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National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems

The National Study Center for Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems (NSC) is part of the Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) organized research center at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Dedicated to improving the delivery of trauma care and emergency medical services, its mission is to prevent death and disability caused by injury and sudden illness.

Established by Congress in 1986, the NSC is an international leader in research related to the causes, treatment and outcomes of traumatic injury and sudden illness. NSC studies have been used to improve vehicular safety, to refine patient care and to develop public education programs for the prevention of trauma.

Staffed by nationally known epidemiologists, physicians, statisticians and database coordinators, the NSC collaborates with government agencies, professional associations, universities and private enterprises to increase understanding of trauma epidemiology and emergency medical system response.

The NSC serves as the research arm for the STAR-ORC, the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, and provides research and educational support to faculty and students of the School of Medicine.

National Study Center research activities are supported by a combination of funding sources, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Institutes of Health, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, major corporations, foundations and private individuals.

The NSC is named for former U.S. Senator Charles "McC." Mathias, Jr., in honor of his support of Maryland’s trauma care system.