Update Your ProfileAcademic Title:
Professor
Primary Appointment:
Anesthesiology
Location:
STC, T1R77
Phone (Primary):
(410) 328-8793
Phone (Secondary):
(410) 328-2628
Fax:
(410) 328-3138
Education and Training
Education:
1982: B.S. in Astronautical Engineering and Biological Sciences, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
1986: M.D., Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
2012: Masters of Science in Information Systems, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD
Training:
1988-1987: Internship, Anesthesiology, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX
1987-1990: Residency, Anesthesiology, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX
1989-1990: Clinical Scientist Track-Neuroanesthesia, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, TX
1990-1991: Fellowship, Critical Care Medicine, Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center, Lackland AFB, TX
1993-1994: Fellowship, Medical Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Washington, DC
1997: Aerospace Medicine Primary Course, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, TX
Biosketch
Dr. Thomas Grissom's career has included 25 years serving on active duty with the U.S. Air Force where he served as program director for the Air Force's only anethesiology residency and critical care fellowship. He was also instrumental in the early development of the U.S. Air Force Critical Care Air Transport Teams (CCATTs) and served as the first director of the CCATT Training Program at the U.S. Air Force School of Aeromedicine. Additionally, he served as Director of the U.S. Air Force Center for the Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (CSTARS) at Baltimore prior to retiring at the rank of Colonel. He subsequently joined the faculty of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology in 2007 where he continues to participate in education and research activities focused on education, airway management, and simulation-based training with an emphasis on trauma anesthesiology.
Research/Clinical Keywords
Airway management, Critical care air transport, Trauma anesthesiology, Simulation-based education
Highlighted Publications
- Dutton RP, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F, Pivalizza EG. Trauma Anesthesiology. Anesth Analg. 2023;136:827-8.
- Grissom T, Samet R E, Hodge C B, et al. Impact of Pandemic Response on Training Experience of Anesthesiology Residents in an Academic Medical Center: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33500.
- Pivalizza EG, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F. Viscoelastic hemostatic assays in trauma: and the winner is… Anesth Analg 2021;134:19-20.
- Richards JE, Fedeles B, Chow JH, Morrison JJ, Renner C, Trinh AT, Schlee C, Koerner AK, Grissom TE, Betzold R, Scalea TM, Kozar RA. Is tranexamic acid associated with mortality or multiple organ failure following severe injury? Shock. 2021;55(1):55-60.
- Richards JE, Samet R, Grissom TE. Scratching the surface: endothelial damage in traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Adv Anesth. 2021;39:35.
- Richards J, Samet R, Koerner A, Grissom TE. Tranexamic acid in the perioperative period: yes, no, maybe?. Adv Anesth. 2019;37:87-110.
- Dutton RP, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F. COVID-19 and trauma care: improvise, adapt and overcome!. Anesth Analg. 2020;131, 323-325.
- Grissom TE, Samet RA. The anesthesiologist's role in teaching airway management to nonanesthesiolgoists: who, where, and how. Adv Anesth. 2020;38:131-56.
- Grissom TE. Walking the tightrope of bleeding control: fibrinolysis in trauma. Anesth Analg. 2019;129(3):644-646.
- Richards JE, Conti BM, Grissom TE. Care of the severely injured orthopedic trauma patient: considerations for initial management, operative timing, and ongoing resuscitation. Adv Anesth. 2018;36(1):1-22.
Additional Publication Citations
- Samet R, Brookman J, Grissom TE. Peripheral Nerve Blockade for Tibia Fractures: To Block or Not to Block? Is it still a question? Anesth Analg 2025 (in press).
- Trent, AR, Fang R, Chen H, Copeland CC, Roux NP, Grissom TE. Hyperventilation during manual ventilation can be reduced using a novel respirator but not with educational interventions. Mil Med. 2024;189:e1393-21396.
- Samet R, Hodge CB, Grissom TE. Airway Management in the Trauma Patient. Hagberg CA, Artime CA, Aziz MF, eds. Hagberg and Benumof's Airway Management. 5th ed. Elsevier: 2023.
- Ke Y, Proctor JL, Zhang C, Medina J, Miller CHT, Kim J, Grissom TE, Birukova AA, Fiskum GM, Birukov KG. Induction of endothelial barrier dysfunction by serum factors in rats subjected to traumatic brain injury and hemorrhagic shock. Physiological Reports 2022;10: e15350.
- Beninati W, Grissom TE. Critical care transport: Patient flight physiology and organizational characteristics. WW Hurd, W Beninati, eds. Aeromedical Evacuation: Management of Acute and Stabilized Patients. 2nd ed. New York. Springer International Publishing: 127-46. 2019
- Galvagno SM, Steurer M, Grissom TE. Anesthesia for Trauma. MA Gropper, LI Eriksson, LA Fleisher, JP Wiener-Kronish, NH Cohen, K Leslie, eds. Miller's Anesthesia. 9th ed. Philadelphia. Elsevier-Saunders: 2115-55. 2019
- Grissom TE. Management of the trauma patient on direct oral anticoagulants. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2018;8:107-18.
- Copeland CC, Conti BM, Fouché-Weber LY, Grissom T. Butterfly vertebrae. Anesthesiology. 2018;129(3):582.
- Gatz JD, Grissom T, Chauhan R. Emergent needle decompression for tension pneumothorax resulting in life threatening intercostal artery injury. Glob Anesth Periop Med. 2018;3:237-40.
- Grissom TE, Stephens C. Airway Management in the Trauma Patient. CA Hagberg, CA Artime, MF Azziz, eds. Benumof and Hagberg's Airway Management. 4th ed. Philadelphia. Elsevier: 584-99. 2018
- Grissom TE, Richards JE, Herr DL. Critical Care Management of the Potential Organ Donor. Int Anesthesiol Clin. 2017;55(2):18-41.
- Grissom TE, Sikorski R. Initial Evaluation and Management. In Varon A, Smith C (Eds). Essentials of Trauma Anesthesia. Cambridge:Cambridge University. 16-28. 2017.
- Galvagno SM, Sikorski RA, Stephens C, Grissom TE. Initial evaluation and triage of the injured patient: mechanisms of injury and triggers for OR versus ED stabilization. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2016;6(1):79-88.
- Grissom TE, Pierce A. Radiographic imaging and ultrasound in early trauma management: damage control radiology for the anesthesiologist. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2016;6(1);79-88.
Research Interests
Airway management
Critical care air transport
Trauma anesthesiology
Simulation-based education
Clinical Specialty Details
Trauma Anesthesiology
Critical Care Medicine
Awards and Affiliations
1997, 1999, 2003: Air Force Meritorious Service Medal
1991, 1994: Air Force Commendation Medal
1990: Air Force Achievement Medal
1990: Robert D. Dripps, MD Memorial Award to the Outstanding Graduate Resident in Anesthesiology
1990: Tarrow Award in Anesthesiology
1990: Anaquest Outstanding Resident Research Essay Award: Society of Neurosurgical Anesthesia and Critical Care Annual Meeting
1993: First Place, Scientific Exhibit: Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
1997: Exceptional Merit, Scientific Exhibit: Annual Meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
1998: The Lieutenant General Charles H. Roadman II, Mirror Force Outstanding Contribution Award: Association of Military Surgeons of the United States
1999: Air Force Material Command Nominee, Lt Gen Paul W. Myers, Outstanding Senior Physician Award, Air Force Association
2000: Presidential Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine
2001: Tae Kwon Do, Black Belt
2001: Fellow, AmericanCollege of Critical Care Medicine
2002: Presidential Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine
2007: Air Force Legion of Merit
2007: Presidential Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine
2008: Presidential Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine
2010: Presidential Citation, Society of Critical Care Medicine
2012: Elected to the Association of University Anesthesiologists
2013: Coauthor, 2013 Annual Scientific Award for Outstanding Abstract, Society of Critical Care Medicine Annual Meeting
2018: Shock Trauma Hero Award
2019: Anesthesia & Analgesia, Top Reviewer
2020: Fellow, American Society of Anesthesiologists
2023: Shock Trauma Hero Award
Grants and Contracts
Co-Investigator: TE Grissom. “Assessment of Trauma Team Performance”. Funded by Patient Safety Program, Health Affairs, Department of Defense, 2005. $250,000
PI: TE Grissom. “C-STARBaltimoreSimulationCenter Modernization Project: Training for High Performance Trauma Teams”. Funded by Modernization Directorate, US Air Force, Department of Defense, 2009. $800,000.
PI: TE Grissom. “Competency-based medical education: How many intubations does it take to make the grade?” Funded by the Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 2010. $10,000.
PI: TE Grissom. “Potential Application of a Novel National Perioperative Outcomes Registry in Support of Active Post-Marketing Surveillance”. Funded by University of Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (UMCERSI) Innovation Award, 2012. $22,500.
PI: TE Grissom. “Performance of Manual Ventilation by Air Force Medics: Effect of Training and a Novel Self-Inflating Bag Mask Valve Apparatus”. Funded by 711 HSW, US Air Force, Department of Defense. 2014. $155,000.
Co-PI: TE Grissom, “Evaluation of Handoff Outcomes in a Multi-Site Continuum of Care Exercise (Handoffs)”. Funded by Joint Program Committee 1, Medical Simulation and Information Sciences Research Program, Department of Defense, 2016. $376,505.
Co-PI: TE Grissom, “Is There an Optimal Induction Agent for Use with Rapid Sequence Intubation in the Traumatized Patient? KEtamine, Etomidate, or Propofol for Intubation in Trauma (KEEPIT) Trial”. Submitted to Defense Health Program 6.7, Department of Defense, 2016. $746,000.
Co-PI: TE Grissom, “Interprofessional Team-Based Learning in En Route Care Using a Multi-Modal Communications Model with Remote Simulation”. Submitted to Joint Program Committee 1, Medical Simulation and Information Sciences Research Program, Department of Defense, 2016. $800,000.
Professional Activity
Institutional Service
Department of Anesthesiology, Wilford Hall Medical Center (WHMC), Lackland AFB, TX
1991-1992 Medical Director, Post-Anesthesia Care and Same-Day Surgical Unit, WHMC
1991-1993 Co-Director, Surgical Critical Care Service, WHMC
1991-1997 Program Director, Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Fellowship, WHMC
1992-1993 Director, Anesthesia Special Care Services, WHMC
1992-1993 Director, Research, Department of Anesthesiology
1994-1997 Assistant Chairman, Research, Department of Anesthesiology
1991-1993 Member, Critical Care Committee, WHMC
1994-1997 Alternate, Institutional Review Board, WHMC
1994-1997 Member, Critical Care Committee, WHMC
1999-2002 Member, Credentials Committee, WHMC
1998-2003 Member, Professional Education Council, WHMC
1998-2003 Program Director, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Anesthesiology Residency, WHMC
1998-2003 Chair, San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Anesthesiology Residency, WHMC
1999-2002 Member, Invasive Procedures Committee WHMC
University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC)/R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center (STC)
2003-2007 Director, Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) UMB/STC
2006-2007 Associate Director, Maryland Advanced Simulation, Training, Research, and Innovation (MASTRI) Center, UMMC/University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM)
2007-2008 Medical Director, Select Trauma Care Unit, UMMC/STC
2008-2012 Director, National Trauma Training Center (Expansion Project), UMMC/STC
2011-2013 Member, Information Technology Clinical Advisory Committee, UMMC
2012-2013 Member, Clinical Data Analytics and Management Subcommittee, UMMC
2012-2015 Member, Executive Committee, MASTRI Center, UMMC/UMSOM
2013-2015 Member, Operational Committee, MASTRI Center, UMMC/UMSOM
2015 Member, Board of Directors, Center for Critical Care and Trauma Education, UMMC/UMSOM
2015-present Member, Medical Peer Review Committee, UMMC/STC
2020-present Member, Shock Trauma Center Research Committee, STC
2023-present Member, Technology Assessment Committee
University of Maryland School of Medicine
2009-2012 Interviewer, Medical School Applicants
2011-2012 Member, University of Maryland Strategic Planning Sub-Committee-Education
2012-2013 Member, SOM Council
Department of Anesthesiology, UMSOM
2008-2011 Member, Anesthesia Information Management System Steering Committee
2017-present Member, Equipment Committee
2018-present Member, Research Committee
Local Service
2010-2016 Member, State of Maryland, Respiratory Care Professional Standards Committee
National Service
US Air Force
1994-1997 Member, Critical Care Aeromedical Transport Team
1994-1996 Member, Mobile Field Surgical Team
1998 Member, Combat Trauma Surgery Committee, Ft. Sam Houston, TX
1994 Reengineering Medical Readiness Conference
1996 Theater Medical Information Program Panel
1997 Medical Care into the 21st Century
1997 Civil Reserve Air Fleet Aeromedical Configuration FOT&E
1997 Aeromedical Evacuation Panel
1999 Phoenix Forge, Advisory Committee Panel
2002 Joint Critical Care Working Group
2002-2007 Air Force Surgeon General’s Malpractice Expert Reviewer
2003 Simulation IPT (TATRC, St. Petersburg, FL)
2003-2007 Member, Critical Care Working Group
2006-2007 Chair, Distributed Simulation Performance HPT
Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons
1996 Chair, Anesthesiology Subsection, Annual Meeting
2001 Chair Anesthesiology Subsection, Annual Meeting
2003 Chair, Annual Meeting
2003-2005 Secretary, Society of Air Force Clinical Surgeons
American Society of Anesthesiologists
1999-2003 Member, Education Committee, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists
2002-2004 Member, Committee on Uniformed Services & Veterans’ Affairs
2007 Poster Moderator, Critical Care, Annual Meeting
2009-2014 Member, Problem-Based Learning Discussions Committee
2014-2015 Member, Website Improvement Project Volunteer Group
2011-2024 Member, Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness
2017-present Member, Education Track Subcommittee on Fundamentals of Anesthesiology
2024-present Vice Chair, Committee on Trauma and Emergency Preparedness
2024-present ASA Representative to the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma
Society of Critical Care Medicine
1999-2003 Member, Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Steering Committee
1999-present National Consultant, Fundamental Critical Care Support Course
2003-2004 Vice Chair, Fundamentals of Critical Care Support Steering Committee
2004-2006 Chair, Fundamentals Critical Care Support Steering Committee
2006-2011 Member, Strategic Planning Committee
2008 Poster Moderator, Neurocritical Care, Annual Meeting
American College of Critical Care Medicine
2005-08 Member, Nominating Committee
2008-14 Member, Task Force for Development of Practice Guidelines: Management of the Potential Organ Donor
Peer Reviewer and Editorial Positions
2008-2019 Peer Reviewer, Critical Care Medicine, 1-2 per year
2011-2020 Peer Reviewer, Anesthesia & Analgesia, 4-10 per year
2012-present Peer Reviewer, Military Medicine, 5-7 per year
2015-present Peer Reviewer, Anesthesia & Analgesia Practice, 1-2 per year
2017-present Section Editor, Trauma Anesthesia, Current Anesthesiology Reports, biannual 8-14 manuscripts
2019-2022 Peer Reviewer, Military Medical Research, 1 per year
2020-present Assistant Editor, Trauma, Anesthesia & Analgesia, 15-20 per year
2022 Guest Editor, ASA Monitor, Trauma and Emergency Preparedness Special Section
2022-present Peer Reviewer, Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, 2-4 per year
2023 Guest Editor, Trauma Anesthesiology Themed Issue, Anesthesia & Analgesia
Lab Techniques and Equipment
Human-patient simulation lab with full digital audio-video recording capability