Nicole A. Stassen, M.D. is a Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She also serves as the Director of the third year medical student clerkship at the University of Rochester Medical School and as the Director of the Kessler Family Burn Trauma Intensive Care Unit.

Dr. Stassen earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and earned her medical degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, in Piscataway New Jersey.

Dr. Stassen then completed a residency in general surgery at the University of Chicago Hospitals. Where she was awarded the Golden Apple Teaching award her chief year. She subsequently completed a fellowship in trauma and critical care at the University of Louisville. While in Louisville she worked in the laboratory of Dr. Hiram C. Polk, Jr. on the genetic characterization of gamma interferon and its role in sepsis and the examination of altered immune function in the elderly trauma victim

Dr. Stassen is certified by the American Board of Surgery in general surgery and surgical critical care. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the Association for Academic Surgery, the Society of Critical Care Medicine, the Association for Surgical Education and the Surgical Infection Society. Her areas of special interest include acute care surgery, general surgery, trauma and critical care and surgical education.

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Surgery, Acute Care (SMD)

Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, University of Louisville Hospital. 2000 - 2002

Residency, Surgery (General Surgery), University of Chicago Hospitals. 1996 - 2000

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), University of Chicago Hospitals. 1995 - 1996

Education

MD | Umdnj-School Of Public Health-Piscataway. 1995

Awards

University of Rochester Chief Residents' Teaching Award. 2023

Alethea Caldwell Teaching Award. 2023

University of Rochester - Class of 2006 Commendation for Excellence in Third Year Teaching. 2006 - 2006

Paul F. Griner Dean's Teaching Fellow. 2005 - 2007

Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. 2000 - 2000

Publications

Journal Articles

Outcomes after Child Physical Abuse and Association with Community-Level Social Determinants of Health.

Ruffolo LI, Gaba H, Dale BS, Sandler M, Vella MA, Stassen NA, Wilson NA, Wakeman DS

Journal of the American College of Surgeons.. 2022 November 1235 (5):810-818. Epub 10/17/2022.

A Review of "Reevaluation of Diagnostic Procedures for Transmediastinal Gunshot Wounds" (2002).

Stassen NA

The American surgeon.. 2021 February 87 (2):209-211. Epub 12/30/2020.

Evaluation and management of blunt cerebrovascular injury: A practice management guideline from the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.

Kim DY, Biffl W, Bokhari F, Brackenridge S, Chao E, Claridge JA, Fraser D, Jawa R, Kerwin A, Kasotakis G, Khan U, Kurek S, Plurad D, Robinson BR, Stassen N, Tesoriero R, Yorkgitis B, Como JJ

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2020 June 88 (6):875-887. Epub 1900 01 01.

Artificial neural networks can predict trauma volume and acuity regardless of center size and geography: A multicenter study.

Dennis BM, Stonko DP, Callcut RA, Sidwell RA, Stassen NA, Cohen MJ, Cotton BA, Guillamondegui OD

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2019 July 87 (1):181-187. Epub 1900 01 01.

Surgical Management of Solid Organ Injuries.

Johnsen NV, Betzold RD, Guillamondegui OD, Dennis BM, Stassen NA, Bhullar I, Ibrahim JA

The Surgical clinics of North America.. 2017 October 97 (5):1077-1105. Epub 1900 01 01.

"Pay it Forward" Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma 2017 Presidential Address.

Stassen NA

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2017 July 83 (1):1-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Paying it forward: Four-year analysis of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma Mentoring Program.

Zakrison TL, Polk TM, Dixon R, Ekeh AP, Gross KR, Davis KA, Kurek SJ, Stassen NA, Patel MB

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2017 July 83 (1):165-169. Epub 1900 01 01.

External validation of the Air Medical Prehospital Triage score for identifying trauma patients likely to benefit from scene helicopter transport.

Brown JB, Gestring ML, Guyette FX, Rosengart MR, Stassen NA, Forsythe RM, Billiar TR, Peitzman AB, Sperry JL

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2017 February 82 (2):270-279. Epub 1900 01 01.

Development and Validation of the Air Medical Prehospital Triage Score for Helicopter Transport of Trauma Patients.

Brown JB, Gestring ML, Guyette FX, Rosengart MR, Stassen NA, Forsythe RM, Billiar TR, Peitzman AB, Sperry JL

Annals of surgery.. 2016 August 264 (2):378-85. Epub 1900 01 01.

Helicopter transport improves survival following injury in the absence of a time-saving advantage.

Brown JB, Gestring ML, Guyette FX, Rosengart MR, Stassen NA, Forsythe RM, Billiar TR, Peitzman AB, Sperry JL

Surgery.. 2016 March 159 (3):947-59. Epub 10/23/2015.

Geographic Variation in Outcome Benefits of Helicopter Transport for Trauma in the United States: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Brown JB, Gestring ML, Stassen NA, Forsythe RM, Billiar TR, Peitzman AB, Sperry JL

Annals of surgery.. 2016 February 263 (2):406-12. Epub 1900 01 01.

Needs assessment for a focused radiology curriculum in surgical residency: a multicenter study.

Butler KL, Chang Y, DeMoya M, Feinstein A, Ferrada P, Maduekwe U, Maung AA, Melo N, Odom S, Olasky J, Reinhorn M, Smink DB, Stassen N, Wilson CT, Fagenholz P, Kaafarani H, King D, Yeh DD, Velmahos G, Stefanidis D

American journal of surgery.. 2016 January 211 (1):279-87. Epub 08/05/2015.

Measuring satisfaction: factors that drive hospital consumer assessment of healthcare providers and systems survey responses in a trauma and acute care surgery population.

Kahn SA, Iannuzzi JC, Stassen NA, Bankey PE, Gestring M

The American surgeon.. 2015 May 81 (5):537-43. Epub 1900 01 01.

Systolic blood pressure criteria in the National Trauma Triage Protocol for geriatric trauma: 110 is the new 90.

Brown JB, Gestring ML, Forsythe RM, Stassen NA, Billiar TR, Peitzman AB, Sperry JL

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2015 February 78 (2):352-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Prevention of hypophosphatemia after burn injury with a protocol for continuous, preemptive repletion.

Kahn SA, Bell DE, Stassen NA, Lentz CW

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2015 36 (3):e220-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Evidence-based improvement of the National Trauma Triage Protocol: The Glasgow Coma Scale versus Glasgow Coma Scale motor subscale.

Brown JB, Forsythe RM, Stassen NA, Peitzman AB, Billiar TR, Sperry JL, Gestring ML

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2014 July 77 (1):95-102; discussion 101-2. Epub 1900 01 01.

Assessment of surgical residents' ability to predict appendicitis with computed tomography.

Kahn SA, Sleem R, Schiralli M, Stassen NA, Sangosanya A, Cheng JD, Gestring ML, Bankey PE

The American surgeon.. 2013 December 79 (12):1308-10. Epub 1900 01 01.

Risk factors associated with venous thromboembolism in isolated blunt chest trauma.

Kahn SA, Schubmehl H, Stassen NA, Sangosanya A, Cheng JD, Gestring ML, Bankey PE

The American surgeon.. 2013 May 79 (5):502-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

The Eastern Association of the Surgery of Trauma approach to practice management guideline development using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology.

Kerwin AJ, Haut ER, Burns JB, Como JJ, Haider A, Stassen N, Dahm P,

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2012 November 73 (5 Suppl 4):S283-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Nonoperative management of blunt hepatic injury: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma practice management guideline.

Stassen NA, Bhullar I, Cheng JD, Crandall M, Friese R, Guillamondegui O, Jawa R, Maung A, Rohs TJ, Sangosanya A, Schuster K, Seamon M, Tchorz KM, Zarzuar BL, Kerwin A

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2012 November 73 (5 Suppl 4):S288-93. Epub 1900 01 01.

Selective nonoperative management of blunt splenic injury: an Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma practice management guideline.

Stassen NA, Bhullar I, Cheng JD, Crandall ML, Friese RS, Guillamondegui OD, Jawa RS, Maung AA, Rohs TJ, Sangosanya A, Schuster KM, Seamon MJ, Tchorz KM, Zarzuar BL, Kerwin AJ

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2012 November 73 (5 Suppl 4):S294-300. Epub 1900 01 01.

The National Trauma Triage Protocol: can this tool predict which patients with trauma will benefit from helicopter transport?

Brown JB, Forsythe RM, Stassen NA, Gestring ML

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2012 August 73 (2):319-25. Epub 1900 01 01.

Impact of a graduated driver's license law on crashes involving young drivers in New York State.

Cheng JD, Schubmehl H, Kahn SA, Gestring ML, Sangosanya A, Stassen NA, Bankey PE

The journal of trauma and acute care surgery.. 2012 August 73 (2):457-61. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ruptured appendicitis within a left sided spigelian hernia in a patient status post previous transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap resulting in necrotizing fasciitis.

Hensley BJ, Stassen NA

The American surgeon.. 2011 December 77 (12):E294-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Helicopters improve survival in seriously injured patients requiring interfacility transfer for definitive care.

Brown JB, Stassen NA, Bankey PE, Sangosanya AT, Cheng JD, Gestring ML

The Journal of trauma.. 2011 February 70 (2):310-4. Epub 1900 01 01.

Mechanism of injury and special consideration criteria still matter: an evaluation of the National Trauma Triage Protocol.

Brown JB, Stassen NA, Bankey PE, Sangosanya AT, Cheng JD, Gestring ML

The Journal of trauma.. 2011 January 70 (1):38-44; discussion 44-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Helicopters and the civilian trauma system: national utilization patterns demonstrate improved outcomes after traumatic injury.

Brown JB, Stassen NA, Bankey PE, Sangosanya AT, Cheng JD, Gestring ML

The Journal of trauma.. 2010 November 69 (5):1030-4; discussion 1034-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ground level falls are associated with significant mortality in elderly patients.

Spaniolas K, Cheng JD, Gestring ML, Sangosanya A, Stassen NA, Bankey PE

The Journal of trauma.. 2010 October 69 (4):821-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Trauma center designation correlates with functional independence after severe but not moderate traumatic brain injury.

Brown JB, Stassen NA, Cheng JD, Sangosanya AT, Bankey PE, Gestring ML

The Journal of trauma.. 2010 August 69 (2):263-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

The management of the open abdomen in trauma and emergency general surgery: part 1-damage control.

Diaz JJ, Cullinane DC, Dutton WD, Jerome R, Bagdonas R, Bilaniuk JW, Bilaniuk JO, Collier BR, Como JJ, Cumming J, Griffen M, Gunter OL, Kirby J, Lottenburg L, Mowery N, Riordan WP, Martin N, Platz J, Stassen N, Winston ES

The Journal of trauma.. 2010 June 68 (6):1425-38. Epub 1900 01 01.

The aging road warrior: national trend toward older riders impacts outcome after motorcycle injury.

Brown JB, Bankey PE, Gorczyca JT, Cheng JD, Stassen NA, Gestring ML

The American surgeon.. 2010 March 76 (3):279-86. Epub 1900 01 01.

The incidence and clinical significance of pneumomediastinum found on computed tomography scan in blunt trauma patients.

Molena D, Burr N, Zucchiatti A, Lovria E, Gestring ML, Cheng JD, Bankey PE, Stassen NA

The American surgeon.. 2009 November 75 (11):1081-3. Epub 1900 01 01.

Does the need for noncardiac surgery during ventricular assist device therapy impact clinical outcome?

Brown JB, Hallinan WM, Massey HT, Bankey PE, Cheng JD, Stassen NA, Sangosanya AT, Gestring ML

Surgery.. 2009 October 146 (4):627-33; discussion 633-4. Epub 1900 01 01.

Perforated appendicitis: is early laparoscopic appendectomy appropriate?

Sleem R, Fisher S, Gestring M, Cheng J, Sangosanya A, Stassen N, Bankey P

Surgery.. 2009 October 146 (4):731-7; discussion 737-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Prehospital spinal immobilization does not appear to be beneficial and may complicate care following gunshot injury to the torso.

Brown JB, Bankey PE, Sangosanya AT, Cheng JD, Stassen NA, Gestring ML

The Journal of trauma.. 2009 October 67 (4):774-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Isolated gastric injury after blunt abdominal trauma.

Gestring ML, Stassen NA, Cheng JD, Bankey PE

The Journal of trauma.. 2006 October 61 (4):1021. Epub 1900 01 01.

Magnetic resonance imaging in combination with helical computed tomography provides a safe and efficient method of cervical spine clearance in the obtunded trauma patient.

Stassen NA, Williams VA, Gestring ML, Cheng JD, Bankey PE

The Journal of trauma.. 2006 January 60 (1):171-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Laryngotracheal injuries: does injury mechanism matter?

Stassen NA, Hoth JJ, Scott MJ, Day CS, Lukan JK, Rodriguez JL, Richardson JD

The American surgeon.. 2004 June 70 (6):522-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Thoracotomy for blunt trauma: traditional indications may not apply.

Hoth JJ, Scott MJ, Bullock TK, Stassen NA, Franklin GA, Richardson JD

The American surgeon.. 2003 December 69 (12):1108-11. Epub 1900 01 01.

Trauma alters alveolar effector cell apoptosis.

Hoth JJ, Scott MJ, Owens RK, Stassen NA, Franklin GA, Cheadle WG, Rodriguez JL

Surgery.. 2003 October 134 (4):631-7; discussion 637-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Tertiary care centers: a strategy for fiscal survival.

Rodriguez JL, Brill JP, Hoth JJ, Stassen NA, Franklin GA, Barbier R, Polk HC

Surgery.. 2003 October 134 (4):684-9; discussion 689-90. Epub 1900 01 01.

Prophylactic antibiotics adversely affect nosocomial pneumonia in trauma patients.

Hoth JJ, Franklin GA, Stassen NA, Girard SM, Rodriguez RJ, Rodriguez JL

The Journal of trauma.. 2003 August 55 (2):249-54. Epub 1900 01 01.

IL-18 promoter polymorphisms correlate with the development of post-injury sepsis.

Stassen NA, Breit CM, Norfleet LA, Polk HC

Surgery.. 2003 August 134 (2):351-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Reevaluation of diagnostic procedures for transmediastinal gunshot wounds.

Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Spain DA, Miller FB, Carrillo EH, Richardson JD, Battistella FD

The Journal of trauma.. 2002 October 53 (4):635-8; discussion 638. Epub 1900 01 01.

Examination of the role of abdominal computed tomography in the evaluation of victims of trauma with increased aspartate aminotransferase in the era of focused abdominal sonography for trauma.

Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Carrillo EH, Spain DA, Norfleet LA, Miller FB, Polk HC

Surgery.. 2002 October 132 (4):642-6; discussion 646-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Interferon-gamma gene polymorphisms and the development of sepsis in patients with trauma.

Stassen NA, Leslie-Norfleet LA, Robertson AM, Eichenberger MR, Polk HC

Surgery.. 2002 August 132 (2):289-92. Epub 1900 01 01.

Abdominal seat belt marks in the era of focused abdominal sonography for trauma.

Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Carrillo EH, Spain DA, Richardson JD

Archives of surgery.. 2002 June 137 (6):718-22; discussion 722-3. Epub 1900 01 01.

Abdominal compartment syndrome.

Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Dixon MS, Carrillo EH

Scandinavian journal of surgery : SJS : official organ for the Finnish Surgical Society and the Scandinavian Surgical Society.. 2002 91 (1):104-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Thermal injury in the elderly: when is comfort care the right choice?

Stassen NA, Lukan JK, Mizuguchi NN, Spain DA, Carrillo EH, Polk HC

The American surgeon.. 2001 July 67 (7):704-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

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