Dr. Shaun Desai, an Indian American plastic surgeon, has been appointed chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at New York Medical College, effective April 2026.
Dr. Shaun Desai, an accomplished Indian American plastic surgeon, is set to lead the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at New York Medical College (NYMC) starting this April. His appointment marks a significant milestone in a career dedicated to restoring both form and function for patients.
Desai, a native of Poughkeepsie, New York, returns to his Hudson Valley roots after an impressive eleven-year tenure at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore. His extensive experience includes roles as Associate Professor, Medical Director, and Associate Residency Program Director. However, those familiar with his work emphasize his commitment to healing and mentorship above all else.
Dr. David Lubarsky, president and CEO of WMCHealth, expressed enthusiasm about Desai’s appointment, noting that it enhances the quality of care in the region. Lubarsky highlighted Desai’s “extraordinary skill” in complex reconstruction, which will benefit patients throughout the community.
Desai’s philosophy intertwines the art and science of surgery. During his time at Johns Hopkins, he performed thousands of operations, specializing in microvascular reconstruction and facial plastic surgery. His expertise extends beyond American operating rooms; he has also worked in makeshift clinics across Ukraine, India, Tanzania, and Peru. These mission trips reflect his long-standing commitment to global health and education.
His return to NYMC represents a homecoming that aims to merge elite academic research with compassionate clinical care. Dr. Neil W. Schluger, dean of the NYMC School of Medicine, praised Desai’s “distinguished record” in medical education, underscoring his dedication to training the next generation of physicians.
Desai’s passion for mentorship has been recognized through accolades such as the George T. Nager Faculty Teaching Award, awarded by his peers and students at Johns Hopkins. His influence extends beyond the classroom and into the realm of patient safety, where he has led quality improvement initiatives that have raised success rates for microvascular reconstruction to over 97%. Additionally, he has edited a comprehensive textbook for trainees, ensuring that his techniques and philosophies reach a wider audience of surgeons.
Desai’s journey began at The George Washington University, where he completed a prestigious seven-year combined medical program. Following rigorous residency and fellowship training in St. Louis, he achieved dual-board certification, solidifying his expertise in the field.
He succeeds Dr. Augustine Moscatello, who has led the department since 2016. As Desai steps into this leadership role, he brings with him a national reputation, including recognition on Newsweek’s “Top 100 Plastic Surgeons” list. His personal mission is to elevate the standard of care for the community that nurtured his early aspirations.
Desai’s appointment is anticipated to have a profound impact on the department and the broader medical community, as he combines his extensive experience with a heartfelt commitment to patient care and education.
For further details, refer to The American Bazaar.