Citation for Prof. Samir Rasslan, MD, Dr(hc), FACS

Prof. Samir Rasslan, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) since 1980, is a senior professor in the department of surgery at the University of São Paulo, Brazil. Until 2014, he was also director of general and emergency surgical services for the Hospital das Clinicas, the most important hospital in São Paulo with the largest trauma center in one of the largest cities in the world.

Professor Rasslan graduated from Santa Casa Medical School and trained in general surgery at Santa Casa Hospital in São Paulo. He joined the faculty of his alma mater and rose through the ranks to become professor of surgery, director of the section of biliary and pancreatic diseases, and director of emergency services. His interest and work in the education and training of residents led to his appointment at the University of São Paulo as director of the residency program and his rise to department chair from 2009 to 2013. Under his leadership, the surgical residency of this hospital became one of the most sought after in Latin America.

Beyond education, Professor Rasslan’s most important contributions are to the care of trauma patients. His passion for this field has led to an extraordinary record of publications covering all aspects of trauma and acute and critical care surgery. While director of the ACS Advanced Trauma Life Support^® Course, he organized 94 courses that provided training to surgeons in his country and around the world.

He has been Governor of the Brazilian ACS Chapter and President of both the Brazilian College of Surgeons and the Panamerican Trauma Society. He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Medicine and the Superior Council of the Brazilian College of Surgeons. Widely regarded as a master surgeon, Professor Rasslan has been one of the finest international ambassadors of surgery in Latin America throughout his surgical career.

Professor Rasslan is appreciated by his colleagues in the ACS for his scientific contributions, leadership, integrity, and friendship, and for his ability to build bridges between surgeons in the U.S. and Latin America.