Bronson Methodist Hospital Earns Reverification as the Only Level I Trauma Center in Southwest Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The trauma center at Bronson Methodist Hospital was recently re-verified as a Level I Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT). The hospital is reverified through October 2027.  

Level I is the highest level of institutional performance a trauma center can achieve, meaning the entire hospital is equipped to provide optimal care for critically injured adults and children, and meets expectations related to research, community outreach and education contributions to ensure availability of qualified trauma surgeons in the future. 

First verified as a Level I Trauma Center in 1989, Bronson Methodist Hospital has successfully met the stringent reverification standards ever since and is the only Level I Trauma Center located in Region 5 of Michigan. In 2023, the hospital treated over 2,700 trauma patients; 380 were under the age of 18. 24-hour, in-house team members include trauma and orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and other surgical specialists, medical specialists, nurses and care teams. 

“Achieving Level I Trauma reverification is truly a collaborative effort and, each day, our incredible trauma team members go above and beyond to provide exceptional care for our critically injured patients and their families with the highest level of skill, compassion and commitment,” says Oreste Romeo, MD, FACS, trauma medical director and surgeon at Bronson Methodist Hospital. “On behalf of our entire trauma team, we are proud to have earned this prestigious reverification from the American College of Surgeons.” 

Studies show patients treated at ACS-verified trauma centers have a lower risk of death and improved quality of life compared with patients in non-verified centers. Bronson trauma staff work closely with community hospitals throughout the region to coordinate the safe, timely transfer of patients who require the expertise and resources available only at a Level I Trauma Center. 

As an ACS-verified trauma center, Bronson Methodist also becomes an ACS Surgical Quality Partner, signifying the hospital’s dedication to consistently improving procedures and approaches, quality and self-improvement, while maintaining a critical eye on process at every step. 

Bronson Methodist Hospital is also home to southwest Michigan’s only burn center and children’s hospital. Visit bronsonhealth.com/trauma for more information. 

About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has more than 88,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. "FACS" designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.