Funding Research Leads to World-Class Care
Orthopedics is just one example of the Trauma Center’s impact on trauma medicine nationally. Orthopedic surgeons perform life-saving procedures that can include repair of a neck fracture, broken limbs, dislocations and many other traumatic injuries. Because of this tremendous impact, Regional One Health Foundation provided funding for Dr. John Weinlein, a leading orthopedic surgeon at Campbell Clinic and one of Regional One Health’s orthopedic trauma surgeons, to conduct orthopedic trauma research.
“This research helps to establish Regional One Health as a leader in innovation, technology and patient care,” Dr. Weinlein said. “The volume and scope of orthopedic trauma treated at Regional One Health is duplicated by very few centers in the U.S.”
The Elvis Presley Trauma Center is also a respected leader in many disciplines including traumatic brain injuries, vascular injuries, inter-abdominal injuries, transfusions and transfusion therapy – the list goes on.
“There exists no other hospital in this area as capable of taking care of multi-injured patients,” Dr. Weinlein said.
Surgeons at the Trauma Center publish about 20 research papers each year on a variety of subjects, more than most other trauma centers in the nation. They are among the leading trauma experts in the country in generating research that changes entire patterns of care.
“The research being conducted by these surgeons on countless topics each year is the only way to find optimal care for patients across this country,” said Dr. Croce.
The knowledge and expertise that comes from caring for critically injured patients each day translates into the top care in the nation for non-trauma surgery. Anyone who comes to Regional One Health for shoulder surgery or a hip replacement, for example, can know the experience and knowledge of some of the best physicians in their field will be hard at work.
“Patients at Regional One Health receive some of the top care in the nation because of the experience that these surgeons have,” said Dr. Croce. “While we are known as the hospital that can save the critically injured, our full family of healthcare services is so much more.”
What’s in a Name?
So, why does Regional One Health’s most widely-known center of excellence bear the name of The King? In 1983, the Elvis Presley Trauma Center was officially named after the city’s most famous resident by former Memphis Mayor Bill Morris.
Elvis fans have had a strong connection with the Trauma Center since the beginning. Their dedication to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and to the life-saving work being done in the Trauma Center has been an integral part of raising the funds needed to provide this unparalleled level of care.
In 1986, Elvis fans made a generous $50,000 gift to the hospital, effectively establishing what is now known as Regional One Health Foundation. With this initial gift and the countless others that followed, the Foundation has contributed philanthropic support for vital projects, such as purchasing state-of-the-art, lifesaving equipment.
In 1990, the Foundation established a wall of honor where nearly 300 plaques are displayed today, each dated and inscribed according to the wishes of the donor. The Elvis Presley Memorial Donor Recognition Wall recognizes donors who have contributed $1,000 or more to Regional One Health Foundation to support the Trauma Center. Numerous fan clubs appear on the wall of honor, as well as businesses that have consistently supported the Trauma Center through the years.
You can add your name to the wall or simply make a small donation to help the Trauma Center or one of Regional Medical Center’s three other centers of excellence, including burn, neonatal intensive care and high-risk obstetrics.
See the full list of generous donors who support the Elvis Presley Trauma Center during 2014 here.