The Department of Plastic and Oral Surgery has developed comprehensive basic, translational, and clinical research programs. Our focus areas include: cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, vascular anomalies, congenital hand defects, adolescent breast disorders, oral and maxillofacial surgery, reconstructive microsurgery, gender identity and gender affirmation procedures. Our basic science questions are derived from clinical experience, and our aim is to translate the knowledge gained in the laboratory back to the clinic to improve patient care.
Additionally, our department has a strong research focus on Value Based Healthcare; examining methods for quantifying health outcomes for patients and exploring the relationship between the reimbursement systems and healthcare delivery.
While the research program is focused primarily on conditions commonly encountered in our department, we also have a mission to improve surgical care globally. Our department founded the Global Surgery Fellowship program, which evolved into the Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, a collaborative program at Harvard Medical School studying and improving surgical outcomes across the world.
Our Research Team includes:
- 17 clinical researchers
- 2 quality improvement/value based health care professionals
- 2 bench researchers
- 3 HMS faculty-appointed researchers and scientists
- Over 30 students, residents, and fellows
