Check back in January for information about the 2026 Trauma Symposium

Over 120 physicians, flight teams, paramedics, EMTs, nurses, respiratory therapists, patient care technicians, and other essential medical personnel expanded their knowledge and skills in Trauma and Critical Care when they attended the 17th annual Trauma symposium on May 22–23, 2025. Led by Dr. Robert Maxwell, Erlanger's Trauma Medical Director, the program demonstrated Erlanger's commitment to advancing trauma care in the Chattanooga region and beyond. The program included both lectures and a day-long skills lab and presentations on a wide range of topics, such as traumatic brain injuries, obstetric and eye emergencies, and mass casualties. Since its inception in 2008, Erlanger's Trauma Symposium series has provided critical care and training to over 3,000 health professionals.

Many of the Symposium faculty are current Erlanger physicians and other highly skilled medical staff. Some, such as Dr. Victoria Miles and Dr. Chris Bell, completed their residencies or fellowships in one of Erlanger's 10 residency and fellowship training programs. The Symposium series expands the model and outreach of surgical practice and training developed by Dr. Phil Burns, Dr. Joel Clements, and Dr. Bill Russell. This model emphasized not only excellent surgical skills, as taught by Erlanger Surgery Departments 35 surgeons, but also modelling the treatment of patients with respect and kindness.

Many trauma team specialists trained in Erlanger's residency and fellowship programs, including those who have obtained advanced training elsewhere, now practice in the Chattanooga region, expanding the medical and surgical expertise available locally. We in this area are fortunate to have these health care providers now serving Chattanooga area patients and have Erlanger's Trauma Services in our times of need.

Statements from attendees

"The lecture topics were very informative, and the speakers did an amazing job. Everyone was very educated and inclusive and were willing to give tips and adjustments for outside facilities that don’t have as many resources."
— 2025 Erlanger Trauma Symposium attendee

"Excellent presenters and excellent skills labs that portrayed real life scenarios."
— 2025 Erlanger Trauma Symposium attendee

CME/CEU credits provided up to 12.75.*

*Day 1 - 6.75 and Day 2 - 6.0