WMCHealth Trauma Chief Tapped to Shape National Standards for Lifesaving Care

VALHALLA – Kartik Prabhakaran, MD, Westchester Medical Center‘s Director of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, a nationally recognized trauma surgeon and the architect behind the Westchester Medical Center Health Network’s (WMCHealth) high-performing trauma consortium, has been appointed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a national site reviewer—placing him among an elite group charged with expanding and upholding the highest standards in trauma care for providers across the United States.

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Dr. Prabhakaran’s appointment as a reviewer for the ACS Verification, Review, and Consultation (VRC) Program is a reflection of his meaningful influence on the field of trauma care and leadership in establishing the highest standards of excellence at Westchester Medical Center. He has been at the forefront of redefining trauma care and improving patient outcomes in the Hudson Valley region, and also serves on both regional and national committees, as Chair of the ACS Regional Committee on Trauma for Greater New York.

Dr. Prabhakaran’s appointment further underscores WMCHealth’s status as a leader in cutting-edge trauma care. Under his direction, Westchester Medical Center, the only adult Level 1 trauma center in eastern New York State north of New York City, recently received the highest trauma status awarded by the ACS and remains the undisputed regional leader in trauma care, handling the most complex cases in the region and serving as a beacon of innovative patient centered care.

“I can’t think of anyone better suited to this incredibly important role than Kartik Prabhakaran,” said David Lubarsky, MD, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of WMCHealth. “Not only does he lead trauma services at Westchester Medical Center with dedication and compassion, he’s dedicated to improving trauma care in hospitals across the nation. I know he will do an outstanding job making sure that trauma centers everywhere are providing the best possible care to patients who need serious, urgent medical attention. His continued dedication will help save countless lives.”

The VRC Program is widely regarded as the gold standard for trauma center designation and quality assurance, upholding the rigorous standards established by the ACS Committee on Trauma. As a reviewer, Dr. Prabhakaran will participate in comprehensive training, observe site visits, and help guide trauma centers nationwide through the verification process—an essential component in elevating trauma system performance and improving patient outcomes across the country.