Alexander Lorenzo Colonna

Alexander Lorenzo Colonna, MD, MSCI, FACS, serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine. Specializing in Acute Care Surgery (encompassing Trauma Surgery, Emergency General Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care), he directs the University Hospital SICU and University Trauma and Emergency Surgery service while maintaining a hernia-focused general surgery clinic. As inaugural Emergency Surgery Medical Director, he leads ACS EGS verification efforts and chairs the Utah State Committee on Trauma. His military service includes recent deployment to Iraq (2023-2024) as Trauma Medical Director for Operation Inherent Resolve with the Army Reservist (Lieutenant Colonel rank).

Education:

• B.A. in History & French Literature (Pre-Med minor), Emory University
• M.D., Medical University of South Carolina
• General Surgery Residency, East Tennessee State University
• Surgical Critical Care & Acute Care Surgery Fellowships, Wake Forest University
• M.S.C.I., University of Utah

Dr. Colonna's research program integrates cost-effectiveness analysis (e.g., transversus abdominis plane blocks for hernia repair), simulation-based medical education (including VR trauma training), and acute care surgery outcomes. His work addresses rib fracture management, pancreatic trauma, malignant bowel obstructions, and telehealth follow-up systems. Clinical expertise spans complex abdominal wall reconstruction, hernia surgery (open/laparoscopic/robotic), and surgical critical care with board certification in both General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care.

Publication trends over the past decade reveal three dominant themes: (1) Surgical economics research focusing on resource optimization in emergency procedures; (2) Trauma system development through multicenter studies on rib fractures and pancreatic injuries; (3) Educational innovation via simulation and virtual reality applications. Recent works (2020-2023) increasingly address hernia management and surgical infections, reflecting clinical specialization evolution.

Scientific recognition:

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

As program director for SCC/ACS fellowships and former MS-3/MS-4 surgery clerkship director, Dr. Colonna shapes surgical education through simulation curriculum development and virtual reality assessment tools. His military-civilian dual practice informs trauma system leadership, particularly through Utah State COT chairmanship and EGS verification initiatives. Current projects focus on hernia repair cost analysis and trauma bay VR training validation.

Leadership extends to the University of Utah's Emergency Surgery program development and statewide trauma system coordination. His military deployments provide unique combat trauma perspectives that enhance civilian trauma protocols, particularly regarding mass casualty management and resource-constrained environments.