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News Release: 7/28/2026

Health

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Monica Coleman
monica.coleman@hcahealthcare.com
281-607-3560
 
 

Understanding Trauma Care: What Happens After a Serious Injury
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood trauma surgeon shares how specialized trauma teams care for patients and why community awareness matters
 
KINGWOOD, Texas — A traumatic injury can happen in an instant, changing the course of a person's life in seconds. While most people hope they'll never need a trauma center, understanding how trauma teams respond—and the steps individuals can take to help prevent serious injuries—can make a meaningful difference.
 
Jody Smith, MD, FACS, a trauma, acute care surgery and surgical critical care physician at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, is helping educate the community about the critical role trauma teams play in caring for patients after serious injuries and how trauma services support the community.
 
Dr. Smith recently shared insights on how multidisciplinary trauma teams work together to provide rapid, specialized care following life-threatening injuries. She also discussed practical ways individuals can help protect themselves and their loved ones from preventable injuries.
 
“Traumatic injuries are often unexpected, but small choices made every day can make a big difference. I hope people leave feeling more prepared, more confident, and better equipped to stack the odds in their favor.” said Jody Smith, MD, FACS
 
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood is committed to helping residents make informed decisions about their health through the Kingwood Health Academy, a series of free educational programs led by local physicians. Community members interested in attending future seminars can view upcoming classes and events by visiting the Classes and Events page at HCAHoustonHealthcare.com/Kingwood.
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About HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood
HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood is a 551-bed acute care hospital serving the Lake Houston area for 35 years. It features the region’s only Level II trauma center, a comprehensive stroke center and a certified chest pain center. The hospital is recognized for excellence in advanced neuroscience, orthopedics and women’s and children’s services, including a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the area’s only pediatric emergency department. The hospital is a 2024-2026 recipient of Healthgrades' "America’s 250 Best Hospitals" and "50 Best Hospitals for Surgical Excellence" awards. Learn more at HCAhoustonhealthcare.com/kingwood.
 
About HCA Houston Healthcare
HCA Houston Healthcare is the leading provider of healthcare in the Greater Houston area, treating nearly a million patients annually. With a colleague base of 15,000, HCA Houston Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 14 hospitals, 11 outpatient surgery centers, 26 freestanding emergency centers and numerous freestanding diagnostic imaging facilities. As one of the region’s largest healthcare systems, HCA Houston Healthcare recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Houston Healthcare also is a major supporter of the University of Houston College of Nursing and the new University of Houston College of Medicine. For more information, visit HCAhoustonhealthcare.com.
 

News Release: 7/28/2026

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