Dr. Michael Markiewicz: The Road to Becoming a Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Surgeon and Department Chair

Pediatric Cleft and craniofacial surgery in kids is a needed, but very niche specialty. Talking to us today about his experience as professor and Chair of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Neurosurgery, and Surgery at the University at Buffalo, as well as a surgeon in Western New York Craniofacial Center, is Dr. Michael Markiewicz. We cover everything from what the average day looks like for him, to the achievements he is most proud of as Department Chair. We hear about the structure of the program he runs, why it's not just a cancer residency, and the exposure he provides for his residents. He breaks down the three most common routes to becoming a cleft and craniofacial surgeon and gives some great advice for anyone looking to move into the field. Tune in to find out the pros and cons of working with children (and their parents), and why staying active and watching Seinfeld are so crucial to living a balanced life!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Who Dr. Michael Markiewicz is, where and what he studied, and how he ended up as a Department Chair.
• What the average day looks like for Michael. 
• How Michael decided to do a fellowship: following his interest in surgery. 
• Tackling the position of Chair as a young surgeon and managing being in practice and his academic duties. 
• What Michael is most proud of as chair, and his biggest challenges. 
• The structure of the program and its main focus, from cancer to orthognathics and general practice. 
• Leaving Chicago for Buffalo and creating a family atmosphere where everyone gets a say.
• The primary cases that Michael’s team does: cleft lip repair, craniostenosis, and more.
• Why it’s important to include other healthcare professionals in your practice. 
• How Michael exposes residents to his specialty without offering a fellowship program. 
• How to become a cleft and craniofacial surgeon: the three avenues (plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and maxillofacial surgery). 
• Michael’s thoughts on whether an MD is necessary to get into craniofacial surgery. 
• How Michael knows Mark Inglestad, and what makes him the ultimate educator. 
• The pros and cons of working with children. 
• Understanding the parents’ perspectives and managing them through the process. 
• Why it’s so crucial to include the functional aspects of growth and development when working with kids. 
• Michael’s advice for anyone interested in craniofacial surgery: take advantage of all that you can, and do a fellowship. 
• What Michael feels the role of a craniofacial surgeon is, and the overlap between different specialties. 
• Where you can contact Michael.
• Michael’s response to Grant’s rapid-fire questions: Being Mortal, taking time for yourself, and how to live the rest of your years being bald. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Michael Markiewicz Email — mrm25@buffalo.edu

Dr. Michael Markiewicz Phone — 716-829-6230

Being Mortal — https://www.amazon.com/Being-Mortal-Medicine-What-Matters

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059