PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Dr. Sean Monaghan, a trauma surgeon with Brown Surgical Associates, recalls the moment he learned of the shooting at Brown University while attending a soccer game. Within minutes, he and every trauma surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital were on their way in.
“When the initial reports came in, we knew we needed all hands on deck,” Dr. Monaghan told Channel 12’s Kayla Fish.
As Rhode Island’s only Level I Trauma Center, the hospital rapidly mobilized operating rooms, staff, and resources to prepare for an unknown number of patients. All nine surviving victims were treated at Rhode Island Hospital.
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Monaghan described the Trauma Center as calm, focused, and highly coordinated.
“There was no chaos,” he said. “Everyone knew their role, and patients were cared for quickly and efficiently.”
Five patients remain hospitalized and are recovering, while four have since been discharged. Dr. Monaghan credits their progress to preparation, teamwork, and the hospital’s ability to respond immediately in a crisis.
“This is what we’re trained for,” he said. “Our Trauma Center is always ready.”
Following the incident, the team met to review the response and identify ways to continue improving care—part of an ongoing commitment to being prepared when patients need it most.
“A trauma center is something you hope you never need,” Dr. Monaghan said. “But it’s there for you when it matters most.”
