Dr. Mark Hamed Joins National Rural Advisory Council for Trauma Care

McKenzie Health System is proud to announce that Dr. Mark Hamed has been selected to serve on the Rural Advisory Council to the Committee on Trauma (COT) by the American College of Surgeons. This council, created in 2022, includes members who have firsthand experience in caring for trauma patients in rural areas. The goal is to ensure that the unique needs of rural trauma patients and providers are heard and addressed.

Dr. Jeffrey Kerby, Chair of the Committee on Trauma, extended the formal invitation to Dr. Hamed, acknowledging the value of his background and perspective. The council, led by Dr. Michael Person, Chair of the COT Rural Program Area, works on strategies to make sure rural patient and provider needs are part of COT programs and initiatives.

Members of the council, including Dr. Hamed, will meet quarterly through virtual meetings to discuss and develop these strategies. They may also join various COT workgroups based on their interests and expertise.

Dr. Hamed shared his excitement about the appointment, stating, "I was encouraged to apply by some of our state trauma partners, knowing we work to assure McKenzie has a relevant seat at the Michigan table of Systems of Care best practices. It was a long shot, as most council members are surgeons or trauma-boarded surgeons. After multiple rounds of interviews over the past three months, I was selected for the position."

Dr. Hamed will continue to serve as Michigan Region 3's Trauma Advisory Chair until his term ends in 2025 and as Physician Member at Large for the Michigan Trauma Coalition's Board. He added, "It'll be an honor to serve on the Council, and I will be proud to say that McKenzie Health System has a seat at the table when it comes to developing national ACS Trauma Care policies and protocols. Assuring rural communities and hospitals are represented when decisions are being made is critical. It underscores McKenzie’s commitment to do the right thing and go the extra mile for the good of all."

Dr. Hamed’s appointment brings national recognition to McKenzie Health System and highlights its commitment to excellence in trauma care, ensuring that rural communities are represented at the highest levels of trauma care policy and development.