Dr. Bulger received her undergraduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and her medical degree from Cornell University. She then completed her surgical residency and fellowship in trauma and critical care at the University of Washington. She joined the faculty at the University of Washington in 2000 where she is now a Professor of Surgery and the Chief of Trauma at Harborview Medical Center the sole Level 1 trauma center for adults and pediatrics in Washington State. She has served in several leadership roles in the Washington State trauma system including Chair of the State EMS and Trauma Steering committee and President of the Washington Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. She currently serves as the secretary/treasurer for the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma and as the Chair of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma.