weight-based medication dosing in kilograms, pediatric airway and equipment readiness, imaging protocols, identification of Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators (PECs), and partnership across trauma surgery, emergency medicine, pharmacy, and radiology—especially critical for rural and underserved hospitals where most children first present for care. 

Keywords:
pediatric readiness, trauma care, emergency department, assessment, implementation, healthcare, children's health, trauma centers, medical education, pediatric emergency care, surgery

In this episode, AAST Disaster Committee Chair Dr. Adam Fox discusses the intersection of trauma surgery, disaster response, emergency management, and prehospital care. He outlines how trauma surgeons contribute across the continuum of care during mass casualty incidents, hurricanes, earthquakes, critical care transport operations, and austere environments. He highlights the skillset required for field trauma care, critical care stabilization, crush injury management, amputations, ICU-level transport, and providing both surgical and primary care support during large-scale disasters. 

In this episode, Dr. Mark Seamon discusses the multifaceted role of a Trauma Medical Director (TMD), emphasizing the importance of communication, leadership, and continuous improvement in clinical care. He shares insights from his own journey, the influences that shaped his career, and the challenges and rewards of the position. Dr. Seamon highlights the necessity of a growth mindset and the value of introspection in enhancing both personal and team performance in trauma care.

Keywords: Trauma Medical Director, leadership, communication, medical education, performance improvement, mentorship, growth mindset, clinical care, trauma surgery, professional development

In this episode of The Cutting Edge, AAST President Dr. Ronald Stewart discusses the complexities of being a trauma surgeon, including the emotional challenges of delivering bad news, the importance of team support, and the role of forgiveness in personal and professional growth. He emphasizes the duality of the profession, where joy and sorrow coexist, and shares insights on how to navigate difficult conversations with empathy and respect. The conversation also touches on the necessity of compartmentalization and the continuous journey of performance improvement in the medical field.

In this conversation, Dr. Kimberly Davis discusses the origins and evolution of the Women in Trauma Surgery (WITS) program, highlighting its role in fostering community, mentorship, and support among women in the field of trauma surgery. The discussion covers the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of building relationships, and the growth of WITS into a significant network for women in surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Nicole Stassen discusses the Emergency Surgery Course, its history, target audience, and the interactive learning experience it offers. The course aims to provide a comprehensive background in emergency surgery for general surgeons, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective patient care. Dr. Stassen highlights the course's global reach, flexible structure, and the collaborative learning environment that enhances the educational experience for participants.

In this episode of The Cutting Edge, Dr. Jamie Coleman hosts Dr. Eileen Bulger, a past AAST President, to discuss the complexities of trauma surgery. They explore the importance of maintaining calm in chaotic situations, the dynamics of teamwork in the operating room, and the lessons learned from challenging cases. Dr. Bulger shares a poignant story about a young girl who was accidentally shot, highlighting the effectiveness of trauma systems and the collaborative effort required to save lives. The conversation emphasizes the significance of finding meaning in both positive and negative outcomes in the medical field.

In this episode, Dr. Kristan Staudenmayer discusses the critical intersection of healthcare economics and trauma surgery. She emphasizes the need for surgeons to understand financial aspects to advocate effectively for their patients. The conversation explores the role of the Healthcare Economics Committee, the challenges posed by Relative value units (RVUs) in measuring surgical work, and the importance of building tools for advocacy in healthcare economics.

Takeaways

• Surgeons often lack training in healthcare economics.
• Understanding finance empowers better patient care.
• RVUs do not accurately reflect the work of acute care surgeons.
• Financial literacy is essential for effective advocacy.
• Value in healthcare is a complex and multifaceted concept.
• Billing practices need improvement among surgeons.
• The workload of trauma surgeons is often invisible to others.
• Advocacy tools are being developed for better communication with leadership.
• Research is needed to address workforce issues in acute care surgery.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Dumas discusses his journey to becoming an Associate Member of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) and the benefits of involvement in the organization. He highlights the importance of engagement, networking, and leadership development for early-career surgeons. Dr. Dumas emphasizes the value of community support and the opportunities available for surgical residents, fellows, and attending surgeons within 7 years of completing training to join and contribute to the AAST.

In this episode, Dr. Marc DeMoya discusses the AAST Leadership Academy, which provides ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery. The academy aims to enhance leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions. The application process requires applicants to be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position. The in-person session at the AAST meeting is a highlight of the academy, featuring interactive sessions and networking opportunities. Dr. DeMoya emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset, listening, and effective communication in leadership roles.

Takeaways

• The AAST Leadership Academy offers ongoing professional development for mid to senior level leaders in acute care surgery.
• The academy focuses on enhancing leadership and administrative skills through core content modules and specialized sessions.
• Applicants must be fellows or associate members of the AAST with at least five years of experience and a formal leadership position.
• The in-person session at the AAST meeting provides interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
• A growth mindset, active listening, and effective communication are essential for successful leadership.