November 20, 2025 – Broward Health Medical Center recently hosted its 4th Annual Pediatric Trauma Seminar, which provided healthcare professionals with the latest information on best practices in pediatric trauma care, improving survival rates and reducing long-term complications for young patients.
Broward Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly, BHMC Trauma Coordinator Andrea Balcazar, Pediatric Trauma Medical Director Michele Markley, Trauma Director at BHMC Nicole Rodriguez
“We are leading the way in trauma care in Broward County,” said Michele Markley, M.D., pediatric trauma medical director for Broward Health. “This seminar reinforces our commitment to providing physicians, clinicians and the community with essential education and advanced training as well as supporting the community with injury prevention, awareness and excellent pediatric care.”
Nearly 100 healthcare professionals attended the Pediatric Trauma Seminar that was led by:
- Erin Ely, M.D., director of medical education and associate medical examiner for the Broward County Office of Medical Examiner & Trauma Services, and Assistant State Attorney Melissa Kelly on the topic of non-accidental trauma and maltreatment in the pediatric population.
- Francis Amador, M.D., medical director of the pediatric Emergency Department at Broward Health Medical Center, on the topic of advanced trauma life support in pediatric trauma resuscitation.
- Yanique Levy-Brown, Psy.D, a Broward Health psychologist, and Nicole Jimenez, Psy.D, psychologist and director of internship training at Nova Southeastern University, on the topic of post-traumatic stress in the pediatric trauma population.
- Joel Rush, D.O., director of the Broward Health orthopedic residency program, on the topic of pediatric orthopedic trauma.
“It is important to note that Broward Health Medical Center is one of only two Level I trauma care hospitals for adults and children in Broward County,” said Dr. Amador. “With advanced surgical capabilities, specialized pediatric surgeons and rapid MEDEVAC helicopter transport, Broward Health is equipped to care for the most complex trauma cases and deliver life-saving treatment when it matters most.”
An American College of Surgeon’s verified trauma center, Broward Health trauma centers meet all state and national requirements, ensuring the highest level of safety and quality for every patient. Broward Health provides 24/7 emergency physician coverage, leads community education programs on injury prevention and continually monitors and improves care through a comprehensive quality assessment program.
