Richard A. Bagdonas, M.D., a resident of Amityville, recently received senior membership designation in the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST). He serves as director of trauma and surgical critical care at South Nassau Communities Hospital.

EAST is dedicated to fostering advances in the care of critically injured patients and the study of the practice of surgery of trauma patients by establishing lectureships, scholarships and foundations to promote, reward and recognize individuals working in the field of injury and injury control. Recently, Dr. Bagdonas was awarded the University of Maryland Medical Center's Hero Award at this year's annual Shock Trauma Gala. In 2004, Dr. Bagdonas received the Nassau Regional Emergency Medical Services Council's Physician of Excellence Award. "This prestigious membership is a direct result of Dr. Bagdonas' extensive experience and training in trauma care and his leadership in developing the best practices in responding to the emergent needs of the trauma patient," said Joshua Kugler, MD, Chief Medical Officer. As director of trauma and surgical critical care, Dr. Bagdonas oversees trauma care provided by the hospital's emergency department, develops policies and procedures for the management of critically ill or injured patients, and educates physicians in training for the delivery of various emergent surgical services. Dr. Bagdonas earned a bachelor's degree from Fordham University and his medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. He completed a residency in general surgery at Nassau University Medical Center in 1990. From 2006 to 2007, he was fellowship-trained in surgical critical care at the prestigious R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center of the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Md." Prior to his fellowship training, he worked at Nassau University Medical Center for more than 15 years in a variety of roles, including vice chairman of emergency medicine and program director of surgery. He is board qualified in emergency medicine, board-certified in surgical critical care and surgery, and a fellow of the American College of Surgery.