Robert Winchell, M.D., FACS

Surgical Critical Care

Locations and Appointments

Insurances Accepted

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Biographical Info

Dr. Winchell is an internationally renowned expert in care of the critically injured and the development, design, and operation of trauma systems. He is the G. Thomas Shires II Professor of Surgery, Professor of Medical Ethics in Medicine, and Chief of the Division of Trauma, Burns, Acute and Critical Care at Weill Cornell Medicine. He heads one of the leading Level 1 trauma centers in New York City and oversees the internationally recognized William Randolph Hearst Burn Center.

Dr. Winchell received his undergraduate degree at the California Institute of Technology, his M.D. from Yale University, and did his internship, General Surgery residency, and Trauma and Critical Care Fellowship at the University of California, San Diego. He is board certified in general surgery, with added qualifications in surgical critical care. He served on the faculty at UCSD as Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery until 1999, and prior to joining Weill Cornell, he was a Visiting Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston and Chief of Trauma at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.

Dr. Winchell is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, currently serving as Governor for the Manhattan Council Chapter. He served on the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma for over 20 years, in various roles including Chair of the Trauma Systems Evaluation and Planning Committee, member of the Executive Committee, and Special Consultant for International Quality Programs. Dr Winchell has led the development and evolution of trauma systems throughout the world, including his seminal work in the Committee on Trauma’s Trauma System Consultation Program, and work with the WHO Global Alliance for the Care of the Injured.

Dr. Winchell is the author of more than 100 scientific papers and book chapters, and has given over 200 regional, national, and international presentations. He is an associate editor of the Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, a section editor for the European Journal of Trauma, and reviewer for several other journals including Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Open, the Archives of Surgery, and the World Journal of Surgery. He is a fellow or member of the American Surgical Association, the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the American Burn Association, the New England Surgical Society, the International Society for Surgery, the International the Association for Trauma Surgery and Intensive Care, the Western Trauma Association, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine as well as other national and regional scholarly societies.

Honors and Awards

New York SuperDoctor: an Honor given to 5% of New York physicians 

Rated one of New York Magazine's Best Doctors

Board Certifications
American Board of Surgery
American Board of Surgery (Surgical Critical Care)
Clinical Expertise
Hernia Repair
Gallbladder Surgery
Appendectomy
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
Spleen Surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Minimal Access Surgery
Hernia Surgery
Incisional Hernia
Ventral Hernia Repair
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Small Bowel Resection
Abdominal Surgery
Cholecystectomy
Trauma and Critical Care
Removal of Gallbladder
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery
Umbilical Hernia
Pancreas and Spleen Surgery
Laparoscopic Surgery
Critical Care
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Diverticulitis
Robotic Surgery
Languages
English
Education 
  • M.D.
    Yale University School of Medicine
    1984
  • B.S.
    California Institute of Technology
    1979
Appointments 
  • Attending Surgeon
    NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
  • Professor of Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
  • Professor of Medical Ethics in Medicine
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University
  • G. Thomas Shires, II, M.D. Professor of Surgery
    Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University

Relationships and collaborations with for-profit and not-for profit organizations are of vital importance to our faculty because these exchanges of scientific information foster innovation. As experts in their fields, WCM physicians and scientists are sought after by many organizations to consult and educate. WCM and its faculty make this information available to the public, thus creating a transparent environment.

Consultant: 
American College of Surgeons
Advisory/Scientific Board Member: 
American Association for the Surgery of Trauma