Imagine surviving a dangerous encounter or defending someone you love—with confidence. It is within your reach, with an understanding of key concepts and, when you’re ready, proper training. Let’s review some of these important concepts right now.

Juliann Reiland, MD, FACS, remembers the moment she discovered her first medical specialty – general and trauma surgery – at the University of South Dakota School of Medicine. She was a third-year medical student on a surgical rotation when a patient who needed emergency surgery was rushed in.

“There was activity everywhere. Truly organized chaos,” said Dr. Reiland. “People were hurrying in and out of the OR, getting supplies, rolling in equipment.”