"I think the NIH looks favorably on this type of training. Some specific exercises like the mock application review process helped me prior to submitting my application, but what I generally found was that everyone on the SC CTSI team took the time to make things happen and provide me with support."

Education

Microsurgery Fellowship - NYU Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, 2008-2009; Resident in Plastic Surgery - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2002-2008; Post-doctoral Research Fellowship - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2005-2006; Doctor of Medicine - Harvard Medical School, 1997-2002; Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Fellowship for Medical Students, 1999-2000; Bachelors of Art - College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University 1993-1997.

Background

Dr. Alex Wong is a board certified plastic surgeon, fellowship trained microsurgeon, and translational research scientist. He is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Director of Medical Student Education, and Associate Director of the Microsurgery Fellowship. Dr. Wong's clinical practice includes complex reconstruction of head and neck, breast, trunk, and lower extremity defects as well as aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. He has been named a Top Doctor by Pasadena Magazine for 2010-2012 and Rising Star by Super Doctors in 2013. Dr. Wong is a Principal Investigator at the USC Institute of Genetic Medicine as well as an Associate Member of the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Broad-CIRM Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine. His research interests include the development of a biomarker for the development of lymphedema, adipose derived stem cells therapy for radiation-damaged wounds, microvascular flap physiology, and mechanisms of radiation induced silicone implant capsular contracture. Dr. Wong's research has previously been funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, American Cancer Society, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, American Society for Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the Robert E. and May R. Wright Foundation.

NIH Funding Acknowledgment: Important - All publications resulting from the utilization of SC CTSI resources are required to credit the SC CTSI grant by including the NIH funding acknowledgment and must comply with the NIH Public Access Policy.