Val Russell Awarded Excellence in Trauma

Val Russell is this year’s recipient of the Excellence in Trauma awarded by Montana DPHHS EMS & Trauma Systems and the Western Regional Trauma Advisory Committee (WRTAC) planning committee.

This award honors a Trauma Provider who is/has been exemplary in his or her quality of patient care and/or dedication to his/her community. This is a person who has consistently exhibited dedication to the trauma system through excellent patient care and a commitment to trauma education, injury prevention, or community awareness.

“We were particularly impressed by Val's comprehensive work across multiple programs, including EMS and the hospital trauma programs, not only in Roundup but also Miles City,” said Alyssa Johnson, MSN, RN, CEN, TCRN Trauma System Manager & MT-VDRS Principal Investigator. “Her system-wide approach and collaboration were key factors in her selection for this award.”

She was presented the award at the Rocky Mountain Rural Trauma Symposium in September.

Read the full award submission from Alex Goffena, BSN RN, Trauma Coordinator here: Valeri Russell has been a PA-C in the rural setting over the past 14 years. During this time, she has become the EMS Medical Director in Miles City and our Trauma Medical Director at Roundup Memorial Healthcare. In addition, Valeri is part of the RMH Senior Leadership Team and is a patient and staff advocate on all levels. Valeri not only participates to ensure our trauma care is done well at Roundup Memorial, but she also works with EMS in our community to ensure we manage trauma care appropriately from beginning through disposition. She is committed to our Trauma Committee and Trauma Peer Review and ensures providers are always kept aware of trauma changes and best practice. Valeri works closely with the Trauma Coordinator at RMH to provide community resources and education for trauma injury prevention. These programs have included Stop the Bleed, Stepping On, and brain injury prevention through helmets. Valeri participates in our regional trauma committee and trauma conferences, bringing back ideas for change and discussion. Valeri's dedication, passion, work ethic, support of our trauma team at RMH, and patient care, have truly made her an asset to our rural community in Roundup. Valeri exhibits what it means to provide excellence in trauma care in the rural setting.

Congratulations Val, on this monumental achievement!