Prof. Ian D.S. Civil is a broadly trained general, vascular, and trauma surgeon, and director of trauma services at Auckland Hospital, New Zealand. In addition, he is clinical director for the Major Trauma National Clinical Network, and clinical leader for the Safe Surgery New Zealand Expert Advisory Group for the Health Quality and Safety Commission of New Zealand. Born in Rutorua, New Zealand, Dr. Civil attended King’s College in Auckland for both his undergraduate and medical training, with a subsequent masters in surgery from the University of Auckland, and trauma fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Professor Civil’s career is noteworthy for his decades as the leading clinician in the development of trauma care and trauma systems in New Zealand. In recognition of his outstanding efforts, he has been awarded the Certificate of Merit and the RACS Medal from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). He has served as an Officer, Commander, and Knight of Grace in the Order of Saint John, and awarded a Gordon Trinca Medal and Henry Windsor Medal from the RACS. He has served as President of the RACS, only the seventh New Zealander to serve in this role. In honor of his contributions, he has been bestowed as a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, the highest civilian award short of knighthood.
He has been a primary force in the development of trauma care in New Zealand, and now has assumed leadership in establishing national quality assurance standards in system development. He served with distinction in the military medical ranks of the New Zealand Army during the Gulf War. He has been a long-time supporter and active member of the American College of Surgeons, having also served as President of the Australia-New Zealand Chapter, and Governor for the chapter.