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Office
1432 S. Dobson Rd.
Plastic Surgery Clinic, Suite #301
Mesa, AZ 85202Phone+1 480-412-7120Fax+1 480-412-5611
Summary
- As a pediatric craniofacial surgeon, my care philosophy revolves around empowering my young patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey. I strive to create a trusting relationship by teaching children age-appropriate information about their conditions and treatment plans. My goal is to ensure they not only understand the "why" behind their care but also feel confident and engaged as active participants in the process. I believe open communication with parents and families is equally important, as it builds a strong support system and fosters shared decision-making throughout the care journey. Over time, I help my patients transition from relying on their parents for decision-making to becoming informed young adults capable of making independent healthcare choices.
In addition to providing expert care in a wide range of pediatric craniofacial and reconstructive procedures, I offer prenatal counseling for cleft lip and palate to support families in understanding their child’s condition and preparing for the journey ahead. I am deeply committed to collaborating closely with referring physicians to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Together, we can give children the tools they need to thrive—both physically and emotionally.
Education & Training
- UPMC Medical Education/Children's Hospital of PittsburghFellowship, Craniofacial Surgery and Pediatric Plastic Surgery, 2007 - 2008
- SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of MedicineResidency, Plastic Surgery - Integrated, 2005 - 2007
- St Louis University School of MedicineInternship, Transitional Year, 2002 - 2003
- University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of MedicineClass of 2002
Certifications & Licensure
- CA State Medical License 2008 - 2026
- MO State Medical License 2006 - 2026
- AZ State Medical License 2024 - 2025
- PA State Medical License 2007 - 2016
- American Board of Plastic Surgery Plastic Surgery
Publications & Presentations
PubMed
- 35 citationsOutcomes in Pediatric Facial Fractures: Early Follow-Up in 177 Children and Classification SchemeS. Alex Rottgers, Gary E. DeCesare, Mimi Chao, Darren M. Smith, James J. Cray
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2011-07-01 - 21 citationsComplications in pediatric facial fractures.Mimi T. Chao, Joseph E. Losee
Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction. 2009-05-01 - 36 citationsDemineralized bone matrix and resorbable mesh bilaminate cranioplasty: a novel method for reconstruction of large-scale defects in the pediatric calvaria.Mimi T. Chao, Shao Jiang, Darren M. Smith, Gary E. DeCesare, Gregory M. Cooper
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2009-03-01
Press Mentions
- Doctors Perform Incredible Surgery on 16-Month-Old Boy Born with FIVE THUMBSMarch 9th, 2017
- Mike Osegueda: Finding Peace at 4 in the MorningJanuary 23rd, 2015
- Top Treatment for KidsJune 19th, 2014
- Join now to see all
Professional Memberships
- Member
- American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial AssociationMember
Other Languages
- Chinese (Mandarin)
External Links
- Landon's Story: Cleft Lip and Palatehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=492c_2m89ew
- Nicole's Story: Pierre-Robin Sequence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLVeKnEX7tY
- Olivia's Story: Antley-Bixler Syndromehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxXL2gJiLrE
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