The 2018 Thomas Wachtel, MD Keynote Address, Damage Control Laparotomy: Myths, Pitfalls, and Disadvantages, was presented at the 10th annual Southwest Trauma & Acute Care Symposium (STACS) by Peter Rhee, MD, MPH, FACS, FCCM, DMCC. Dr. Rhee is a renown American trauma surgeon, medical professor, and military veteran who served as a battlefield casualty physician in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Rhee was an original founding member of the Arizona Trauma Association in 2007 and presented at the 1st annual STACS in 2008.