Birmingham, Alabama, October 20, 2025
News Summary
The University of Alabama at Birmingham has launched a pilot teletrauma program aimed at enhancing access to trauma care in rural areas. Implemented at various locations, including Russell Medical and UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals, the program uses a two-way audiovisual system to enable remote consultations with trauma surgeons. This initiative is designed to improve the initial management of severely injured patients, minimize unnecessary transfers, and ensure timely access to necessary care, ultimately strengthening the trauma network in Alabama.
Birmingham, Alabama – The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has launched a pilot teletrauma program designed to enhance access to trauma care in rural areas. This initiative is currently implemented at Russell Medical and six UAB St. Vincent’s locations, including the UAB St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital.
The teletrauma program utilizes remote consultation capabilities to deliver trauma expertise in smaller hospitals and care facilities, benefiting individuals in rural communities who often struggle to access necessary resources, particularly trauma care. The goal of the program is to improve timely access to trauma services rather than simply providing a service.
Doctors at various locations, including Russell Medical and UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals in Birmingham, Blount, St. Clair, Chilton, East, and Trussville, will utilize the teletrauma program. Through this initiative, initial management of severely injured patients can be enhanced, and their transfer to an appropriate trauma center can be expedited. Dr. Mohammad Zain Hashmi, who serves as an assistant professor in the UAB Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, is the program’s director.
The pilot teletrauma program aims to identify which patients can be safely discharged home, thereby preventing unnecessary and costly interfacility transfers. Emergency department physicians can activate a teletrauma consultation through a two-way audiovisual communication system, allowing local physicians and patients to communicate effectively with trauma surgeons at UAB. Recommendations offered by UAB doctors may include short-term observations at local facilities and subsequent follow-up evaluations to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of care.
This innovative teletrauma program can also reduce potentially avoidable transfers, resulting in significant cost savings for patients. The initiative represents a commitment to aligning lifesaving work with cost-effective decision-making. It is specifically designed to improve the quality of care at smaller emergency departments that are not designated as trauma centers. Dr. Hashmi highlighted that the overall aim of the program is to ensure that injured patients receive timely and appropriate care at the right location.
The deployment of the teletrauma program is intended to strengthen the trauma system and expand access to high-quality care in underserved communities. Research conducted by Dr. Hashmi indicates that standardized teletrauma care strategies can effectively minimize the gaps that often exist between specialized trauma care and the services provided by local hospitals.
The launch of this program is considered a significant step in developing a comprehensive trauma care network across Alabama. UAB Medicine, which comprises the Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine, operates a $4.3 billion health system with 2,300 licensed beds across six hospitals. UAB Hospital ranks as the third-largest public hospital in the United States and has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its quality of care. Furthermore, UAB is the largest single employer in Alabama and ranks among the top academic medical centers in the nation, committed to advancing health through innovative discoveries.
Key Features of the Teletrauma Program
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Implementation Locations | Russell Medical and six UAB St. Vincent’s hospitals |
| Technology Used | Two-way audiovisual communication system for remote consultations |
| Director | Dr. Mohammad Zain Hashmi |
| Aim | Enhance access to trauma care and improve initial management of severely injured patients |
| Patient Benefits | Reduced unnecessary transport and potential cost savings |
| Quality Improvement | Enhances care at smaller emergency departments not designated as trauma centers |
| Broader Goal | To create a comprehensive trauma care network across Alabama |
FAQ
What is the teletrauma program launched by UAB?
The teletrauma program utilizes remote consultation capabilities to provide trauma expertise in smaller, more rural hospitals and care facilities.
Where is the teletrauma program implemented?
The program is implemented at Russell Medical and six UAB St. Vincent’s locations, including UAB St. Vincent’s Chilton hospital.
What is the main goal of the program?
The program aims to fulfill the demand for trauma services rather than merely providing a service.
Who is the director of the teletrauma program?
Dr. Mohammad Zain Hashmi is the director of the teletrauma program.
How does the teletrauma consultation work?
Emergency department doctors can activate a teletrauma consultation through a two-way audiovisual communication system.
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Additional Resources
- Clanton Advertiser: UAB Launches Teletrauma Program
- Wikipedia: Telemedicine
- Clanton Advertiser: UAB Teletrauma Program Expands Access
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Telemedicine
- Clanton Advertiser: Improving Rural Healthcare Through Teletrauma
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
