The American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma verifies that hospitals meet rigorous criteria for treating patients with the most serious traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries, such as automobile accidents, are the number one killer of people from age 2 to 45 in the United States.

The Committee on Trauma verifies three levels of trauma centers: Level III, Level II and Level I. In 2009, University Hospital was verified by the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma as a Level I trauma center - the highest level of national recognition. It is one of only three Level I trauma centers in Missouri verified by the Committee on Trauma.

The state of Missouri recognizes the Committee on Trauma's verification, and in 2009, Missouri officially designated University Hospital as a Level I trauma center.

State of Missouri certification

American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma verification