CAPT Romeo Ignacio, MC, USN (Ret.), is a pediatric surgeon at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego, where he serves as Section Chief of Pediatric Surgery, Trauma Medical Director, and Director of Clinical Research. He currently serves as:

• Executive Board Member – Pediatric Trauma Society and American Pediatric Surgical Association
• Pediatric Liaison – Central American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Trauma
• Co-Chair – Joint Advocacy Committee of the ACS California Chapters (JAC-ACSCC)
• Vice Chair – Pediatric Committee, American Association for the Surgery of Trauma
• Surgical Representative – California Chapter Council on Injury, Violence, and Poison Prevention (COIVPP)

A retired U.S. Navy surgeon with 24 years of service, Dr. Ignacio is board-certified in General Surgery and Pediatric Surgery. His career reflects a deep commitment to graduate medical education, military medicine, global surgery, and advancing humanitarian surgical care. He is a prolific researcher with 130 peer-reviewed publications, over 160 presentations, and is co-editor of the textbook Pediatric Trauma Care: A Practical Guide.

Dr. Ignacio values the mission of service to others, compassion, and camaraderie among those privileged to care for children. His research interests include trauma, surgical education, and global health, while his clinical expertise spans biliary surgery, chest wall reconstruction, and minimally invasive surgery. He is a passionate advocate for pediatric trauma care, reducing healthcare disparities, and improving access to surgical services for all children.