Edward Picardi

Edward Joseph Silvio Picardi, MD, FACS, DABS, is a distinguished general surgeon with over three decades of extensive experience in medicine and surgery. His career has covered a range of geographical locations, including various states and countries, with notable contributions to trauma surgery, advanced laparoscopic procedures, and volunteer medical missions. He is celebrated for his profound dedication to patient care, his staunch advocacy for life, and his unwavering commitment to both his local community and underprivileged populations worldwide.

From Childhood to Classroom

Edward Picardi was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 15, 1957. From an early age, his interest in medicine drove him to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with honors, securing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) in 1979. His passion for medicine did not wane; he subsequently earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Hahnemann University in 1983.

Military Life and Surgical Training

Following medical school, Dr. Picardi embarked on his surgical training at Wright-State University and was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB). His residency, spanning from June 1983 to June 1989, was marked by extensive experience in various surgical procedures and techniques. In July 1989, he was designated as a staff surgeon at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, serving as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps and taking part in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

A Medical Journey in South Dakota

In 1992, upon concluding his military service, Dr. Picardi entered civilian practice by establishing a private practice in Rapid City, South Dakota. Over the subsequent two decades, he emerged as a leading general surgeon in the region. His excellence was acknowledged in 2001 when he received the Outstanding Surgeon Award from the South Dakota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. Additionally, from 1999 to 2000, he served as the President of this chapter. He significantly contributed to the development of a statewide trauma system, ensuring access to high-quality emergency care for the residents of South Dakota.

Career Flourishes in Ohio

In 2018, Dr. Picardi relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, where he joined Trinity Health Systems, part of the Catholic Health Initiative (CHI). There, he continued to excel in his specialization in general and trauma surgery, contributing his expertise in advanced laparoscopic surgery and robotics. He has performed over 250 robotic surgeries, including cholecystectomies, hernias, bowel resections, and fundoplications. At Trinity Health Systems, he also serves as a trauma consultant for the regional EMS and plays a critical role in advancing trauma care within the region.

Fundamental Research and Scholarly Articles

Dr. Picardi has also made significant contributions to medical research, particularly with his project on the effects of streptokinase on experimental mesenteric venous thrombosis in a feline model, which he presented at the University Surgeons Meeting in 1989. His scholarly output includes numerous papers presented at professional conferences, covering innovative topics such as laparoscopic spinal fusion and groin exploration in childhood hernia. He pioneered the technique of laparoscopic pericardial windows and authored one of its first scholarly papers.

Pro-Life Advocacy and Challenges

As a staunch pro-life advocate, Dr. Picardi has consistently upheld the protection of the unborn throughout his career. This advocacy led him to engage in the political sphere, where he played a pivotal role in challenging key components of pro-abortion legislation. In 2005, he was honored with the Physician of the Year Award by the National Republican Congressional Committee. Despite facing significant legal challenges due to his pro-life advocacy, Dr. Picardi has remained steadfast in his commitment to protecting life at all stages.

Healing Beyond Borders

Dr. Picardi's commitment to service extends beyond the United States through his involvement in volunteer medical missionary work, which he often undertakes alongside his wife, Sandra, a registered nurse with extensive experience. Their missions have taken them to Western Africa, particularly to Liberia and Togo, where they work with organizations like Samaritan's Purse and World Medical Mission.

Beyond the Scrubs: Personal Joys

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Dr. Picardi's life is enriched by his relationship with his wife, Sandra. Together, they share a passion for the outdoors, enjoying activities like hiking and camping that allow them to reconnect with nature and unwind from the rigors of their demanding careers.