A Leader in Lifesaving Care: Dr. Todd Maxson Receives Bridge Award

Todd Maxson, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief at Arkansas Children's, received the Heartland Whole Health Institute Bridge Award. The award recognizes individuals who exemplify what it means to bridge gaps in care by connecting people, resources and action to improve health across Arkansas.

Throughout his career, Dr. Maxson has been a leader in advancing pediatric trauma care and improving access to lifesaving services for children and families. As Surgeon-in-Chief at Arkansas Children's and a professor of surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, he has dedicated his work to building systems that ensure patients receive high-quality care when and where they need it most.

Dr. Maxson's impact extends far beyond a single hospital. Before returning to Arkansas, he helped create the first Level I Pediatric Trauma Centers in the south-central United States in Dallas and Austin, Texas. After joining Arkansas Children's in 2009, he led the development of the state's first Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and played a key role in creating the Arkansas Trauma System.

The results have been transformative. During the first seven years of the Arkansas Trauma System, preventable mortality from injury was cut in half, helping save lives and strengthen emergency care across the state. By bringing together hospitals, clinicians, emergency responders and health systems, Dr. Maxson helped create a coordinated approach to trauma care that continues to benefit Arkansans today.

In addition to his clinical and systems leadership, Dr. Maxson has advanced the field of pediatric trauma through research and professional service. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has served as president of the Pediatric Trauma Society and on the boards of national trauma organizations dedicated to improving care for children.

Through his leadership, innovation and commitment to improving outcomes, Dr. Maxson has helped bridge the gap between emergency response, hospital care and long-term recovery. His work has strengthened Arkansas' health care infrastructure and improved the lives of countless children and families, embodying the spirit of the Bridge Award.

"Dr. Maxson's legacy reaches far beyond the patients and families he served. As a trauma nurse, I was fortunate to learn from him firsthand, and years later, I had the opportunity to work alongside him to strengthen Arkansas's trauma system. The impact of that work was measurable, with Arkansas seeing preventable trauma mortality fall from 30 percent to 16 percent after implementation of the statewide system. He taught an entire generation of clinicians and leaders that meaningful change happens when expertise is paired with humility, collaboration, and unwavering service to others. The principles he modeled continue to guide my leadership and the work of countless others across our state. That ability to connect people, unite organizations, and inspire lasting change is what makes Dr. Maxson such an exceptional bridge builder."

• Sarah Bemis DNP, BA, RN, Heartland Whole Health Institute, Associate Vice President, Policy and Workforce

Each Bridge Award recipient receives $1,000 and an invitation to an annual event with Heartland Whole Health Institute founder Alice Walton to discuss Arkansas' health care needs and help shape the future of the award.

Members of the public are encouraged to nominate recipients for the Bridge Award. Those nominating an individual should include specific and inspiring examples of why they are an excellent candidate for the award.