The vital role of emergency and trauma care at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital

“Memorial Hospital is a place where I feel a tremendous amount of autonomy to be the physician I want to be.”

In an era where health care standards are constantly changing, Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital stands out as a beacon of integrity and dedication to its mission. The hospital’s emergency department has not only become a cornerstone of the community but also a symbol of compassionate and patient-centered care. 

Omar Ferrari, D.O., the director of emergency medicine at Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, sat down to talk about why his role continues to inspire him a decade after he began. From the outset, it’s clear that Dr. Ferrari’s passion for his work and commitment to the hospital’s mission are tireless.  

Recruited by a former colleague, Dr. Ferrari was drawn to the hospital’s unique culture of physician autonomy. Providence Santa Rosa Memorial allows its doctors the freedom to practice medicine in a way that aligns hospital protocols with their values and expertise. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among the physicians, contributing to their long-term satisfaction and retention.  

“Memorial Hospital is a place where I feel a tremendous amount of autonomy to be the physician I want to be,” Dr. Ferrari says.  

The hospital’s commitment to its mission is more far-reaching in practice than many people realize. Dr. Ferrari highlights the hospital’s steadfast dedication to serving the most vulnerable members of the community, regardless of their ability to pay.  

“We have 26 beds to care for all of the sickest patients in Sonoma County,” Dr. Ferrari says. “We’re the STEMI center for heart attacks, the only trauma center and the stroke center. We’re taking care of mentally ill patients in crisis, supporting unhoused patients and responding to fentanyl overdoses. We are on the front lines, operating in the spaces where others fear to tread, dealing with the gravest societal challenges of our time.”  

Despite these challenges, Dr. Ferrari remains hopeful. He speaks passionately about the hospital’s transformative culture, which values collaboration, transparency, and, above all, putting patients first. Through his leadership, Dr. Ferrari has fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among the hospital staff, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. 

Dr. Ferrari is especially proud of the care we provide to our pediatric patients to support families in Sonoma County.  

Santa Rosa Memorial emergency department treats more than 700 children each month and that number has been growing steadily. Caregivers and physicians are well-trained in pediatric emergencies, and inpatient hospitalists bring additional expertise in non-trauma care.  

“This work is my passion,” Dr. Ferrari says. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and they tell me I’m supposed to be burned out. The truth is that I’m incredibly grateful to take part in this work. It is a huge responsibility that is also extremely fulfilling.  It is truly my privilege to be able to do it.”