About Trauma Programs

Mission

The mission of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT) is to develop and implement programs that support injury prevention and ensure optimal patient outcomes across the continuum of care. These programs incorporate advocacy, education, trauma center and trauma system resources, best practice creation, outcome assessment, and continuous quality improvement.

Vision

To eliminate preventable deaths and disabilities across the globe by preventing injury and improving the outcomes of trauma patients.

100 Years of COT

The ACS Committee on Trauma celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022. Read articles featured in the ACS Bulletin that looked at the evolution of the COT, explore the COT timeline, and learn more about the 100th-anniversary book.

Explore COT History

Explore Committee on Trauma

Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council

The Inclusive Excellence Advisory Council has several short and long-term goals to identify gaps within and barriers to COT membership and leadership.

Mentoring for Excellence in Trauma Surgery (METS)

METS engages young surgeons and early-career acute care surgery fellows to provide training and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Regional Committees on Trauma

A listing of the ACS Regional Committees on Trauma

National Safety Council Award

The National Safety Council Award recognizes outstanding service to safety by surgeons or surgical organizations.

Scudder Oration on Trauma

The annual Scudder Oration is one of only a handful of named lectures given annually at the ACS Clinical Congress.

Trauma Papers Competition

The Residents Trauma Papers Competition is open to all general surgery residents, surgical specialty residents, and trauma fellows.

Committee on Trauma – Community Opportunity Board

Interested in joining a workgroup or committee to engage in the work of the COT? Click here to read more about the Community Opportunity Board and position openings.

The Committee on Trauma