July 2, 2025 – St. Mary’s Medical Center has named Dr. Faris Azar as the new Medical Director of Trauma Services, succeeding longtime leader Dr. Robert Borrego, who has led the program for nearly three decades and helped establish it as one of the premier trauma centers in the region.
Dr. Borrego began his career at St. Mary’s in 1991 as the hospital’s only trauma surgeon. That same year, he was named Director of Trauma Critical Care and was later appointed Medical Director of Trauma Services in 1995. Under his leadership, St. Mary’s developed into one of only two Level I Trauma Centers in Palm Beach County, alongside Delray Medical Center, and has become a trusted destination for the most serious and complex injuries.
“Dr. Borrego has been an extraordinary leader and the driving force behind our trauma program’s growth and success,” said Cynthia McCauley, Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center. “His decades of service have helped save countless lives and built a trauma program that the entire community can count on. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and proud to carry forward the program he helped shape.”
Dr. Faris Azar, a board-certified trauma and acute care surgeon, has been a key member of the St. Mary’s trauma team for several years. Known for his clinical skill and calm under pressure, Dr. Azar will now lead the department as Medical Director, overseeing trauma operations, quality improvement, and coordination with EMS and regional partners.
“I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Azar, and I have full confidence in his ability to carry the trauma unit into the future,” said Dr. Borrego. “He brings the expertise, leadership, and vision needed to continue delivering the highest level of trauma care to this community.”
Dr. Azar graduated from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his internship and surgical residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He went on to complete fellowships in both trauma and critical care at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, bringing advanced trauma care to Palm Beach County. Previously, Dr. Azar served as the Trauma Research Director, bringing an academic approach to patient care.
“Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) would like to extend its sincere gratitude to Dr. Borrego for his unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional patient care to the citizens, residents, and visitors of Palm Beach County,” said Medical Services Division Chief Phil Olavarria & Wellness and Engagement Division Chief Charles Coyle. “As we look to the future, PBCFR is excited to embark on the next chapter—merging trauma bay care into the streets of cutting-edge prehospital medicine—under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Azar.”
“We are excited for Dr. Azar to assume this critical role,” added McCauley. “His leadership ensures that St. Mary’s will continue to be a lifeline for patients when every second matters.”
St. Mary’s Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center is staffed 24/7 with trauma surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, critical care specialists, and a full trauma support team, delivering immediate and comprehensive care to patients in their greatest time of need.
About St. Mary’s Medical Center
St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 413-bed acute care hospital in West Palm Beach. The hospital has been serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure for more than 80 years. SMMC is a Level 1 Trauma Center, a state-designated Pediatric Trauma Referral Center, certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, and has a level III NICU.
Pediatric services are provided at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center, which is the only dedicated children’s hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Along with 24/7 dedicated pediatric emergency and trauma care, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital’s medical staff consists of 196 pediatricians in 36 subspecialties.
To learn more about St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, visit www.palmbeachhealthnetwork.com or call 561-844-6300.