Oral surgeon Dr. Zahid Lalani spearheads facial trauma team in The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- In response to the growing need for a higher-level trauma care in the communities north of the Texas Medical Center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center now provides services to patients as a level II trauma center.

As a level II trauma center, Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center provides 24-hour immediate coverage by general surgeons as well as by specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology and critical care. In addition, there are sub-specialists on-call who are required to respond to an emergency within a stringent time frame. The American College of Surgeons recommends that an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon be a member of a level I or II trauma team.

Dr. Zahid Lalani, a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon practicing with Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spearheaded the formation of the facial trauma team with Dr. Bryan Correa, a board certified plastic surgeon. In addition, Dr. Lalani has assumed the responsibility of the on-call Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center, providing treatment for all types of traumatic facial injuries.

“I am pleased to be a part of the expanded team of affiliated physicians covering facial trauma call at the hospital," Lalani said. "Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are one of the most qualified specialists to handle serious and complex trauma to the face and jaw. Treatment of facial trauma and reconstructing deformities is my passion. It makes a huge difference for patients when you help them get their identity back after an injury.”

Dr. Lalani was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons, having been nominated by his peers in the country for this honor.