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Trauma and Burn

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The Trauma, Burn & Rehabilitation Unit at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County is one of the largest trauma and burn surgery departments in the nation.

More than 400 patients were admitted last year with thermal, chemical and electrical burns, soft tissue wounds and complex diseases.

Located on the first floor of the hospital near the Emergency Department, the trauma area includes 15 trauma resuscitation bays, 12 trauma intensive care beds and a 10-bed trauma observation area where we can monitor those patients who require frequent assessment during the first 24 hours post injury. The burn unit has a six-bed intensive care unit and up to 12 convalescent beds.

Common Services

Burns are the result of exposure to the sun, chemicals, radiation or electrical energy and can cause minor or major damage to the skin. The intensity of the burn can determine the difference between at-home treatment or seeking emergency medical care. Untreated burns can lead to more serious infections or conditions, such as sepsis, hypothermia, difficulty breathing or scarring. Our burn unit is adept at handling all degrees of burns, from minor to life-threatening.

Affecting only the outer layer of skin, causing mild pain and redness.

Damaging beyond the first layer, resulting in swelling, blistering, and potential scarring.

The most severe burns affecting deeper tissues, requiring immediate emergency care.

Common Symptoms

Burns can be immediate or may take a day or two to develop, so seek immediate medical attention if you believe your burn is serious or continues to worsen. Symptoms warranting medical attention include:

That do not heal within two weeks

Wounds that appear to be infected.

  • Burns accompanied by difficulty breathing or blocked airways
  • Show signs of infection

Burns that cover a large area or are located on the face, hands, feet, or major joints.

Common Conditions

Our cohesive team approach ensures that patients receive consistent, expert care from the moment of arrival through all phases of their hospital stay.Our trauma team provides a continuum of care for all seriously injured trauma patients from the moment they arrive at the hospital, through surgery, post-surgery and rehabilitation care. Patients are cared for by the same team of physicians and nurses from their arrival in the resuscitation area throughout their hospital stay. We see all patients with serious injuries, including (but not limited to):
Abrasions
Amputations
Bone fractures
Contusions
Gunshot
Hemorrhages
Lacerations
Serious bleeding
Stab wounds
Abrasions
Amputations
Bone fractures
Contusions
Gunshot
Hemorrhages
Lacerations
Serious bleeding
Stab wounds

The Burn Unit has a six-bed intensive care unit and up to 12 convalescent beds.

We treat patients with thermal, chemical and electrical burns, as well as diseases such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, and all types of complicated soft tissue wounds.

Patients with serious or life-threatening injuries are brought directly to the Trauma resuscitation area. Most X-rays are done in our unit except CT scanning and angiography.

A physiatrist, or rehabilitation physician, is a medical doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R).

This physician can be an expert in nerves, muscles, bones and brains who diagnoses and treats injuries or illnesses that affect how you function and move. The physiatrist looks at the whole person and not just one symptom or condition.

The Rehabilitation Medicine department evaluates a patient’s rehabilitation needs during a hospital admission course. A physiatrist may assess patients and co-ordinate treatments alongside physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech language pathologists. Trauma patients may need further therapies to transition back to home in a safe, functional manner.

The department also provides outpatient services through the Musculoskeletal Clinic, the Orthotics Clinic and the Amputee Clinic. Here, patients are provided with non-operative, conservative orthopedic and neurological care through a variety of means:

  • Peripheral joint injections
  • Exercise prescription for physical therapy
  • Prosthetic prescription for amputees
  • Orthotic and wheelchair prescription
  • Osteopathic manual medicine
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Nerve conduction studies/electromyography
  • Acupuncture

Why Choose Cook County Health for Trauma and Burn?

  • Experienced Providers: Our skilled team includes board-certified doctors.
  • Comprehensive Care: We offer a full spectrum of services under one roof.
  • Community Focused: We are dedicated to improving the health of our community.
  • Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your well-being and health goals, offering personalized care plans.
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Schedule an appointment

Call us at: (312) 864-0200

Providers

Andrew J. Dennis, DO
Andrew J. Dennis, DO
Andrew
J.
Dennis,
DO
Trauma, Burn
Smiling man in a professional suit and tie, with short hair and a beard, posing against a blue textured background.
Stathis J. Poulakidas, MD
Stathis
J.
Poulakidas,
MD
Trauma, Burn
Frederic L. Starr, MD
Frederic L. Starr, MD
Frederic
L.
Starr,
MD
Dr Mallory Williams is pictured wearing a white coat with Trauma & Burn Department Chair embroidered on it. He has glasses and a red bow tie. The background is a blue gradient.
Mallory Williams, MD, MPH
Mallory
Williams,
MD, MPH, FACS, FICS, FCCP FCCM
Trauma and Critical Care
Trauma and Burn
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