Shannon F.R. Small, MD, is a surgeon who specializes in trauma, emergency surgery, and critical care.
Dr. Small treats a wide range of cases, from gunshot wounds and car crash injuries to small bowel obstructions and appendicitis. She also manages critical care patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and performs elective surgeries, including hernia repairs.
She says she was drawn to her specialty because of its variety. “It’s unpredictable in that I could be handling a trauma case or conducting an elective surgery,” she says. “It’s also constantly evolving, which is exciting. I’ve recently incorporated robotic surgery into my practice, which has reinvigorated my work. I primarily use it for gallbladder surgeries, bowel perforations, and hernia repairs. The robot offers increased dexterity, allowing for minimally invasive procedures that reduce patients’ pain and the length of their hospital stay.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of her job, Dr. Small says, is offering support to patients and families during difficult times. “I follow the golden rule: treat others how you would want to be treated. This principle guides my practice and ensures I provide compassionate and equitable care,” she says. “I strive to ensure that all patients receive care that I would want for my own family. This mindset informs my practice and drives my commitment to patient care. Plus, my roles as a wife and mother of two young children are critically important to me and I feel make me a better clinician.”
Additionally, Dr. Small says she enjoys serving as a mentor to future generations of surgeons. She is a strong proponent of inclusive excellence and ensuring that all people have access to the health care they need.
Dr. Small’s research is focused on patient outcomes (such as improving pain management for rib fractures) and access to care.
