paulaferradaMD

Summary

• Dr. Paula Ferrada, MD, FACS, FCCM, MAMSE, currently serves as the Division and System Chief for Acute Care Surgery and Trauma, and Medical Director of Perioperative Services at Inova Healthcare System. She is also a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Virginia. Dr. Ferrada, a trailblazing Surgeon-Leader from Colombia, is internationally recognized for her advocacy in equity, diversity, and inclusion as well as her leadership in trauma resuscitation. She trained at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, becoming the first Colombian woman to graduate from a Harvard general surgery program. Later, she pursued fellowship training at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Transitioning into academia, she held leadership roles at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she became a full Professor of Surgery. Dr. Ferrada is a renowned educator, delivering ultrasound courses globally and receiving numerous teaching awards. She was inducted into the Academy of Master Surgeon Educators by the American College of Surgeons and received the Olga Johansen Award from the Association of Women Surgeons in 2022. As Chair of the Young Fellows Association and President of the Pan-American Trauma Society, she initiated mentorship programs and elevated trauma care standards internationally. With over 120 peer-reviewed publications and editorial roles in prestigious journals, Dr. Ferrada's research contributions are extensive, including leading multicenter trials and practice guidelines. Her dedication continues to drive excellence and innovation in surgical education, clinical practice, and research.