As a Plastic Surgeon I am dedicated to improving the quality of life of my patients by providing compassionate, sensitive care. My commitment to patients is that I will offer the most comprehensive and effective treatment plan to achieve their reconstructive and aesthetic goals. With nearly 20 years as an Academic Plastic Surgeon I have provided clinical care, leadership, and education to treat the most complex reconstructive cases after cancer and trauma. With the transition to Colorado Springs, I offer the excellence of experience with proven results.
About Me
Qualifications and Expertise
Specialties
Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, Surgery - Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Surgery - Cleft Lip and Palate, Injuries and Wounds - Wounds, Ear, Nose, and Throat - Head and Neck Tumors, Ear, Nose, and Throat - Facial Paralysis, Child and Teen Health - Infant and Toddler Health, Child and Teen Health - Pediatric Diseases and Conditions, Cancers - Skin Cancer, Cancers - Sarcoma, Cancers - Head and Neck Cancer, Surgery - Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Ear, Nose, and Throat - Facial Plastics and Cosmetics
Education
Fellowship
University of Oviedo (Spain) (2000)
Graduate
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK (1990)
Graduate
University of Washington (1995)
Medical School
Yale University School of Medicine (1992)
Residency in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
University of Washington Program (1999)
Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (2002)
Undergraduate
University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) (1987)
Clinical Interests for Patients
As a Plastic Surgeon, I specialize in reconstructive surgery for adults with traumatic injuries of the face (i.e., Facial Fractures and Soft Tissue Scars) and defects caused by cancer (i.e., Head and Neck, Skin, and Breast Cancer). With additional training and Board-Certification as an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgeon), I have a special interest and expertise in cosmetic and functional nasal surgery (i.e., Rhinoplasty) and ear surgery (i.e. Otoplasty and Microtia). As a nationally recognized expert in Microvascular Surgery, free tissue transfer (i.e., transplanting tissue from one site of the body to another, in order to reconstruct an existing defect) is a routine part of my practice for reconstructing defects of the face, extremities, and breast /chest wall.
As Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Colorado and Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Colorado (2009-2017) the primary specializations of my practice were Cleft Surgery and microvascular surgery for facial paralysis and after tumor surgery and trauma. My practice continues to focus on these specializations, but patient care for these interests is now also fully supported by the John Lester Foundation For Pediatric Facial Reconstruction. This Endowment provides funds for local families who qualify for financial assistance, as well as for an Annual Surgical Mission to Guatemala to treat children born with absent or malformed ears.
Research Interests for Patients
My research activities have focused on the clinical epidemiology of head and neck cancer and the effectiveness of different reconstructive and treatment interventions for adult and pediatric patients. Issues of quality of life and cost-effectiveness have also been basic themes. My clinical research focuses on functional outcomes after head and neck reconstruction, complex clinical outcomes after pediatric and adult facial fracture management, facial reanimation, and the genetics of facial clefting. I have published or are in Press over 100 articles and book chapters in Plastic Surgery, Microvascular Surgery, Head & Neck Surgery, and Cleft-Craniofacial Surgery. Recently, CBS news in Denver highlighted the research findings that demonstrated the toxic effects that the vapor from electronic cigarettes has on wound healing in rats undergoing skin flap surgery
Awards
2017 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2016 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2016 - America’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery, Selected for inclusion in the 15th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2015 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2015 - America’s Top Doctors, Selected for inclusion in the 14th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2014 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2014 - The Golden Apple Award for Faculty Teacher of the Year, Awarded by the Department of Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine
2014 - Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, 2014 Edition. Published by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Listed for inclusion.
2014 - America’s Top Doctors, Selected for inclusion in the 13th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2013 - U.S. News Top Doctors / Castle Connolly, Otolaryngology, Selected for inclusion
2013 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2013 - America’s Top Doctors, Selected for inclusion in the 12th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2012 - U.S. News Top Doctors / Castle Connolly, Plastic Surgery, Selected for inclusion
2012 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2012 - America’s Top Doctors, Selected for inclusion in the 11th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2011 - 5280 Denver’s Top Doctors, Plastic Surgery (Head and Neck), Selected for inclusion.
2011 - U.S. News Top Doctors/ Castle Connolly, Plastic Surgery, Selected for inclusion.
2011 - America’s Top Doctors, Selected for inclusion in the 10th edition of Castle Connolly’s Guide.
2011 - 2012 - ‘Best Doctors (Plastic Surgery)’. Selected by peers to be in Best Doctors in America
2009 - Pittsburgh’s 2009 ‘Top Doctors (Plastic Surgery)’. Annual survey compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.
2009 - Guide to America’s Top Surgeons, 2009 Edition. Published by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Listed for inclusion.
2008 - Pittsburgh’s 2008 ‘Top Doctors (Plastic Surgery)’. Annual survey compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.
2007 - Pittsburgh’s 2007 ‘Top Doctors (Plastic Surgery)’. Annual survey compiled by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.
2004 - 2006 - Guide to America’s Top Physicians, 2004 -2005 Edition. Published by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. Listed for inclusion.
1992 - Yale Medical Degree Thesis Honors.
1987 - Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa,
Varsity Letter in Varsity Lightweight Crew, Univ. of Pennsylvania.​
