July 1 — Surgeon Peter Burke is set to begin work as chief of trauma surgery at the Boston Medical Center July 1, filling the post vacated by Erwin Hirsch, who served as chief for 25 years and died in a boating accident at the end of May.
Burke, who arrived at the BMC in 1999, was chief of surgical critical care before being appointed to his newest post June 27, according to a BMC statement. Burke is the program director of the surgical critical care fellowship and co-director of the nutrition support service, as well as an associate professor of surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine.
“Dr. Burke’s extensive experience in trauma surgery and his many years of working with Dr. Hirsch will be of great value to Boston Medical Center and our patients as we go forward,” James Becker, BMC surgeon-in-chief and chairman of surgery at the medical school, said in the statement.
Burke belongs to several professional organizations, including the International Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care and the American College of Surgeons Regional Committee on Trauma.
Suresh Agarwal, BMC trauma surgeon and assistant professor of surgery, said he thinks Burke is “an excellent choice” for chief.
“Dr. Burke has several outstanding qualities which make him an exceptional leader,” Agarwal said. “He is hardworking, intelligent, responsible, and he works in a collaborative manner.”
Andrew Glantz, BMC trauma surgeon and associate professor of surgery, said in an email that he agrees Burke is a solid choice for the position.
“He is very experienced and an excellent team leader,” he said.
