South Central Emergency Department physician, Jeremy Unger, DO, became the first physician in the state to receive the Mississippi Trauma pin, a prestigious award given by the Mississippi Trauma Care System Foundation to individuals who go above and beyond in their pursuit to provide exceptional care to patients.

Dr. Unger received this accolade for his work caring for a young patient who had sustained a life-threatening gunshot injury. Alongside the skilled staff in the South Central Emergency Department and with the assistance of surgeons Seth Ladd, DO, and Chad Saul, MD, Dr. Unger worked to stabilize the patient.

When it was determined that the patient needed to be transported by ambulance to a higher-acuity hospital, Dr. Unger accompanied him in the ambulance. A gesture that displayed a remarkable level of compassion.

The nomination read at the pinning stated, “In a moment of unimaginable trauma and urgency, Dr. Unger went above and beyond the call of duty. After providing immediate, life-saving interventions, Dr. Unger personally accompanied the young man in the ambulance to a higher level of care, never leaving his side during the most critical moments of his life.”

Dr. Unger acted quickly with skill and strength, doing everything in his power to help the patient.

“I am blessed to be a part of this organization,” Dr. Unger said. “I could not have done this without the support of everyone we work with.”

SCRMC is grateful for this recognition from the Mississippi Trauma Team Foundation, which traveled to Laurel on Monday, Oct. 13, to announce the award and hand-deliver the pin.

Mississippi Trauma System Foundation director, Matt Edwards, MSN, RN, said, “I have been a nurse for decades, and I have never seen a physician ride in the ambulance with the patient. It is just unheard of.”

Dr. Unger’s actions reflect the deep compassion and commitment to patient care that define South Central Regional Medical Center and its emergency team.