Daniel Holena M.D., MSCE, Joins MUSC, Named Chief of the Trauma, Acute Care and Burn Surgery Division

The MUSC Department of Surgery is pleased to announce that Daniel Holena, M.D., MSCE, has been named the new Chief of the Division of Trauma, Acute Care, and Burn Surgery, effective October 1, 2025. A nationally recognized trauma and acute care surgeon, Dr. Holena brings to MUSC a deep commitment to clinical excellence, academic leadership, and mentorship.

Board certified in both General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, he is currently a trauma surgeon and Director of Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where his research has focused on the use of video review to improve outcomes for critically injured patients. Prior to joining the Medical College of Wisconsin, he was on the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as Section Chief of Emergency General Surgery—a service line dedicated to the care of critically ill surgical patients.

Dr. Holena completed his general surgery residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in trauma and surgical critical care at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE).

A dedicated surgeon-scientist, Dr. Holena has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and delivered over numerous invited presentations at national and international forums. His research has been supported by federal and foundation funding, including grants from the NIH.

As an educator, Dr. Holena has received teaching awards from medical students, residents, and fellows and has served as a dedicated mentor to over 40 trainees across surgery and epidemiology.  He has additionally served on numerous committees in the national organization such as the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and the Society of University Surgeons.

The Department of Surgery is extremely grateful to Bruce Crookes, M.D., for his many years of division leadership and significant contributions to the growth and expansion of clinical expertise in the division, providing a solid foundation for Dr. Holena’s new leadership role.