My career is dedicated to advancing multidisciplinary care for children with cleft lip and palate, pediatric vascular malformations, and other complex craniofacial conditions. As the Medical Director of the M Health Fairview Cleft and Craniofacial Services, I lead a comprehensive team focused on optimizing functional and aesthetic outcomes from infancy through adulthood. My practice also includes a significant focus on pediatric cosmetic facial surgery, addressing a wide range of congenital and acquired deformities. I incorporate cutting-edge technology into my practice, utilizing 3D facial scanning and 3D printing to create custom molds that enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes. My work is driven by a commitment to ensuring every child has access to coordinated, state-of-the-art care. This commitment extends globally through my long-standing involvement with Children's Surgery International, where I participate in and lead medical missions. My primary international focus is in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, where I serve as an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University. In this role, I am integral to developing a sustainable pediatric otolaryngology fellowship program, training local surgeons, and establishing a center for excellence in pediatric and cleft care.
Expertise
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Craniofacial
- Vascular Malformations
- Pediatric Facial Trauma and Scar Management
- Pediatric Head and Neck Surgery
- Pediatric Hearing Loss
- Cochlear Implantation
- Complex Pediatric Airway
- Pediatric Sinus and Skull Base
Education
Undergrad: University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Residency: Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery - Medical College of Wisconsin
Fellowship: Pediatric Otolaryngology - University of Utah
Board Cerifications
- ABOTO
- Complex Pediatric Otolaryngology (CPO) Sub Cerfication
Awards & Recognitions
- Mpls St. Paul Magazine Top Doctors Rising Star: April 2018-2023
- Minnesota Monthly Top Doctor: April 2016-2023
- Staff Teacher of the Year: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Minnesota, 2017
- Resident Teacher of the Year: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residency, Medical College of Wisconsin, 2014
Professional Associations
- American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology
- American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
- International Society for the Study of Vascular Malformations
- Minnesota Medical Association
Research Summary
My research focuses on the innovative application of 3D facial scanning and printing to create personalized medical devices for pediatric patients, aiming to enhance surgical precision and improve patient outcomes. A primary area of my research involves the development of custom-fit pre- and post-surgical molding devices for infants with cleft lip and palate, a project designed to decentralize and modernize care by replacing traditional manual molding with a digital workflow. This digital approach is intended to improve access to care and provide a superior, custom fit for each patient. My research also extends to producing custom 3D-printed ear molds for newborns with congenital ear deformities, with the goal of providing a non-surgical correction of ear shape and avoiding the need for later surgical intervention. This innovative workflow aims to reduce the burden on families, improve treatment adherence, and ultimately enhance long-term patient outcomes by making these specialized treatments more accessible.
