Joseph M. Serletti ’82M (MD), ’88M (Res)

Dr. Joseph M. Serletti is the Henry Royster–William Maul Measey Professor of Surgery, chief of the division of plastic surgery, and vice chair for finance in the department of surgery at the University of Pennsylvania. Previously, he served as assistant professor, associate professor, and professor of plastic surgery at University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) from 1990-2005, completing his tenure as division chief.

Serletti received a bachelor of science in biomedical engineering at Northwestern University. He earned his medical degree and residency at SMD. After his general surgery and plastic surgery training at SMD, he completed a craniofacial fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Serletti is a pioneer in the field of free flap autogenous breast reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. He is internationally recognized for his work in free flap breast augmentation, which he credits to his time in Rochester, and reconstructive microsurgery including head, neck, and extremity reconstruction. Through his time at URMC, Serletti led the residency program for plastic surgery that trained some of the current top surgeons in the field.

Serletti is a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society, Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He is past president of a multitude of organizations including the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery, American Surgical Association, and American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons. Throughout his career, Serletti has mentored dozens of individuals from all levels of education. He was recognized for his commitment to mentorship with The Robert Goldwyn American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons Mentor of the Year Award in 2017. He received the Clinician of the Year Award from the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, and Distinguished Medical Alumnus Award from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and American Society of Plastic Surgeons Honorary Citation Award in 2021.

He is a member of the editorial boards of the Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal and is former associate editor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In addition, Serletti has published over 300 articles and authored six book chapters all contributing to patient care, research, and education within the field of plastic surgery.