Samir Mardini

Dr. Samir Mardini is Chair of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he leads a team of fourteen plastic surgeons and hundreds of providers and Allied Health staff. A globally recognized expert in craniofacial surgery and facial paralysis and reanimation, Dr. Mardini was instrumental in establishing Mayo Clinic's groundbreaking face transplant program and led the team that performed the institution's first face transplant.

Dr. Mardini completed his plastic surgery residency at Georgetown University Medical Center, followed by specialized craniofacial and reconstructive microsurgery fellowships at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, where he also worked as an academic surgeon for two years before joining Mayo Clinic. His educational journey reflects a commitment to mastering advanced techniques across international settings.

Dr. Mardini's research focuses on facial nerve studies, facial allotransplantation, facial anatomy, regenerative medicine, cleft and craniofacial diseases, and 3D imaging/virtual surgery planning. His clinical work spans craniofacial surgery for children and adults, cleft lip and palate repair, facial reanimation, facial plastic surgery, facial trauma, and complex reconstructive procedures. He has particular expertise in restoring function and aesthetics for patients with facial paralysis.

Analysis of Dr. Mardini's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on innovation in facial transplantation, virtual surgical planning, and craniofacial reconstruction. His scholarly output demonstrates consistent productivity with significant contributions across plastic surgery, transplant medicine, and medical imaging disciplines. The thematic continuity in his work shows a sustained focus on improving outcomes for patients with complex facial conditions.

• Teacher of the Year for Plastic Surgery (two consecutive years)
• Teacher of the Year for Surgery and Surgical Sub-Specialties at Mayo Clinic
• 2025 Gold Telly Award for Derek Pfaff Face Transplant documentary
• 2025 Small Grands Program Award from Mayo Clinic's Division of Surgical Research
• 2024 William ReMine Lectureship Award from the Priestley Society
• 2019 Skoog Lectureship
• 2011 Godina Traveling Fellowship Award

As an educator, Dr. Mardini served as Program Director for the Plastic Surgery Residency for eight years, establishing Mayo Clinic's first Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency program that graduates four residents annually. He has edited six peer-reviewed journals and authored over 190 peer-reviewed articles. His humanitarian commitment is evident through over 30 international volunteer missions where he performed surgery for more than 700 children with cleft and craniofacial conditions.

Dr. Mardini leads the Mayo Clinic Face Transplant Program, which represents the culmination of his expertise in craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, and facial reanimation. His approach emphasizes holistic, respectful, and attentive care that addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns, regularly collaborating with physicians across specialties to provide comprehensive treatment for patients with facial differences.