Dr. Dennis Ashley, trauma medical director for Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, has been recognized nationally for his contributions to advance trauma care in Georgia. Ashley received The Trauma Center Association of America’s annual Award of Distinction for Outstanding Leadership at the organization’s 2023 conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The award was developed to allow members of the trauma community to recognize peers who have made significant impacts in the field of trauma through leadership, clinical achievement or advocacy.

A clinical and academic leader, Ashley serves as the Will C. Sealy Endowed Chair and Professor of Surgery for Mercer University School of Medicine, and director of Trauma for Atrium Health Navicent.

Ashley has served as chair of the Georgia Trauma Commission (GTC) since its inception in 2007, leading the development of Georgia’s trauma system. During his time with GTC, Ashley led the charge to secure sustainable funding for trauma care. His efforts were rewarded in 2010 when Georgia passed the Super Speeder Law, which dedicated fines and fees to the trauma system. Since then, the GTC has delivered programs and funding supporting the trauma system totaling over $245 million.

Ashley also oversaw, presented nationally and published Georgia’s efforts to quantify trauma center readiness costs to justify sustainable funding for the trauma system. He followed that with efforts to improve trauma center accountability with the introduction of the performance-based payment model, which was well supported by the members of the Georgia General Assembly. In addition, he led the analysis and publication of a study of the distribution of injured patients in Georgia, identifying candidate trauma centers to increase access to tertiary trauma care to Georgia residents.

Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center is central and south Georgia’s only adult Level I trauma center and one of only five Level I trauma centers in Georgia.

“Dr. Ashley is a resource not just for Atrium Health Navicent, but for every hospital trauma program across the state,” said Atrium Health Navicent Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrice Walker. “His contributions to advancements in the field are significant, and the breadth and depth of his knowledge is invaluable. Congratulations to Dr. Ashley on this much- deserved recognition!”

The Trauma Center Association of America is a non-profit trade association dedicated to securing the economic viability of trauma centers and systems across the country. The association’s mission is to foster the development of a national system of trauma care so that access to excellent care for the seriously injured is assured.