Dr. Michael Sise, director of trauma at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, says he chose trauma as his specialty because of "the high level of intensity and the fact that trauma calls forth all your skills, all your judgment, at a moment's notice. It's like being a fireman — sheer boredom punctuated by sheer terror."

His experiences in the emergency room, where many of his patients are casualties of urban battles, have made him a vocal advocate for violence prevention. His current efforts are focused on community-based violence and injury prevention, substance abuse, and border health issues.