Dr. Jason Spector stands as a nationally acclaimed, board-certified plastic surgeon, making significant strides in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. His primary clinical focus encompasses reconstructive microsurgery of the head and neck, breast, and lower extremities, alongside cosmetic surgery, demonstrating a broad and impactful expertise. Based in New York City, Dr. Spector serves as the Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and holds professorships in Surgery and Otolaryngology at Weill Cornell Medicine. Further extending his academic influence, he is an Adjunct Professor at the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
Dr. Spector’s prominence extends beyond academia and clinical practice, having been featured in the award-winning ABC-TV documentary series “NY Med.” This exposure brought his dedication and surgical skill to a wider audience, highlighting the demanding and impactful nature of his profession. His commitment to excellence has been consistently recognized through prestigious accolades. He was honored as one of “America’s Best Doctors” from 2011 to 2014 by both Castle Connolly and US News and World Report, solidifying his reputation among the nation’s top medical professionals. Castle Connolly also distinguished him as a “Top Doctor in the NY Metro Area,” and he was repeatedly named a “New York SuperDoctor” in 2012, 2013, and 2014, an honor reserved for the top 5% of physicians. New York Magazine further acknowledged his exceptional standing by naming him one of NY’s “Best Doctors” in 2014.
In 2013, Dr. Spector received the esteemed World Technology Network Award in Health & Medicine. This global recognition celebrated his groundbreaking research, identified as possessing substantial long-term significance within the medical field. His innovative approach and dedication to advancing medical knowledge are hallmarks of his career.
Beyond his clinical and research accomplishments, Dr. Spector is deeply committed to medical education and scholarly contributions. He plays a significant role in training future physicians and has an extensive publication record, including over 100 papers and three book chapters. His peers recognized his academic contributions early in his career, naming him the Academic Scholar of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons in 2009, the most distinguished American award for a developing academic plastic surgeon. In 2011, he received the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery award, further underscoring his impact on the field. Dr. Spector is an active member of numerous professional medical societies, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons, reflecting his engagement within the broader medical community. He also contributes to the field’s literature by serving on the editorial board of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
In addition to his demanding clinical duties, Dr. Spector directs the Laboratory for Bio Regenerative Medicine and Surgery (LBMS) at Weill Cornell Medical Center as Director and Principal Investigator. The LBMS is at the forefront of developing innovative tissue engineering techniques and conducting crucial studies on wound healing and ischemia reperfusion injury. Dr. Spector fosters collaborations with faculty at the Biomedical Engineering College at Cornell University, aiming to translate cutting-edge technological advancements into practical clinical applications, bridging the gap between research and patient care.
A New York City native, Dr. Spector’s educational journey began at Cornell University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1991 with distinction and membership in Cornell’s Golden Key National Honor Society. He continued his medical education at New York University School of Medicine, graduating in 1996. There, he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and received the Valentine Mott Award for his exceptional research contributions, setting the stage for his future achievements. During his residency, he was recognized with the Best Resident Research Presentation at the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons in 1999 and the Best Research Presentation at the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Residents Competition in 2003.
Dr. Spector’s surgical training includes both general surgery and plastic surgery residencies at New York University Medical Center. He further specialized through a fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery, also at NYU Medical Center, enhancing his expertise in complex reconstructive procedures. Additionally, he completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the Laboratory of Developmental Biology Repair under the mentorship of Michael T. Longaker, M.D. at NYU Medical Center, enriching his research foundation.
Dr. Spector’s dedication to innovation, patient care, and medical advancement positions him as a leading figure in plastic and reconstructive surgery. His ongoing research and clinical practice continue to shape the future of the field.
