About

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial and Oral Health at the University of Virginia! It is an honor to serve as the Chair of UVA Plastic Surgery, the first Department of Plastic Surgery in the United States. The program became a Department in 1970 under the leadership of a pioneering plastic surgeon named Milton Edgerton, MD. Please refer to our webpage outlining the history of the department for more details. While many things have changed since 1970, our core values of excellent patient care, scientific research and education have provided steady guidance for a mission. At a foundational level, we seek to serve the needs of our community, Virginians, and all patients throughout the region and beyond. We do this by delivering specialized surgical care developed during Plastic Surgery residency and fellowship and confirmed by American Board of Plastic Surgery candidacy and certification. As a member of the UVA Health community, we prioritize accessible, expeditious and high quality care. Our clinical services extend across the entire realm of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

We have a large team of people that make up our department and support our mission. My role as Chair is to facilitate an enriching and enjoyable work environment that allows everyone an opportunity to grow, to be challenged and ultimately achieve professional and personal goals. High quality education is one of the core principles of our group. We have an integrated Plastic Surgery Residency program and a fellowship position in Hand Surgery. We frequently host UVA and visiting medical students into our research programs and clinical practices to help prepare the next generation for the challenges ahead. The department includes the Division of Dentistry, which functions to support the medical center and community in oral health. We have a long standing General Practice Dental Residency within the division as well. Please refer to our webpage outlining the residency programs and opportunities for students within our department for more details.

Another way we can make an impact is through service and leadership. Many of the faculty, residents and staff volunteer in the community and serve on national committees and boards. By connecting with our local community and the global healthcare community, we can anticipate future needs and serve more effectively. Global health is another area that the department prioritizes. We typically participate in 1 – 2 global health trips each year, which provide faculty and residents an invaluable experience in challenging resource-limited environments. Please refer to our webpage outlining our global health program for more details.

Innovating healthcare through scientific research has always been a fundamental aspect of UVA Plastic Surgery. This includes clinical, translational, and bench research. The department prioritizes research as a method of advancing care for our patients. We have ongoing opportunities for trainees to become involved in dedicated research projects focusing on wound healing, inflammation, biocompatibility, tissue engineering as well as clinical projects that directly complement our patient care.  Please refer to our webpage outlining the research programs within our department for more details.

There is a strong tradition of excellence in the department that I really appreciate and value. Still, there will always be opportunities for growth and evolution. We continue to expand our perspectives about how we engage our communities, educate our trainees, and fund our initiatives. We have had a number of exciting recent developments within the department. The faculty and support staff are growing in number and in expertise, the current facilities are undergoing renovations and our research programs are proliferating. The educational opportunities are robust and offer the trainee an opportunity to challenge themselves and become skilled in helping patients through difficulty, injury, rejuvenation and transformation. The Plastic Surgery Residency program underwent an ACGME site visit in 2023 and received full accreditation without citations. We plan to expand the residency program and clinical sites in the near future. We also want to stay connected with our alumni and friends. Each year we hold events to bring together this special family and share in comradery and experience.

Our team continues to enhance the role of the department as a valued member of the Health System, School of Medicine, and the community. This means being good stewards of resources, helping to make UVA a wonderful place to work, performing innovative research and, providing the best patient care possible. The department currently has a fantastic team of dedicated plastic surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, researchers and support staff who create a solid foundation for sustainable growth. We prioritize the teaching and education of our trainees as they represent the future of our healthcare teams. I remain focused on pushing to refine our program every day in order to provide the highest quality experience for everyone we encounter.

Sincerely,

Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS
Raymond F. Morgan Professor and Chair
Department of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial and Oral Health
American Society of Plastic Surgeons; President-Elect
American Board of Plastic Surgery; Certified