Conference Agenda | Speakers | Registration | Conference Committee

FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2025

11:00 AM - 11:10 AM | WELCOME

11:10 AM - 11:20 AM | LIFE AFTER TRAUMA: A SURVIVOR'S JOURNEY

11:20 AM - 12:00 PM | NAVIGATING COMPLEXITY: EMS DECISION-MAKING AND CARE COORDINATION IN THE FIELD

EMS professionals are the first to assess and manage complex situations, often serving as the only eyes and ears on the scene. In this session, Dr. Edward Racht will explore the critical role of EMS in ensuring scene safety, providing medical and stabilization, managing pain, and supporting  informed decision making about appropriate patient transport. We will discuss strategies for effective communication, team collaboration, and navigating challenging patient and family dynamics to optimize care and improve outcomes.

12:00 PM - 12:10 PM | LIFE AFTER TRAUMA: A PARENT'S JOURNEY

12:10 PM - 12:50 PM | BEYOND THE BITE: MANAGING TRAUMA, RECOVERY, AND THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT

Join Dr. Anna Newcomb, PhD, LCSW and Mindy Stinner while they explore the comprehensive care of patients following traumatic animal bites, focusing on both immediate medical management and the long-term psychological and social effects. Attendees will learn how to serve as a liaison between patients, families, and the medical team, ensuring clear communication and family-centered care from the initial call through discharge. Through a compassionate and collaborative approach, participants will gain insights into best practices for promoting healing, resilience, and informed decision-making in complex bite-related trauma cases.

12:50 PM - 1:30 PM | MANAGING THE AFTERMATH: MEDICAL PRIORITIES, COORDINATED CARE, AND RECOVERY

Dr. Jane J. Keating, M.D, FACS, will explore medical care priorities, complications, concerns, and future planning when managing patients with animal bite injuries. Learn key strategies for coordinating care, effective team collaboration and communication, all while promoting patient autonomy. Dr. Keating will provide guidance on tackling challenging patient and family dynamics that impact care and outcomes. This session promises valuable insights into improving protocols and outcomes for those affected by animal bites.

1:30 PM - 1:40 PM | BREAK

1:40 PM - 1:50 PM | LIFE AFTER TRAUMA: A SURVIVOR'S JOURNEY

1:50 PM - 2:30 PM | SUPPORTING RECOVERY: COMPASSIONATE DISCHARGE PLANNING FOR SURVIVORS

Creating effective, empathetic discharge plans for patients recovering from traumatic animal bites is crucial for both immediate recovery and long-term well-being, supporting physical healing, emotional resilience, and reintegration into daily life. Join Dr. Karen Macauley, DHA, MEd, BSN, to explore understanding patient priorities, providing anticipatory guidance, and addressing fears with sensitivity and clarity. With an emphasis on kindness and compassionate medical care, this session will highlight practical approaches to ensure patients feel supported and empowered as they transition to the next phase of their recovery.

2:30 PM - 3:45 PM | FROM DATA TO ACTION: HARNESSING REGISTRY ANALYTICS, PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT, AND INJURY PREVENTION TO DRIVE TRAUMA CARE EXCELLENCE

Join our panel of experts, including: Haley Bolyard, CSTR, CAISS, Carrie Chismarich, MA, BSN, RN, TNS, TCRN, and Jennifer McCue, RRT, BSEd, CPST to explore how trauma care is built on a foundation of data, performance improvement, and proactive prevention. Our panel will discuss the critical role of trauma registries in gathering and analyzing data to drive meaningful change, from medical documentation and injury coding to benchmarking trends and improving patient outcomes. Participants will also examine how Performance Improvement and Patient Safety (PIPS) empowers teams by transforming opportunities into solutions, fostering collaboration, and strengthening patient care. Finally, the session will highlight the power of injury prevention as the only true cure for trauma, offering strategies for leveraging epidemiology, forging partnerships, and developing impactful programs. Attendees will gain insights into how these interconnected components enhance trauma care, support staff well-being, and shape the future of injury prevention and treatment.

3:45 PM - 3:55 PM | BREAK

3:55 PM - 4:45 PM | LEADING THE WAY: TRAUMA PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND THE POWER OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE

Providing exceptional trauma care requires a multidisciplinary team where each member plays a critical role in patient outcomes. Join Melissa N. Hall, MSN, RN and Jessie Levy, LCSW as they explore how Trauma Program Managers navigate the complexities of patient centered care while ensuring the right people are at the forefront of care. Beyond treating the patient, trauma care must encompass wrap-around services, including mental health screening, support for families, and specialized care for children and individuals with special needs. By strengthening teamwork, clarifying roles, and enhancing communication, this session highlights strategies to ensure every patient receives the comprehensive, coordinated care they deserve.

4:45 PM - 5:25 PM | LIFE AFTER TRAUMA: A SURVIVOR'S JOURNEY PANEL DISCUSSION

5:25 PM - 5:30 PM | CLOSING REMARKS

CONTINUING EDUCATION UNITS: 

CE Designation Statement
The Trauma Center Association of America is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 16459 for 4.75 contact hours. Certificate must be retained for 4 years after date of issue. Nurses should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CME Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented by the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) and American Trauma Society (ATS). TCAA is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).

AMA Designation Statement
The Trauma Center Association of America designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.