I completed my general surgery residency at St. Luke’s University Hospital – Bethlehem and enjoyed my experience so much that I decided to return to St. Luke’s after completing a three-year plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and a one-year microsurgery fellowship at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, both in Columbus, OH.
My fellowships trained me in advanced breast reconstruction procedures, including DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator) “flap” breast reconstruction. DIEP is a microsurgical technique that rebuilds the breast lost to mastectomy by using the patient’s own abdominal tissue. This better simulates the natural breast and is not susceptible to the same long-term complications as implants.
During my fellowships at The Ohio State University (OSU), I had the opportunity to learn from leaders in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, and worked as a clinical instructor for one year, developing a special interest in procedures, such as:



Microsurgery, complex oncologic and trauma reconstruction


Breast reconstruction with implants and autologous tissue (in addition to DIEP, GAP, PAP, TUG)


Breast augmentation, reduction and lifts


Facial rejuvenation and aesthetic surgery


Body contouring after weight loss or bariatric surgery


Migraine treatment with surgery and Botox


Abdominal wall reconstruction


While at St. Luke’s, my surgical colleagues named me, “Surgical Resident of the Year,” which I considered a great honor. What I valued even more, however, was the relationships I cultivated while a resident.
Prior to my surgical residency at St. Luke’s, I completed an internship in general surgery at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. I earned my medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana School of Medicine in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where I graduated first in my class.
I am certified by the American Board of Surgery. My research interests include post-mastectomy radiation effects and innovations in breast reconstruction. I have co-authored a book chapter, “Body contouring in the massive weight loss patient” in Essentials of Aesthetic Surgery.
I am a proud husband of Melissa Martinez, MD, who works for the Department of Veterans Affairs helping our veterans to reintegrate in our society and father of two young children. Outside of medicine I enjoy reading a good book, CrossFit exercises, photography, traveling and more than anything; I cherish the time spent with my family.