About Me
As an acute care surgeon, I’m responsible for caring for people as they face some of the worst experiences of their lives. I treat traumatically injured patients, which includes those who require emergency general surgery and those in the surgical intensive unit. My patients and their families trust me to fully explain complex medical situations and to support them through what can be long and difficult hospitalizations.
As the Trauma Medical Director at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, I’m passionate about helping all acutely ill surgical patients recover. The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center offers a multidisciplinary approach that provides innovative, exceptional care for surgical patients and I’m proud to be part of it.
I commonly treat patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries, rib fractures, injured solid organs (liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney), bowel injuries and soft tissue injuries. I treat conditions that require emergency surgery, like appendicitis, cholecystitis (gallbladder infection), bowel obstructions and necrotizing skin infections. I also care for postoperative patients in the intensive care unit.
My research is focused on strategies to improve outcomes for traumatic injury patients. I’m especially interested in management methods to reduce the use of narcotics for pain control.
I enjoy helping to train other physicians interested in trauma care. As a faculty surgeon, I previously taught medical students and residents at Central Michigan Medical School and Michigan State University.
I’m also committed to increasing online education for trauma surgeons. I’m the chair of the Online Education Committee at the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST). My team produces YouTube videos, called East Minute, that serve as resources for physicians and trainees. I’m also the lead podcast host of “Traumacast.”
In addition, I’m passionate about providing medical care overseas. I participate in annual surgical missions with the International Surgical Health Initiative (ISHI) in Trujillo, Peru.
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Rib Fractures
- Appendicitis
- Brain Injuries
- General Surgery
- Multiple Trauma
Locations Where I Practice
1581 Dodd Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-8000
181 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-257-3000
in East Hospital
181 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-293-3230
in McCampbell Outpatient Care
1581 Dodd Drive
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-2101
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA
8/15/2005 - 5/16/2009
Residency
George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC
7/1/2009 - 6/30/2015
Fellowship
George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC
7/1/2012 - 6/30/2013
Fellowship
University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016
Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery
10/26/2016
American Board of Surgery/Surgical Critical Care
10/26/2016
Academic Information
My Department
Surgery
My Division
Trauma, Critical Care and Burn
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/30/2024, Dr. Valdez has reported no relationships with companies or entities.