Lisa M. Kodadek, MD

Lisa M. Kodadek, MD, specializes in general surgery, trauma, and surgical critical care. She handles acute and traumatic injuries, emergency surgical conditions, and critical illness.  

“I often first meet my patients and their families in the hospital after an unexpected traumatic injury or other emergent surgical problem has caused a life-threatening illness. This is usually a challenging and vulnerable time for patients and families,” Dr. Kodadek says. “Many of the discussions I have are difficult ones. I reassure my patients and families by providing honest and clear communication. I take the time to understand their concerns and I provide evidence-based care based on a shared understanding of the preferences and goals of the patient.”

Dr. Kodadek says she enjoys the complexities of caring for critically ill patients. “This requires a deep foundational knowledge of both medicine and surgery, as well as the ability to exercise clinical judgment and make difficult decisions in a timely manner,” she says.

Key to doing her job well is the support of a multidisciplinary team, she adds. “I am so grateful to be able to care for patients and their families with the support and expertise of other physicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, therapists, pharmacists, social workers, as well as administrators who ensure availability of hospital services, and staff who keep the space clean and functional,” she says. “It truly takes the excellence of an entire team to provide safe and effective surgical care to our patients.”

Dr. Kodadek has experience performing clinical outcomes research among underserved populations. Her current research focuses on older adult populations, the critically ill, and patients experiencing life-threatening surgical disease. She studies patient-centered ways to improve communication in the intensive care unit, including establishing and addressing goals of care. She has a particular interest in understanding the bioethical challenges associated with caring for critically ill patients. 

She is also involved in national organizations including the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma.