Walter Biffl, MD

Walter Biffl, MD, is a surgeon with specialized training in general, trauma and emergency surgery. He is medical director of trauma and acute care surgery at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla. 

Dr. Biffl is committed to providing patients the most effective, evidence-based and cost-efficient care available. In his role as trauma medical director he leads an interdisciplinary team of surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other specialists who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat patients with life-threatening injuries at the Barbey Family Emergency and Trauma Center. 

As a trauma and acute care surgeon, Dr. Biffl provides a full range of surgical interventions to treat injuries ranging from falls and life-threatening car accidents to stabbings or gunshot wounds. His clinical interests include thoracic and chest wall reconstruction, in addition to the cost-effective management of gallstone-related diseases. 

Dr. Biffl has conducted extensive research in the field of trauma and acute care surgery, including studies on the immune system and inflammatory response to injury, the immunological effects of transfused blood and acute respiratory syndrome. His research has been published in numerous medical journals and scientific publications, including Annals of Surgery, The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, The Journal of the American College of Surgeons and The World Journal of Emergency Surgery. He is invited frequently to present at national and international conferences, including the Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons. 

When not treating patients, Dr. Biffl enjoys golf and hiking.