Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship
The Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship is a one-year clinical program approved by the American Society of Craniofacial Surgery (ASCFS), designed to provide a comprehensive experience. Based out of Rady Children's Health, the fellow is exposed to all facets of craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, genetics/dysmorphology, pediatric dermatology, and oculoplastic surgery. Extensive hands-on experience equips the fellow with the surgical expertise to manage the most complex craniofacial and congenital malformations across the full spectrum of patient ages.
A defining strength of our program is the breadth and depth of surgical exposure. The fellow develops mastery across a wide range of conditions, including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, vascular anomalies, craniofacial trauma, dentofacial deformities, airway obstruction, hemangiomas, facial nerve disorders, and virtually all aspects of pediatric plastic surgery. Critically, our program is committed to offering the full spectrum of techniques for each condition rather than a single institutional approach. In craniosynostosis management, for example, fellows are trained in open calvarial remodeling, minimally invasive and endoscopic-assisted techniques, and distraction osteogenesis using both internal and external devices. In cleft care, innovative primary and secondary surgical approaches are emphasized alongside multidisciplinary team-based management. Our program averages 50-60 primary cleft repairs and 50-60 cranial vault procedures annually.
Our full-service microtia and congenital ear program provides fellows with training in rib cartilage framework reconstruction as well as exposure to alloplastic approaches, offering a comprehensive skill set for auricular reconstruction.
Fellows also have the opportunity to participate in a robust facial gender-affirming surgery program at UCSD, one of the most comprehensive in the region. This includes the full range of feminizing and masculinizing craniofacial procedures, providing fellows with meaningful exposure to this rapidly growing area of practice.
The program also provides significant exposure to orthognathic surgery and TMJ surgery, including the management of dentofacial deformities, jaw reconstruction, and temporomandibular joint disorders across both pediatric and adult populations.
Additionally, fellows have the unique opportunity to participate in adult head and neck reconstruction, broadening their reconstructive skill set through exposure to complex oncologic and post-ablative cases managed by the UCSD Division of Plastic Surgery.
Facial trauma management across both pediatric and adult populations further rounds out the clinical experience.
Research & Scholarly Activity
Our fellowship is supported by a robust research infrastructure. Clinical and translational research is strongly encouraged, and fellows are able to participate in active, ongoing projects spanning craniosynostosis outcomes, cleft care, patient-reported outcome measures, telemedicine, international health, and the biologic and genetic basis of craniofacial disorders. Fellows benefit from established collaborative relationships with UCSD's genetics, bioengineering, and clinical research teams.
Education & Training
The fellow attends pediatric plastic surgery and craniofacial clinics, cleft and craniofacial team meetings, the vascular lesions team clinic, and didactic sessions on related topics. The fellow plays an active role in the education of UC San Diego plastic surgery residents, developing leadership and teaching skills integral to an academic surgical career.
Humanitarian & Charitable Outreach
A unique and enriching aspect of the fellowship is participation in international humanitarian outreach through ConnectMed International, as well as direct involvement with the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts program, a charity program providing free care to children in the U.S. and abroad who have no access to funding.
The Fresh Start Surgical Clinic houses the Center for Craniofacial Disorders along with Plastic Surgery, Genetics and Dysmorphology, and the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts charity. Established at Rady Children's Hospital, this state-of-the-art facility providing an outstanding infrastructure for our patients, families, and clinical team.
Eligibility
Eligible candidates should have completed an ACGME-accredited plastic surgery residency program and must be eligible for a California Medical License
How to Apply
Candidates must complete an application through the San Francisco Match Central Application Service (CAS). Applicant registration begins in January.
Please note that although registration is open up until the match deadline, applicants are encouraged to register as early as possible to allow time for application and interviews.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2026
Interview Date: September 16, 2026
Fellowship Director: Melissa Kanack, MD
Program Coordinator: Pamela Lugo
Contact
Pamela Lugo
Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship Program Coordinator
plugo@health.ucsd.edu