What is a trauma surgeon?

Trauma surgeons perform emergency surgery on patients who have critical injuries, such as blunt-force trauma and severe penetration wounds. Unlike emergency room doctors who treat all patients that come to the ER, trauma surgeons are not usually a part of the emergency room staff. They are typically called in for life-threatening injuries that need surgery. Trauma surgeons become the primary care provider for their patients after surgery and provide follow-up care for their patients when they are admitted to the hospital.