The Center of Excellence consists of two linked but separate programs: Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center which takes care of adults (over 18 years of age) and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California which provides free care to children (18 years and under). Drs. David G. Greenhalgh and Tina Palmieri are nationally recognized leaders in burn care, research, education and advocacy. Their interests and experiences have been key factors in developing the Burn Center of Excellence in Northern California.

Besides the clinical program, the Burn Program provides a fellowship in burns that trains the burn surgeons of the future. The Burn Program is involved in aspects of research from molecular biology to cell biology to clinical research to prevention. All members of the team are active members of the American Burn Association (ABA) with David G. Greenhalgh, M.D. being the past president (2006-2007) and Tina Palmieri, M.D., president (2012-2013). As key members of the ABA, they advocate for the improvement in burn care, support for burn survivors and improving prevention legislation.