
My research parallels our specialized clinical programs at Duke. I am involved in clinical research looking comprehensively at outcomes of cleft care to develop standards for evaluating a team’s overall success. Based on a recent grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), we are also participating with several centers to look specifically at academic, psychosocial, and surgical outcomes for all children with clefts born in North Carolina. We are committed to the technique of nasoalveolar molding for children with clefts and are engaged in analyzing its benefits. In rhinoplasty, we have developed a model for nasal respiratory physiology, and we are looking at the effects of specific surgical procedures on nasal airflow and resistance. Our Craniofacial imaging lab has developed sophisticated software to analyze cranial shape, and we use these techniques to define abnormal conditions and their treatment relative to normal. Lastly, our craniomaxillofacial trauma team continues to look at factors associated with facial trauma in North Carolina in order to implement techniques and processes to deliver optimal care and results.
Education and Training
- Chief Resident, Plastic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 2000 - 2001
- Resident, Plastic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 1998 - 2000
- Research Fellow, Plastic Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 1997 - 1998
- Resident-General Surgery, Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 1995 - 1997
- Intern-General Surgery, Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 1994 - 1995
- M.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 1994
In the News
- Young Boy with Moebius Syndrome Smiles After SurgeryJuly 5, 2018
- Procedure Closes Cleft Lip and Palate With Fewer Surgeries, Better ResultsMay 3, 2016
- Jenna's StoryJune 17, 2014
- Smile surgery: Turn that frown upside downMay 9, 2014
- Boy with rare facial paralyzing disorder has special Christmas wish: a smileJanuary 3, 2014
Selected Grants
- Computational modeling of the mature unilateral cleft lip nasal deformity for objective assessment of patient nasal function and treatment outcomes
- Short and Long Term Outcomes Among Children with Clefts
- Standardization of Cleft Outcomes for Quality Improvement and Clinical Research
- Education Grant for Rhinoplasty Society Meeting.