Alumni Achievement Award

Dr. Tom D. Wang '77
Physician; Professor and director at Oregon Health Science University

Reconstructive and facial plastic surgery is the specialty of Dr. Tom Wang, who graduated from University High School before completing a degree in biological sciences at Illinois State. He went on to earn a medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, where he also completed his residency. A fellowship in facial plastic surgery was done at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) in Portland. He also earned a certification in faculty plastics and reconstructive surgery.

Wang has been a full-time member OHSU’s plastic surgery division since 1993. He has practiced reconstructive surgery for 34 years and has performed more than 10,000 procedures. He is a professor of otolaryngology and head/neck surgery, as well as the director for the Division of Facial Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology and Department of Dermatology at OHSU. The university is Oregon’s only public academic health center and is a national research hub for thousands of scientists partnering with physicians to heal and improve the health of individuals.

Otolaryngology is a medical specialty that focuses on the ears, nose, and throat. Wang’s focus is on facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck cancer, and melanoma. His practice is limited to cosmetic and reconstructive work of the face and encompasses a range of procedures that include correcting defects from cancer removal, scar revision, cleft lip and palate repair, and the correction of malformed ears. He is committed to advancing the specialty of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery for both patients and surgeons.

Wang holds membership in 11 medical societies or associations, including the Society of University Otolaryngologists and the American Clef Palate-Craniofacial Association. He is the past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is widely published in medical literature and is internationally recognized as an innovative teacher and leader on the latest techniques in facial plastic surgery. Wang serves as an expert analyst on the editorial board of the American Head and Neck Society Journal Club and is a senior advisor on the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery.