Medically reviewed by Dr. Kartik Prabhakaran, MD 

When a serious accident or injury happens, every second matters. The care a patient receives in those first critical moments can mean the difference between life and death. That’s why national standards for trauma care are so important, and why WMCHealth is proud that Kartik Prabhakaran, MD, has been chosen to help uphold those standards across the country. 

What It Means to Be a National Site Reviewer 

As Director of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at Westchester Medical Center, Dr. Prabhakaran has been appointed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) as a national trauma site reviewer. In this role, he will: 

• Visit trauma centers nationwide to ensure they meet ACS benchmarks 
• Provide guidance on staffing, training, equipment and protocols 
• Help hospitals strengthen their systems so patients get the best possible outcomes 

“Every patient deserves the assurance that their hospital is ready for the unexpected,” Dr. Prabhakaran said. “By holding trauma centers to the highest standards, we’re making sure that wherever someone is injured, they can count on receiving timely, expert care.” 

Why This Matters for Our Community 

For Hudson Valley families, his appointment reinforces something they already know: WMCHealth is the region’s leader in trauma care. Westchester Medical Center is the only adult Level I trauma center in eastern New York State north of New York City, handling the most complex and life-threatening injuries. 

The WMCHealth Trauma Consortium includes five trauma centers across the region, plus a robust transfer system that ensures patients can reach specialized care quickly, no matter where they are injured. 

“Serving as a site reviewer is a chance to listen, learn and share best practices. Every hospital has strengths to offer, and by working together we can raise the quality of trauma care for patients everywhere,” said Dr. Prabhakaran.  

A Reflection of WMCHealth’s Commitment 

This appointment signals WMCHealth’s commitment to: 

• Delivering advanced trauma care when every second counts 
• Offering compassionate treatment for patients and families in crisis 
• Shaping the future of trauma medicine, locally and nationally 

To learn more about our around-the-clock trauma, acute care surgery and critical care services, visit our website.