Celebrating a legacy: Dr. Norman E. McSwain, Jr. and the birth of University Medical Center New Orleans

“What have you done for the good of mankind today?” This was not only a question Dr. Norman McSwain asked of himself and his colleagues on an almost daily basis, it was a guiding principle that inspired his transformational work in emergency medical services, trauma care, and the foundational efforts that led to the opening of University Medical Center (UMC) nine years ago.

To his daughter, Merry McSwain, the question remains a reminder as she works to maintain and uplift his incredible legacy to the New Orleans community and the broader healthcare industry. “My father’s career was about making a difference in EMS and trauma care, but even more importantly, he was a humble, kind soul,” she said. “He treated everyone with respect and believed everyone could make a difference, whether you were the head of a surgery department or an entry-level hospital staff.”

As we celebrate the ninth anniversary of University Medical Center New Orleans on August 1, 2024, we honor the institution’s achievements and the leader whose vision made it possible.

Sadly, Dr. McSwain passed away just a few days before UMC opened its doors in 2015. Although his absence was deeply felt, his legacy remains strong today – most notably through the NormanE. McSwain, Jr. MD, Spirit of Charity Trauma Center named in his honor, but also through the many lives he touched and hospital processes he improved. Today, the trauma center stands as the only Level 1 Trauma Center in New Orleans and the Southern Louisiana region.

A visionary for EMS and trauma care excellence

Dr. McSwain’s journey in healthcare began with a foundation of advanced education and service. Born in Albertville, Alabama, he pursued his medical degree at the University of Alabama before completing his surgical residency at Emory University in Atlanta. His two years of service in the Air Force further honed his disciplined approach to medicine.

It was during his time volunteering as the Medical Director at Road Atlanta racetrack, a major venue for professional car racing, that Dr. McSwain’s passion for trauma and emergency medical services became even stronger. This experience, coupled with his commitment to saving lives, inspired him to focus on improving trauma care systems.

Recruited by the University of Kansas, Dr. McSwain developed the nation’s first statewide EMS system, setting a benchmark for trauma care excellence. His innovative work in Kansas caught the attention of Tulane Medical School, which brought him to New Orleans in the mid-1970s to replicate his achievements in Louisiana.

Dr. McSwain’s early days in New Orleans were marked by his significant impact at Charity Hospital, which had a history of serving the city since 1736. There, he integrated trauma care protocols and coordinated efforts between Tulane and LSU medical schools. His vision for streamlined, immediate trauma care not only saved lives but also laid the groundwork for the future establishment of University Medical Center.

The founding of University Medical Center: A vision realized

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, New Orleans faced unprecedented devastation, with Charity Hospital being forced to shut down after serving the community for over 250 years. This closure left a significant gap in trauma and emergency medical services in the city. Dr. McSwain, already a pivotal figure in the New Orleans medical community, was inspired to rebuild and create something even more impactful to address the city’s needs.

Understanding the urgency and the scale of the challenge, Dr. McSwain spearheaded the planning and coordination efforts for what would become University Medical Center New Orleans. His vision was to create a state-of-the-art medical center that would provide comprehensive trauma care and serve as a cornerstone for medical excellence in the region.

Dr. McSwain’s work involved extensive collaboration with multiple organizations, including Tulane and LSU medical schools, local and state government entities, and various healthcare institutions. He recognized that rebuilding required not just a physical structure but a unified approach to healthcare delivery and a shared vision. He worked tirelessly to align these diverse groups towards a common goal, ensuring that the new center would meet the highest standards of care.

Alison A. Smith, MD, a trauma and critical care surgeon at University Medical Center New Orleans

reflected on his legacy: “Dr. McSwain’s principles and vision for trauma care continue to guide us. His commitment to ensuring that every second counts in trauma care is a standard we strive to uphold. Nine years after opening, his spirit is still felt in the halls of our institution and in the hearts of all of our staff.”

The process of establishing University Medical Center was complex and required navigating political, financial, and logistical challenges. Dr. McSwain’s ability to build relationships and foster collaboration was instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. He secured support from the state and city, as well as from LCMC Health, to bring the project to fruition.

Dr. McSwain's leadership and vision were pivotal in designing a trauma system that integrated pre-hospital care with hospital operations, creating a seamless continuum of care from the moment an emergency call was made to the patient’s treatment in the operating room. This model not only set a new standard for trauma centers nationwide but also ensured that University Medical Center would be equipped to handle the most critical cases with efficiency and expertise.

As University Medical Center opened its doors on August 1, 2015, the culmination of Dr. McSwain’s efforts was realized. His vision for University Medical Center was not just about rebuilding a hospital but about creating a center of hope and excellence that would serve the community for years to come. A lot has changed since Charity Hospital first opened in the 1700s, but what has not changed is our commitment to providing exceptional care for everyone who needs it.

Continuing Dr. McSwain’s Legacy

Efforts to maintain and build upon Dr. McSwain’s legacy are ongoing. His daughter, Merry, actively works to ensure that his innovative spirit and commitment to excellence remain impactful to trauma and EMS medical workers today. “My father’s dedication to improving trauma care continues to inspire us all,” she added. “We strive to keep his vision alive through the work we do every day.”

One of the key initiatives preserving Dr. McSwain’s legacy is the McSwain Trauma Education Project. This project provides essential training and resources for EMS providers, ensuring that the high standards he set for trauma care are maintained and advanced. The Third Thursday Trauma Talks, part of this project, bring together experts to discuss the latest developments in trauma care, reflecting Dr. McSwain’s belief in continuous learning and improvement.

Dr. McSwain’s influence extends beyond New Orleans through the thousands of lives he changed via education. His trauma-care processes and protocols continue to be used by medical professionals worldwide, an enduring accomplishment that his family and colleagues are immensely proud of.

As we celebrate the ninth anniversary of University Medical Center New Orleans on August 1, 2024, we honor not only the institution’s achievements but also the enduring legacy of Dr. McSwain. Recently, community and hospital leaders gathered at his home to celebrate his life, his spirit of charity, and UMC’s milestone. There, across the city of New Orleans, and throughout the broader field of emergency medical services and trauma care, Dr. McSwain’s generational legacy remains present.