General Info

Ryan M. Smith, MD, is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at Rush University Medical Center and is an Assistant Professor in Rush Medical College. He also serves as the Director of Rush South Loop Otolaryngology and sits on the Admissions Committee for the medical school. Dr. Smith is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and board eligible by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, having completed advanced fellowship training in facial plastic surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Smith has co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has lectured nationally on facial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is a reviewer of multiple scientific journals including JAMA – Facial Plastic Surgery, Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology, and Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. He has travelled internationally with medical humanitarian organizations to perform cleft lip and palate surgery in South America and Vietnam. He is the founder of the Humanities in Otolaryngology Program which honors the importance of the arts as they relate to the practice of surgery. Dr. Smith believes that the art of facial plastic surgery allows restoration, quality-of-life improvement, and a return of self-confidence for every patient - no matter the issue or its severity. This ability to help patients’ look and feel their best is what fuels his dedication to the field. His special clinical interests include reconstruction after head and neck cancer, treatment of facial paralysis, skin cancer reconstruction, and cosmetic rejuvenation of the face and neck.