Edward Picardi Male • United States of America

Edward Picardi, MD, FACS, DABS, is a distinguished general surgeon with over thirty years of experience in medicine and surgery. His career has taken him across various states and countries, where he has made significant strides in trauma surgery, advanced laparoscopic procedures, and volunteer medical missions. Known for his steadfast commitment to patient care, advocacy for life causes, and service to both his local community and underserved populations internationally, Dr. Picardi has built a commendable reputation.

Born on February 15, 1957, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, his interest in medicine began early, steering him toward a degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He graduated with honors in 1979 and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Hahnemann University in 1983. Following medical school, he commenced his surgical training at Wright-State University while stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. From 1983 to 1989, he completed his residency, honing his skills in various surgical procedures and techniques.

In 1989, he was appointed as a staff surgeon at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, serving as a Major in the United States Air Force Medical Corps. During his service, he participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Transitioning to civilian practice in 1992, he established a private practice in Rapid City, South Dakota. Over the next two decades, he emerged as a leading general surgeon in the region. He was recognized by the South Dakota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons with the Outstanding Surgeon Award in 2001.

He also served as the President of the South Dakota Chapter of the American College of Surgeons from 1999 to 2000. He played a crucial role in the Governor's Task Force on Medicaid and Trauma, helping develop the statewide trauma system that ensured high-quality emergency care for South Dakota residents.

In 2018, he relocated to Steubenville, Ohio, joining Trinity Health Systems, part of the Catholic Health Initiative. Here, he continued to excel in his specialty, performing over 250 robotic surgeries, including cholecystectomies, hernias, bowel resections, and fundoplications. His role extended to being a trauma consultant for the regional EMS, contributing significantly to the development of trauma care in the area.

His scholarly contributions include a project on the effects of streptokinase on experimental mesenteric venous thrombosis in a feline model and numerous papers presented at professional conferences. He pioneered the technique of laparoscopic pericardial windows and was one of the first to publish a paper on the method.

A staunch pro-life advocate, his commitment to protecting the unborn has been central throughout his career. His political involvement in this arena led to blocking key components of pro-abortion legislation, earning him the Physician of the Year Award from the National Republican Congressional Committee in 2005. Despite facing legal challenges due to his controversial stance, he remained unwavering in his beliefs.

Edward Picardi's dedication also extends to international volunteer medical missions, often undertaken with his wife, Sandra. Together, they have traveled to Western Africa, contributing to medical initiatives in countries like Liberia and Togo. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, embracing the tranquility of nature.