Carondelet St. Joseph Hospital Trauma Center Medical Director named State Trauma Association President

TUCSON (December 19, 2022) – Dr. Francis Ali-Osman, Carondelet St. Joseph Hospital’s  medical director of trauma and emergency services was named the Arizona Trauma Association President for a two-year term.

Dr. Ali-Osman has led the Level I Trauma Center at Carondelet St. Joseph Hospital since the hospital opened its expanded trauma program in 2019, a culmination of more than a year of planning, construction, recruitment and collaboration with key community stakeholders. His years of experience in trauma and critical care include leadership positions in Arizona and Texas hospitals as well as Carondelet.

“As the newly-elected president for the Arizona Trauma Association, it is wonderful to know I will be advocating for excellence in trauma care not only in Tucson but across the state as well. It is important to differentiate between a trauma center and ER since trauma is a hospital-wide program. It really is a reflection of the many services in the hospital that help with the treatment and recovery of trauma patients,” said Dr. Ali-Osman.

The Arizona Trauma Association is a multidisciplinary trauma collaborative for Arizona healthcare providers and organizational leaders that improves care for injured patients through education, advocacy, prevention, and research. It is involved in several aspects of trauma care within the state with a common goal of helping improve trauma care for all patients.

“I am excited to represent Carondelet and provide input on continuous improvement of Arizona’s trauma centers. St. Joseph’s Hospital is the state’s newest trauma center. It elevates our clinical capabilities and expertise while complementing our brain and spine, orthopedic, cardiovascular and other specialties, as well as building solid relationships with first responders,” he said.

A milestone for Carondelet Health Network, introduction of the trauma service line brought increased access and resources for providing critical care for communities in Southern Arizona and beyond. Prior to Carondelet adding trauma services, there was only one trauma center serving Southern Arizona.

Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital received a renewal of its Level I Trauma Center designation earlier this year. Granted by the Arizona Department of Health Services, this three-year designation affirms the hospital’s commitment, ability and skill in offering care for complex and life-threatening injuries in the Tucson and southern Arizona community.

Providing Level 1 Trauma services means Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital has numerous specialties available around the clock including orthopedic trauma surgery, neurosurgery, vascular and cardiovascular surgery, general surgery, hand surgery, ophthalmology and plastic surgery, among others, through a comprehensive team of medical specialists and support staff.

“Ensuring our community has access to advanced trauma care is an achievement that adds to Carondelet’s rich history in Tucson that spans 142 years,” said Monica Vargas-Mahar, Carondelet Health Network’s market chief executive officer. “Having our medical director, Dr. Ali-Osman, as the Arizona Trauma Association president, is such an honor and a testament to the work he and his Trauma team have provided to our patients and the community.”

Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital added trauma services November 1, 2019, which allowed the hospital to offer care for life-threatening injuries through around-the-clock availability of a comprehensive team of medical specialists and support staff.  It first received its Level 1 Trauma status by the state in 2020.

About Carondelet Health Network

Carondelet Health Network is comprised of Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital, Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital, Carondelet Marana Hospital, Carondelet St. Raphael’s Emergency Center, Carondelet Neurological Institute, Carondelet Heart and Vascular Institute, as well as primary care and specialty physician offices. For more information visit www.carondelet.org.