PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Tracey Dechert TI - Translational research: turning research into advocacy AID - 10.1136/tsaco-2019-000416 DP - 2019 Dec 01 TA - Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open PG - e000416 VI - 4 IP - 1 4099 - http://tsaco.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000416.short 4100 - http://tsaco.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000416.full SO - Trauma Surg Acute Care Open2019 Dec 01; 4 AB - The social determinants of health are increasingly being recognized within the trauma community. These determinants are major drivers of health and have a huge impact on access to surgery and surgical disparities. As trauma surgeons, we continue to struggle with optimizing care for our patients with many social needs and struggle with trauma as a chronic disease. As we are now using public health approaches to combat complex issues such as gun violence, it is ideal to view our work in a wider context which includes addressing the root causes of trauma and advocating for our patients and our communities. In addition, we need to teach and mentor this broader approach for our students and residents.