We are honored to celebrate the career and retirement of Jeffrey Young, MD whose 30 years of dedication to trauma surgery, patient care, and medical education have left an indelible mark at the University of Virginia and beyond.
Dr. Young joined the UVA Department of Surgery in 1994 and assumed the role of Director of the Trauma Center, transforming the trauma center into a nationally recognized leader in patient care. Under his leadership, trauma admissions grew from 250 to over 1,200 annually, supported by innovative protocols and benchmarks.
His commitment extended to improving hospital-wide outcomes, achieving a 40% reduction in mortality index during his nearly decade long tenure as Associate Chief of Staff for Clinical Performance.
Nationally, Dr. Young has conducted over 230 trauma center evaluations and contributed to foundational resources like the ACS Optimal Resources for Trauma Care guide. His pioneering educational efforts, including his Clinical Brain Training platform and widely regarded podcasts, have reached over a million learners globally, shaping the next generation of trauma specialists. He has served as President of the Virginia Surgical Society, Board of Directors of the Southeastern Surgical Congress, and the Board of Directors of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.
As a teacher, mentor, and researcher, Dr. Young has inspired countless students and colleagues. His mentorship has guided numerous residents to careers in trauma and critical care, several of whom now lead the field nationally. His research, with nearly 100 publications and groundbreaking contributions, underscores his influence in advancing trauma care.
Dr. Young will continue working as an ACS surgeon at UVA part time and will participate in meetings and conferences as Professor Emeritus.
Please join us in celebrating Dr. Young’s legacy and wishing him all the best in retirement. His impact on our institution, the field of trauma care, and the lives of countless patients and students will be felt for generations to come. The Department of Surgery will host a formal retirement celebration for Dr. Young on March 20th, 2025 when our alumni return for the Muller Jones Kron Surgical Society Meeting.