Surgery, trauma expert Don Trunkey presented Alumni Achievement Award

Don Trunkey PULLMAN, Wash. – Don Trunkey, a professor emeritus of surgery at the Oregon Health Science University, has been presented with the WSU Alumni Association’s Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of his influential career and contributions to medical education, surgical methods and trauma care.

Trunkey’s surgical experience, research and teaching have helped improve medical procedures in hospitals, the military and trauma care facilities worldwide. His personal surgical skills and knowledge have helped save the lives of many, while inspiring a new generation of surgeons who can only hope to follow in his footsteps.

He graduated from St. John High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from WSU in 1959. He then attended medical school at the University of Washington, followed by an internship at the University of Oregon Medical School and a residency at the University of California Hospitals.

Tim Pavish (l), WSUAA executive director, presents award to Don Trunkey

During his career, he has served in a multitude of leadership positions regarding surgery and trauma. A few of these include chief resident for the University of California Hospitals, chief of surgery for the University of San Francisco, and professor and chairman of surgery at Oregon Health Science University. His work in public service has included president of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, president of the American Surgical Association, and the president of the Society of University Surgeons.

”The critical moment in Don Trunkey’s career was when he published a paper in 1979 on death rates of trauma patients in Orange County, Calif., compared to those in San Francisco County,” said Richard Mullins, MD, Professor, Department of Surgery. “That paper was a bombshell. It was one of the earliest, most persuasive pieces of evidence on the effectiveness of trauma centers.”

That paper’s publication triggered many years of speaking at conferences around the world regarding trauma care.

Trunkey’s long-term dedication to improving surgical and trauma care for members of the military was demonstrated when at 74 years old, he returned to Landsthul, Germany, to provide relief to military surgeons working at U.S. Army hospit als .

In addition to more than 35 years of educational leadership, he also has authored 174 journal articles and 25 books.

The WSUAA Alumni Achievement Award was created in 1970 by the WSUAA Board of Directors to recognize alumni who have given outstanding service to WSU and made contributions to their professions and communities. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. Of an estimated 250,000 students who have attended WSU, Trunkey is the 533rd Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

WSU Alumni Association Award http://alumni.wsu.edu/s/1613/2015/index.aspx?sid=1613&gid=2&pgid=391

 

Media Contacts:

Christina Parrish, WSU alumni engagement, 509-335-6907, parrishc@wsu.edu