Jordan W. Swanson

Jordan W. Swanson, MD, MSc, is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and an attending surgeon in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Oral Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He holds the Linton Whitaker Endowed Chair in Craniofacial Surgery and is affiliated with the CHOP Craniofacial Program, Cleft Lip and Palate Program, Global Health Center, and multiple specialized clinics including the Ear Deformities Program and Neonatal Craniofacial Program.

His education includes:

• BA in History of Science, Harvard University (Magna cum Laude)
• MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Residency in Plastic Surgery, University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Hospital
• Fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery, CHOP and Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• MSc in International Development Management, London School of Economics (Valedictorian)

Dr. Swanson’s research focuses on adapting surgical care to low-resource environments through clinical device design, local leadership development, and reoriented care pathways. He has pioneered non-invasive methods for detecting elevated intracranial pressure in children and is experienced in both autologous and MedPor ear reconstruction. His work spans clinical innovation, global health equity, and surgical training reform.

His recent publications reflect a strong trend in craniofacial outcomes, distraction osteogenesis, surgical complications, cleft care accessibility, and global surgery sustainability, with emphasis on evidence-based, patient-centered approaches across high- and low-resource settings.

Scientific awards include:

• Daniel Marchac Award for Best Paper (2015)
• Young Investigator Scholarship, International Cleft Congress (2017)
• Tsao Fellow in Global Surgery (2015–2016)
• Valedictorian, London School of Economics (2006)
• Multiple honors from Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and professional societies

Dr. Swanson has led major grants such as the $1.4M UBS Optimus Foundation-funded Cirugia Para el Pueblo pilot program in Nicaragua. He advises the Penn Global Surgery Group and has trained surgeons across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. He has no formal advisees listed, but mentors residents and fellows through Penn and CHOP programs.

He leads or participates in multiple teams:

• Plastic, Reconstructive and Oral Surgery
• Global Health Center
• Craniofacial Program
• Cleft Lip and Palate Program
• Ear Deformities Program
• Neonatal Craniofacial Program
• Center for Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome