Trauma Program Medical Director Job Description - South Dakota State Trauma Program Medical Director

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by Paura

Trauma Program Medical Director job description outlines qualifications and the responsibilities of the South Dakota State Trauma Program Medical Director. The role reports to the Administrator of the Office of EMS and Trauma and requires board certification, current licensure in South Dakota, and trauma course instructor certifications. Core duties include developing and overseeing trauma policies and practice guidelines, guiding performance improvement monitoring and data collection, reviewing trauma deaths and complications, supporting quality and budget goals, and ensuring compliance across the state trauma system through collaboration with SDDOH, hospitals, and EMS partners.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Qualifications

Nature and Scope

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Administration

Program Initiatives

Performance Improvement (PI)

Trauma Program Medical Director Job Description Job Title: South Dakota State Trauma Program Medical Director Reports to: Administrator of Office of EMS and Trauma Qualifications: 1. Board certified General Surgery. 2. Member in good standing of the South Dakota trauma community. 3. Currently licensed to practice medicine in South Dakota. 4. Currently certified as an instructor in both the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma courses; Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Rural Trauma Team Development Course (RTTDC) . 5. Three years clinical experience in the care of the severely injured patient. 6. Two years of trauma administrative experience. 7. Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. 8. Ability to accept and implement change. 9. Ability to problem solve and implement effective change. 10. Demonstrated history of positive collegial relations with colleagues, support staff, hospital-based providers and administrators, patients, and the South Dakota Department of Health (SDDOH) . Nature and Scope: The South Dakota State Trauma Medical Director (SDSTMD) is responsible for the ongoing development , growth, and collaborate oversight of the South Dakota Trauma Program. He/she must be able to demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and an understanding of the interdependent roles of various allied health professions. The SDSTMD is responsible for promoting high standards of practice through development of trauma policies, protocols, and practice guidelines, participating in rigorous performance improvement monitoring and data collection along with its interpretation. He/she will guide trauma performance improvement , administrative issues , and critically review trauma deaths and complications that occur within the state. Decisions affecting the care of trauma patients will be in collaboration and input of the SDSTMD. Principal Duties and Responsibilities: Administration: • Participate in the research, development and implementation of trauma policies, protocols , and practice guidelines to ensure optimal patient care. • Promote a cooperative and collaborative working environment among the clinical disciplines involved in trauma care. • Maintain an effective working relationship with the SDDOH staff, the regional health systems, and their employees with an emphasis on trauma care providers, trauma medical directors, trauma program managers, and other trauma specific roles. • Participate in South Dakota trauma program marketing activities. • Collaborate in a SDDOH needs assessment for trauma specific equipment, supplies, budget , personnel, and a programming evaluation for the betterment of the severely injured patient in South Dakota. • Assist the SDDOH, with a primary focus on the State Trauma Program Manager in developing and meeting the trauma program quality and budgetary goals. • Oversee, participate in, and develop projects that ensure the quality of care provided throughout South Dakota to the injured patient. • Guide and participate in the site designation process of hospitals in the South Dakota Trauma System. Program Initiatives: • Lead efforts for continued development and growth of the state trauma program. • Collaborate with the Trauma Program Manager to establish trauma program goals and objectives consistent with those of the state and ensure that those of the trauma program are being met. • Develop and provide input on practice guidelines, policies, and methodologies for medical/surgical trauma care. • Participate in state hospital trauma designation visits , if requested. • Organize, direct, and implement practices to assure continued compliance with applicable laws including the guidelines established by the South Dakota Statewide Trauma System and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. • Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationship with colleagues, physicians, practitioners , nurses, ot

FAQs

Who does the South Dakota State Trauma Program Medical Director report to?

The South Dakota State Trauma Program Medical Director reports to the Administrator of the Office of EMS and Trauma.

What qualifications are required for the position?

The role requires board certification in General Surgery, active South Dakota medical licensure, good standing in the South Dakota trauma community, instructor certification in ACS Committee on Trauma courses including ATLS and RTTDC, and specified clinical and administrative experience.

What are the principal performance improvement responsibilities?

The director reviews and implements statewide PI activities, oversees the PI program, monitors compliance with trauma guidelines, coordinates peer review processes, identifies deficiencies, and chairs statewide quarterly trauma meetings focused on collaboration and best practices.

Sep 13, 2026

Uploaded by Paura