Trauma/critical care surgery

Abstract The specialty of trauma/critical care is relatively new and is currently in a state of evolution as we now face not only a shortage of surgeons but also an alarmingly increasing number of well-trained surgeons who are unwilling to provide emergency care. Regionalization of both trauma and emergency surgical care nationwide is on the horizon and will require major changes in our surgical training programs. However, careers in trauma/critical care and emergency surgery can offer a controlled lifestyle, challenging cases that cross over many disciplines, and a rich field for scientific investigation.