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Dr. Virginia Shaffer is a nationally recognized leader in trauma and acute care surgery in the United States. She currently serves as Division and System Chief of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery and Medical Director of Perioperative Services at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus (IFMC), within the Inova Health System. In addition, she holds the academic position of Professor of Surgery at the University of Virginia, bringing together her clinical expertise and academic leadership to advance the field of surgical critical care and emergency surgery.
Dr. Shaffer holds the degrees of MD, FACS, FCCM, and MAMSE, underscoring her commitment to excellence in clinical care, medical education, and surgical leadership. Her work has centered on developing and optimizing trauma systems, leading multidisciplinary teams in the management of critically injured patients, and advancing perioperative protocols to improve patient outcomes.
Throughout her career, Dr. Shaffer has held various leadership roles in both academic and hospital settings, spearheading initiatives related to trauma program development, acute surgical care pathways, and operational management in high-acuity surgical environments. Her work at Inova has helped establish one of the most advanced and integrated trauma care systems in the region, serving as a model for multidisciplinary coordination and innovation.
Dr. Shaffer has also contributed significantly to surgical education and mentorship. At the University of Virginia, she plays a critical role in training residents and fellows, with a focus on trauma resuscitation, critical care management, and perioperative optimization. Her academic interests include surgical outcomes research, performance improvement in trauma systems, and leadership in complex hospital operations.
She is an active member and fellow of several leading professional organizations, including the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM). In recognition of her contributions to education and surgical excellence, she has been named a Member of the American College of Surgeons Academy of Master Surgeon Educators (MAMSE), one of the highest distinctions in surgical education in the U.S.
Dr. Shaffer is widely published in peer-reviewed journals, has authored several textbook chapters, and is a regular speaker at national trauma and surgical critical care conferences. Her leadership continues to shape the future of trauma surgery, combining high-impact clinical care with strategic innovation, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to advancing the specialty.