Welcome

Rappahannock Trauma and Acute Care Surgeons (RTACS) is a unique practice that provides care to trauma patients, patients who need to undergo emergency General Surgery, patients who may need elective General Surgery, and we provide care to those in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit We have a group of surgeons all of whom have specialty training and American Board of Surgery Board Certification in both General Surgery and Trauma/Surgical Critical Care. All of us are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Board Certification represents acknowledgement by the American Board of Surgery [link to ABS website, www.absurgery.org] of successful completion of a certification process. “Certification by the ABS is a voluntary process meant to recognize individuals who have met a defined standard of education, training and knowledge specifically in the field of surgery. Board certification is different from possessing a medical license, which is required by law for an individual to practice medicine. Board certification is specialty-specific, whereas medical licensure is not” [quote from ABS website]

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is the governing body for Surgeons. “If you or someone you know is considering elective surgery, you should be aware that there are some ways to objectively evaluate your surgeon. The American College of Surgeons—the largest international organization of surgeons in the world—recommends that you look for the following criteria: 1) board certification 2) hospital or ambulatory center accreditation and 3) Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons (FACS)…. The American College of Surgeons admits to its Fellowship only those surgeons whose professional activity is devoted to surgical practice and who agree without compromise to practice by the professional and ethical standards of the College.” (www.facs.org/public_info/yourhealth/findadoc.html )

The ACS has patient information which may be of value. Please refer to this link (www.facs.org/patienteducation/index.html)

The Specialty of General Surgery involves the surgical care of the GI tract and intestines from mouth to anus, management of hernias, treatment of cancer, and the care of complex wounds. Commonly performed procedures include appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resection for cancer or conditions such as diverticulitis, drainage of abscesses and debridement of wounds, thyroidectomy and adrenalectomy, and the management and repair of all kinds of hernias. We are experienced in laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery. Some procedures can be performed in the Clinic, while others must be performed in the Operating Room. We are committed to timely evaluations and treatment, and compassionate and well communicated care for all of our patients. There are no limitations with regard to a patient’s ability to pay.

Trauma is the care of the seriously injured. Most patients who suffer trauma are initially managed in the Trauma Center, but care continues beyond hospitalization and we manage their outpatient needs. Many trauma patients see multiple specialists, such as Orthopedics, Neurosurgery or Otolaryngology. All care is coordinated by our office. The Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Center is a Level Two Adult Trauma Center designated by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Comprehensive trauma care is provided to all victims of injury

Trauma is any life-threatening accidental or intentional injury. Most commonly, we see patients who suffer motor vehicle crashes, motorcycle crashes, falls, and injuries due to stabbings or gunshots
The Mary Washington Hospital Trauma Center has 24/7 availability of Trauma surgeons, including those trained in such specialties as Neurosurgery and Orthopedic surgery.

Surgical Critical Care is the discipline of our specialty which deals with the management of complex surgical patients in the Intensive Care Unit. The participation of a Surgical Intensivist in the daily management of surgical patients in the ICU has been shown to improve outcome. Our group provides 24/7 coverage in the MWH Surgical Intensive Care Unit for immediate evaluation and management of all surgical patients.

Our community responsibility includes education, injury prevention, and health maintenance. We partner with primary care and general practitioners to make sure preventative medicine and health maintenance for all of our patients is available.

For more information, please contact Trauma Services office at 540-741-2855 or via email at lawrence.roberts@medicorp.org.