Message from the Chief

San Francisco General Hospital has a distinguished history as a trauma center, becoming a pivotal institution for trauma care since the 1960s. It was officially designated as the first Level 1 Trauma Center in San Francisco and Northern California in 1972, setting a benchmark for trauma care and emergency response in the region and nationally. As a Level 1 center, it became known for its 24/7 comprehensive care for critically injured patients, capable of providing specialized surgical, medical, and support services, from emergency surgery to rehabilitation. The hospital’s expertise was notably demonstrated during major events, such as the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 2013 Asiana Airline crash, where its trauma center played a crucial role in treating mass casualties. Over the years, it has developed a strong focus on trauma research and education, contributing significantly to advances in trauma care protocols and injury prevention. Now known as Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center, it continues to be a leading institution in trauma services, offering one of the nation’s top training programs for trauma and emergency medicine, and serving as the primary trauma center for San Francisco and surrounding areas.

The Division of Surgery at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital has continued this tradition of groundbreaking research, education, and clinical care.  The development of programs, such as Wraparound, has been instrumental in providing comprehensive care to patients and has been recognized as one of the leading programs in the country.  In addition, the research performed, including basic science, translational, observational, and clinical trials, has enhanced the care of surgical patients.  Furthermore, the dedication to education and development of nationally recognized fellowships in surgical critical care and acute care have been the cornerstone of training the next generation of surgeons.  Finally, the dedication of all the faculty representing multiple disciplines of surgery, including general surgery, surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery,  colorectal surgery, acute care surgery, trauma, vascular, thoracic, and plastic surgery, help to provide comprehensive high-level empathetic surgical care to the region.

The overall intent of our program is to enhance and deliver the most outstanding surgical care, to train the next generation of surgeons, and to study and improve the surgical care provided.