May 21 is National Trauma Survivors Day, a celebration of resilience that carries special meaning as the hospital marks the 10th anniversary of its Level II Trauma Center designation. The day highlights the strength, courage and hope shown by trauma survivors during their recovery and recognizes the dedicated medical professionals who support them.

Since becoming a Level II Trauma Center in January 2015, Natividad has transformed emergency care in Monterey County, treating more than 14,000 trauma patients. As the only Level II Trauma Center in the region, Natividad provides critical, lifesaving care to severely injured patients who once would have needed to travel outside the county for help.

“National Trauma Survivors Day is the perfect time to recognize the incredible stories of recovery we see, Our Trauma Center’s 10th anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only the remarkable resilience of our patients but also the extraordinary dedication of our trauma teams who provide world-class care right here in our community.”

– CEO Dr. Chad Harris

One of Natividad’s trauma success stories is Dr. John Lubben, an anesthesiologist who fell 25 feet from a ladder while working on his Monterey home in August 2023. Dr. Lubben suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis, hip and arm, and needed specialized trauma care. Paramedics took him to Natividad, where orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Daniel Flinn performed two surgeries totaling nearly eight hours to repair his injuries.

“The outstanding care and coordination of our surgical team, trauma team, and physical therapists, as well as Dr. Lubben’s motivation, was instrumental in his progress,” said Dr. Flinn.

Dr. Peyman Tabrizi, a board-certified neurosurgeon, was also part of Dr. Lubben’s care. “Complex traumatic injuries like Dr. Lubben’s require a multidisciplinary approach,” Dr. Tabrizi said. “Our ability to provide specialized neurosurgical care alongside orthopedic trauma surgery shows the comprehensive capabilities of our trauma center.”

Dr. Lubben’s recovery included three weeks of hospitalization and intensive rehabilitation. “Being on the other side of the bed was a humbling experience,” Dr. Lubben said. “It made me appreciate the work we do even more.”

Dr. Anthony Galicia, director of the Sam Karas Acute Rehabilitation Center, said Dr. Lubben’s positive attitude helped him through a difficult recovery. “He was extremely determined to recover from his many fractures. John was dedicated to putting in three hours of physical and occupational therapy five days a week in the ARU. He was always complimentary of the staff and grateful for the care he received. John was able to step out of his usual role as a physician and listened to the expertise of the rehab staff with humility and gratitude.”

His remarkable determination enabled him to return to work full-time within three months of his accident. Today, he has resumed an active lifestyle that includes hiking, HIIT classes, and home improvement projects.

Watch the interview with Dr. John Lubben

Natividad’s trauma team has saved countless lives over the past decade, including Steve Bruemmer, who survived a rare great white shark attack at Pacific Grove’s Lover’s Point in June 2022. Trauma surgeon Dr. Nicholas Rottler stabilized Bruemmer upon arrival, and Dr. Kartheek K. Reddy, an orthopedic traumatologist, provided critical follow-up care.

“Trauma cases like Mr. Bruemmer’s show why having specialized trauma care available locally is so crucial,” Dr. Reddy said. “When minutes matter, having Level II trauma capabilities close by can truly mean the difference between life and death.”

Dr. Alexander Di Stante, Trauma Medical Director and Surgical Services Director, emphasized the center’s comprehensive approach. “Our trauma center doesn’t just provide emergency care — we support patients throughout their entire recovery journey,” he said. “National Trauma Survivors Day is about acknowledging both the incredible resilience of our patients and the collaborative effort required to help them heal.”

“As we honor National Trauma Survivors Day and reflect on ten years of trauma care excellence, we remain committed to our mission of providing compassionate, high-quality healthcare to everyone in Monterey County,” Dr. Harris added. “Each trauma survivor’s story represents not just a medical success but a testament to human resilience and the power of dedicated care.”