Skip to main content
Give
Edit Icon - Click to update your profileUpdate Your Profile

Thomas E. Grissom, MD, M.S.I.S., F.C.C.M.

Academic Title:

Professor

Primary Appointment:

Anesthesiology

Email:

tgrissom@som.umaryland.edu

Location:

STC, T1R77

Phone (Primary):

(410) 328-8793

Phone (Secondary):

(410) 328-2628

Fax:

(410) 328-3138

Download CV

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

  1. Dutton RP, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F, Pivalizza EG. Trauma Anesthesiology. Anesth Analg. 2023;136:827-8.
  2. 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.
  3. Pivalizza EG, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F. Viscoelastic hemostatic assays in trauma: and the winner is… Anesth Analg 2021;134:19-20.
  4. 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.
  5. Richards JE, Samet R, Grissom TE. Scratching the surface: endothelial damage in traumatic hemorrhagic shock. Adv Anesth. 2021;39:35.
  6. Richards J, Samet R, Koerner A, Grissom TE. Tranexamic acid in the perioperative period: yes, no, maybe?. Adv Anesth. 2019;37:87-110.
  7. Dutton RP, Grissom TE, Herbstreit F. COVID-19 and trauma care: improvise, adapt and overcome!. Anesth Analg. 2020;131, 323-325.
  8. Grissom TE, Samet RA. The anesthesiologist's role in teaching airway management to nonanesthesiolgoists: who, where, and how. Adv Anesth. 2020;38:131-56.
  9. Grissom TE. Walking the tightrope of bleeding control: fibrinolysis in trauma. Anesth Analg. 2019;129(3):644-646.
  10. 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

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Grissom TE. Management of the trauma patient on direct oral anticoagulants. Curr Anesthesiol Rep. 2018;8:107-18.
  8. Copeland CC, Conti BM, Fouché-Weber LY, Grissom T. Butterfly vertebrae. Anesthesiology. 2018;129(3):582.
  9. 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.
  10. 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
  11. Grissom TE, Richards JE, Herr DL. Critical Care Management of the Potential Organ Donor. Int Anesthesiol Clin. 2017;55(2):18-41.
  12. Grissom TE, Sikorski R. Initial Evaluation and Management. In Varon A, Smith C (Eds). Essentials of Trauma Anesthesia. Cambridge:Cambridge University. 16-28. 2017.
  13. 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.
  14. 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

Edit Icon - Click to update your profileUpdate Your Profile