May 24, 2024
Contact: LAgeneralPIO@dhs.lacounty.gov
Los Angeles General Medical Center Celebrates 30-Year Milestone of Trauma Care and Medical Education Excellence
Los Angeles, CA -Los Angeles General Medical Center proudly presented the 30th Annual National Trauma, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery Symposium, a distinguished two-day event celebrating three decades of exceptional collaboration and innovation in trauma care and medical education. This year’s symposium spotlighted the enduring partnership between the Department of Health Services, its Los Angeles General Medical Center, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Jorge Orozco, Chief Executive Officer of Los Angeles General Medical Center, expressed the significance of the occasion, stating, “We gathered here to commemorate an extraordinary milestone: the 30-year partnership between the Department of Health Services, Los Angeles General Medical Center, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC. This collaboration has and continues to serve as a beacon of excellence, driving advancements in trauma care and medical education.”
He continued, “Our Trauma Program epitomized innovation and dedication. Our mission remained steadfast: to provide world-class care and education to every member of our community, especially the most vulnerable, ensuring they received the highest quality treatment with compassion.”
Dr. Brad Spellberg, Chief Medical Officer of Los Angeles General Medical Center, underscored the global impact of their efforts, saying, “Our commitment to excellence extended worldwide, hosting over 150 research fellows from diverse corners of the globe and offering training to surgeons from the US Navy. This symposium served as a testament to our dedication to disseminating knowledge and advancing healthcare standards globally.”
Dr. Christina Ghaly, Director of Health Services for the County of Los Angeles, highlighted their pursuit of excellence within the county’s health system, stating, “Our commitment to excellence is embodied within the Los Angeles County health system. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, we have consistently elevated healthcare standards within our community. As we moved forward, our dedication remains unwavering, ensuring that Los Angeles General Medical Center continues to set the benchmark for trauma care and medical education, thereby enhancing the overall health landscape of our county.”
This afternoon, Dr. Christina Ghaly delivered the keynote lecture, “Pursuing Excellence in the County of Los Angeles Health System,” further highlighting their dedication to advancing medical education and providing exceptional care to the community.
The symposium also honored Dr. Demetrios Demetriades, whose visionary leadership had been instrumental in orchestrating this remarkable gathering. Renowned as the Director of Trauma, Emergency Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care at Los Angeles General Medical Center and Professor of Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Dr. Demetriades’s contributions to the field were extraordinary.
With over 670 peer-reviewed publications, multiple award-winning books, and numerous teaching accolades, Dr. Demetriades’s influence was profound. His global recognition, including honorary doctorates and leadership positions, highlighted his significant impact on surgical practice worldwide.
The event marked a pivotal moment in the history of trauma care, reaffirming the commitment of the Department of Health Services, its Los Angeles General Medical Center, and the Keck School of Medicine of USC to advance medical education and provide world-class care to the community.
About Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General):
Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General) is an over 600-bed, Level One Trauma Center and an academic teaching hospital run by the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS). Through affiliation with Keck School of Medicine of USC, LA General is one of the premier training sites for intern and resident physicians completing their Graduate Medical Education. LA General operates special units that serve patients across the Southern California region, including a Burn Center, Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and Psychiatric and Pediatric Emergency Rooms. LA General offers outpatient services to victims of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and elder abuse, and to children in foster care. The medical center campus is also home to a nonprofit organization, The Wellness Center, which provides a range of programs for community residents.