Close Up Radio Welcomes Back Dr. Booker T. King of the NC Jaycee Burn Center

Close Up Radio

Durham, NC - Renowned burn surgeon Booker T. King, MD, FACS, Professor and Chief of the Division of Burn Surgery and Director of the NC Jaycee Burn Center, continues to set the standard for burn treatment and recovery through his dedicated service and pioneering approaches to burn care. Driven by a commitment to his patients, Dr. King’s work at the Burn Center underscores his passion for advancing the field of burn surgery, providing life-saving care and supporting patients throughout their healing journey.

The NC Jaycee Burn Center, under Dr. King’s leadership, has become a beacon of hope and healing for burn survivors. Building on a legacy of compassion intertwined with cutting-edge treatment protocols, Dr. King emphasizes the critical need for specialized care in burn surgery. “Burn surgery is an area where extensive expertise is essential, yet not always widely accessible,” Dr. King remarks. “It’s my patients who inspire me, motivate me, and make me proud. Their resilience fuels our commitment to delivering the best care possible.”

Comprehensive Burn Care: Addressing the Complexities

Burns are among the most painful injuries, affecting the skin—the body’s largest organ rich in nerve endings—resulting in excruciating pain and complex medical challenges. Beyond treating visible injuries, Dr. King and his team address the multifaceted aspects of burn trauma, including altered pain perception, post-traumatic stress disorder, and lasting psychological impacts. “The injury itself can alter a patient’s perception of pain, complicating recovery,” Dr. King explains. “Our approach is holistic, integrating medical, psychological, and physical therapies to support long-term healing.”

The Burn Center employs a multidisciplinary treatment model focusing on multimodal pain management strategies. By incorporating various therapies, such as opioid alternatives and innovative pain relievers, like intravenous Tylenol, Dr. King aims to reduce opioid dependency and enhance pain relief efficacy. “By utilizing multimodal pain management, we address atypical pain patterns more effectively, increasing our success rates in managing complex cases,” Dr. King shares.

A Tailored Approach to Surgical Intervention

Dr. King emphasizes the importance of early surgical intervention to improve the chances of survival among burn patients. “Removing and covering burns promptly is critical, especially in large burn victims,” he states. The NC Jaycee Burn Center utilizes an array of advanced surgical techniques and temporary coverage solutions, particularly for older patients with significant health challenges.

“Age and pre-existing health conditions are critical factors in treatment planning,” Dr. King notes. “Younger patients generally have greater physiological reserves, allowing for more comprehensive surgical interventions. However, for older patients, we often need to take a more phased approach, balancing their existing health issues with the demands of surgery.”

Faith, Resilience, and Support: Cornerstones of Healing

Facing the intense demands of burn care, Dr. King acknowledges the vital role of his faith, family, and community support systems. “My faith provides a foundation to weather difficult times with patients, especially when outcomes are uncertain,” he shares. “It’s important to help patients, and their families navigate these emotional journeys, which, for those without familial support, can be the most challenging.”

Defining success extends beyond medical outcomes. Dr. King highlights the triumphs of patient perseverance and adaptation. “Full recovery involves adjusting to a lifetime of new challenges. Yet, seeing patients adapt and thrive despite these obstacles is immensely rewarding. It’s what drives my commitment every day.”

A Legacy of Innovation and Community Partnership

The NC Jaycee Burn Center’s history is intertwined with regional industry efforts, particularly collaborations with electrical workers. Founded with the support of electrical lineman John Stackhouse, backed by local community initiatives like the Jaycees, the Burn Center has pioneered advancements in burn treatment and safety awareness.

“The support from the electrical industry and community partners like the annual golf tournament fundraiser—raising significant funds for the Burn Center—underscores our collective commitment to reducing workplace injuries and improving outcomes for burn victims,” Dr. King explains. “This community spirit and dedication enable us to provide exceptional care.”

Looking ahead, Dr. King remains focused on advancing burn care through continued research, education, and community engagement. By leveraging the latest medical innovations and fostering collaborative efforts within the medical community, the NC Jaycee Burn Center is enhancing treatment protocols and expand accessibility to specialized burn care.

“We work hard to stay at the forefront of burn treatment by not only improving patient outcomes but also shaping the future of how burn care is approached globally,” Dr. King concludes. “With our team, partners, and the patients who inspire us, we are committed to making a lasting difference.”

About NC Jaycee Burn Center:

The NC Jaycee Burn Center, located at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, is a leading facility dedicated to comprehensive burn care, research, and education. Under the leadership of Dr. Booker T. King, the center provides specialized treatment and rehabilitation services for burn patients, promoting recovery and improved quality of life.

For more information about Dr. Booker T. King, please visit https://www.med.unc.edu/surgery/burn/directory/booker-t-king-md/