Faculty

Dr. Krista Haines is a trauma and critical care surgeon at Duke University Hospital, specializing in the care of critically ill and injured patients. Her clinical practice focuses on managing complex trauma, acute surgical emergencies, and critical care. Dr. Haines is deeply committed to advancing surgical outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations, and has developed a robust research portfolio centered on older adult trauma, nutrition, ethics, and patient-centered outcomes.

Dr. Haines’ work explores the intersection of malnutrition and surgical recovery, particularly on developing interventions to optimize nutritional support for trauma patients. She has led innovative studies on nutritional interventions, including personalized nutrition strategies, to mitigate sarcopenia, improve immune function, and enhance surgical recovery. Her efforts have also extended to improving the integration of qualitative methods into surgical research to better understand the patient experience.

As a mentor and advocate for women in surgery, Dr. Haines actively supports the development of trainees, residents, and fellows, encouraging them to engage in meaningful research and present their findings at national and international meetings. She is known for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment, empowering the next generation of surgeons to excel both clinically and academically.

Dr. Haines is passionate about improving care for the most complex and challenging patient populations through evidence-based approaches, multidisciplinary collaboration, and patient advocacy. Her dedication to advancing surgical science and her commitment to mentorship make her a valuable leader in trauma and critical care surgery.