Peter Rhee is the director of trauma, critical care and emergency surgery at the University of Arizona and University Medical Center.

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Opinion by Dr. Peter Rhee

The recent articles by the Arizona Daily Star's Carla McClain regarding trauma medical services were accurate and demonstrated some of the current problems with trauma services locally, statewide and nationally ("Our deadly deficiency," Jan. 27). The stories were informative and raised awareness of the importance of a Level 1 Trauma Program.

However, the headlines of the stories were misrepresentative as they implied "deficiency" and "woe." To readers of these articles, the headlines could incite fear and lack of confidence in our trauma center at University Medical Center.

While there will always be room for improvement, our trauma center does provide the best of care with outcomes better than or comparable to the best trauma centers in this country.

One major point that the articles did not emphasize enough is the bright outlook of trauma in Tucson. Since moving to Tucson four months ago to become medical director of the University trauma program, it has admittedly been rough in the trenches. We are extremely active in selecting the best trauma surgeons in the country and not hiring those who are merely available. This will take time and patience.

The reason we will be able to build such a great academic trauma program here in Tucson is because the ingredients for long-term success are all here. Trauma care is much more than the trauma surgeons. We currently have some of the best nurses and staff I have been privileged to work with.

We also have all the sub-specialties covered. University Medical Center is one of the finest facilities in the country, where dedicated and highly motivated and trained individuals are committed to making the trauma center the best.

The support from UMC administration and throughout the entire hospital is truly there.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine also is highly supportive and the academic setting makes the recruiting process ideal.

I see no obstacles that cannot be overcome to make this trauma center one that the people of Arizona will be truly proud of.

Trauma care is expensive and some feel that busy trauma centers are a constant drain of precious resources. There is a misconception held by some that we predominantly serve criminals, the negligent and the uninsured. This could not be further from the truth.

The vast majority of people treated in trauma centers are average citizens. Automobile and motorcycle crashes and falls comprise the majority of our patients. Many victims of gunshot and stab wounds are innocent people. The number of illegal immigrants is a very small percentage of our patients.

We treat a large number of elderly people as this area is a highly desired place to retire. The trauma center at the University Medical Center treats all patients without concern for the complexity of injury or ability to pay. This is the way referral hospitals should be.

We receive patients from all of Southern Arizona, where the catchment population is more than 1.5 million people. Currently, there is a working system in place where all of the smaller hospitals and clinics from the area can call us at any time and the response that they get will always be, "How can I help?"

I would like to thank the citizens of Southern Arizona for their patience as we continue to build the finest trauma center in the United States. Optimism is the word for the day and don't worry, we will always be here for you with open doors in your hour of need. I guarantee it.