Dr. James Higgins Named Chief of Curtis National Hand Center

Top Hand Doc Will Lead Largest Hand Center In World

BALTIMORE, Jan. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dr. James Higgins has been named Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center at Baltimore's Union Memorial Hospital. He becomes the fourth chief in the hand center's illustrious six decades.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110124/DC35439)

A member of the hand center's faculty for more than eight years, Dr. Higgins specializes in complex reconstruction after trauma, microsurgery, congenital hand surgery, and fractures and disorders of the arm and wrist. He is board certified in plastic surgery with a certificate of added qualifications in hand surgery.

"It is both an honor and a great privilege to lead one of the world's premier centers of hand surgery excellence," said Dr. Higgins. "I have been fortunate to work alongside the most talented collection of specialists in the field who have distinguished themselves in every facet of hand surgery. I look forward to the many exciting plans we have over the next five to 10 years."

Dr. Higgins is recognized as one of the leading surgeons in the field and is a sought-after national and international presenter and visiting professor. His numerous research studies and clinical trial research projects are published in prestigious peer-reviewed medical journals.

Dr. Higgins' numerous professional awards and honors include:

• 2010 American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Godina Traveling Fellow
• 2010 American Society of the Hand Travelling Visiting Professorship
• 2010 Inductee American Association of Plastic Surgeons
• 2007 and 2008 International Microsurgical Case of the Year Award: American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery
• A Baltimore magazine "Top Doctor" various years
• MD Daily Record Healthcare Hero 2008

Dr. Higgins fellowship trained in hand surgery at The Curtis National Hand Center and residency trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery at University of Rochester. He earned his medical degree from University of Rochester School of Medicine.

MEDSTAR HEALTH

MedStar Health is a not-for-profit, community-based healthcare organization that owns and operates nine major hospitals and other healthcare services in the Baltimore/Washington region.  The hospitals, which include both teaching and community facilities, are Franklin Square Hospital Center, Good Samaritan Hospital, Harbor Hospital, and Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, Montgomery General Hospital in Olny, and St. Mary's Hospital in St. Mary's, Maryland, and Georgetown University Hospital, National Rehabilitation Hospital, and Washington Hospital Center in the District of Columbia.

As one of the largest employers in the region with more than 26,000 employees and over 5,300 affiliated physicians, MedStar Health hospitals and healthcare organizations serve more than half-a-million patients each year. MedStar Health is based in Columbia, Maryland and is one of the largest health systems in the mid-Atlantic region.

Areas of clinical excellence include cardiology, cardiac surgery, oncology services, rehabilitation, orthopedic surgery, women's services and emergency and trauma services.

MedStar Health's comprehensive services include primary, urgent and sub acute care, medical education and research.  Other health-related services include assisted living, home health, and long-term care.  MedStar Health also operates nursing homes, senior housing, adult day care, rehabilitation and ambulatory centers.  The organization also maintains MedStar Physician Partners, a comprehensive physician network in the Baltimore-Washington area.

SOURCE Union Memorial Hospital