Chandler Regional Medical Center Names New Medical Director of Level 1 Trauma Center

Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center has named Charles Hu, MD, as the new leader of its Level 1 Trauma Center. In his new role as medical director of trauma, surgical and critical care, and acute care surgery at Chandler Regional, Dr. Hu will lead the administration and growth of trauma services.

“Working with a trusted trauma team that provides high quality patient care is a great opportunity,” says Dr. Hu, who will also support Dignity Health Medical Group’s leadership as the Division Chief of Surgery-East Valley in the strategic growth of these programs. “In the few years it has been open, Chandler Regional’s Trauma Center has really proved how valuable it is to our community.”

Chandler Regional's trauma program opened in 2014, becoming the southeast Valley’s first Level 1 Trauma Center. Level 1 is the highest designation for a trauma program provided by the American College of Surgeons, and requires the hospital to be prepared at all times with medical specialists and equipment to immediately treat serious trauma injuries.

With a proven track record of developing and leading health care initiatives while maintaining strong patient satisfaction, Dr. Hu joins Dignity Health from Honor Heath Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center where he served in multiple leadership roles including associate medical director of trauma services, medical director of trauma research, and site rotation director of general surgery residency.

Dr. Hu completed his medical degree and general surgery residency at Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich. He then completed a fellowship in surgical critical care at Washington University in Washington, Mo. 

The hospital also named a new assistant medical director of trauma services, Vafa Ghaemmaghami, MD, who will assist Dr. Hu in leading trauma services. Dr. Ghaemmaghami joined Dignity Health from Abrazo West Campus in Phoenix, where he was associate trauma director and clinic director. 

As the East Valley’s population continues to grow, the need for Chandler Regional to expand its facilities does too. The hospital recently announced the start of another large expansion plan which is expected to be completed in 2022.