Robert A. Swendiman

Robert A. Swendiman, MD, MPP, MSCE is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Utah School of Medicine and an attending pediatric surgeon at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. He serves as Trauma Medical Director for the Primary Children's Hospital Miller Campus in Lehi, UT, and staffs the complex inflammatory bowel disease clinic.

Education:

• B.A. in Chemistry and Political Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• M.D., University of North Carolina School of Medicine
• M.P.P., Harvard Kennedy School (Center for Public Leadership Fellow)
• M.S.C.E. in Clinical Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania
• General Surgery Residency, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Pediatric General Surgery Fellowship, University of Utah School of Medicine

Dr. Swendiman's research concentrates on pediatric trauma systems, surgical outcomes, and inflammatory bowel disease management. His clinical expertise spans traumatic injuries, chest wall deformities, minimally invasive surgery, and neonatal conditions, with extensive experience in procedures for appendicitis, hernias, IBD, and congenital anomalies. He actively contributes to advancing pediatric surgical care through protocol development and collaborative research.

His 15 most recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a dominant focus on pediatric trauma epidemiology, system optimization, and injury-specific management. Key trends include statewide trauma collaboratives reducing preventable transfers, mental health outcomes post-trauma, firearm injury surges during the pandemic, and innovative approaches to cervical spine clearance and solid organ injuries. His work consistently bridges clinical practice with public health initiatives.

Scientific Awards: No specific awards were documented in the provided information.

Advising and Grants: As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Swendiman likely mentors medical students and surgical residents, though specific advisees aren't listed. His research involving statewide trauma networks and multicenter datasets suggests involvement in collaborative grant-funded projects, though explicit grant details aren't provided.

Labs and Teams: He leads the trauma program at Primary Children's Hospital Miller Campus and participates in the complex inflammatory bowel disease multidisciplinary team. His work with the Utah Pediatric Trauma Network demonstrates active engagement in regional trauma system development.