Advocate Christ Medical Center is only Level 1 Trauma Center serving the south side of Chicago. We also receive patients from western Chicago, the southwestern and southern suburbs, and northwest Indiana- more than 4400 patients treated by our trauma service in 2012. About 30% of these patients are victims of penetrating trauma. The scope and volume of patients treated by our trauma service has led to media attention both locally from CBS, the Chicago Tribune, and nationally by CNN.
PGY-1 residents work closely with with trauma surgery attendings during their 4 week rotation in the SINI (surgical intensive/neurosurgical intensive care unit). PGY-2 residents complete two 4 week rotations with the trauma service, as an integrated part of the trauma team. Procedures are shared equally among the EM and surgery residents, with EM residents more commonly handling the airway. Lines, chest tubes, and other procedures are plentiful enough that our residents often give the procedures to medical students by the end of the rotation. Residents are primarily responsible for treating patients while they are in the ED, but do assist the team with the care of floor patients.
Our department has a close, friendly relationship with our trauma service. A PGY-2 resident presents a trauma case every month during our didactic conference, with a lively discussion led by one of our trauma surgeons. All residents are also invited to the bimonthly dinner and case discussions held by the CMTS.