EDUCATION AND DEGREES
Diploma 1965 Rockhurst High Jesuit College Prep, Kansas City, MO
B.S. 1969 University of Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
M.D. 1974 Creighton Univ. School of Medicine, Omaha, NE
F.I.C.S. 1989 Fellow, International College of Surgeons
F.A.C.S. 1990 Fellow, American College of Surgeons
Certificate 1994 Endoscopic Aesthetic Surgery
Certificate 1995 CO2 Laser
Certificate 1997 Pulsed Wave Laser
Certificate 1998 Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery

LICENSURE
1975 Medicine and Surgery: California (C36972)

BOARD CERTIFICATION
1987 Diplomate, The American Board of Plastic Surgery

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Externship: 1973 Shriner's Burn Institute, Galveston, TX
Ben Taub Emergency Room Trauma, Houston, TX
Park/and Hospital Trauma Service, Dallas, TX
Internship: 1974 - 1975 Creighton Medical School, Omaha, NE
Residency:1975 - 1977 University of CA, San Francisco, CA
General Surgery, Paul Ebert, MD, FACS (Chairman)
Residency:1977 - 1979 University of CA, San Diego, CA
Plastic Surgery, Jack C. Fisher, MD (Chairman)

POSITIONS HELD
1991 - Present: Chief Surgeon, Medical Director and Founder, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts - Performed and/or supervised over 800 varied procedures covering congenital anomalies, traumatic sequelae in children or young adults. California Non-Profit #501C3-33-0460177, Encinitas, CA

1998 - Present: Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, CA

1980 - 1993 Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery, UCSD School of Medicine, San Diego, CA

1988 - Present: Chief Section of Plastic Surgery - Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA

2003 Board of Directors - Secretary/Treasurer. - RSVP "Reconstructive Surgeons Volunteer Program" (International Board for setting procedures for Volunteer Plastic Surgeons)

2003 Board of Director - PSEF (Plastic Surgery Education Foundation) - Symposium Committee - Make policy on educational efforts for American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Worldwide

1980 - 1986 Chief Section of Plastic Surgery - Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA

2000 - Present: President Emeritus, Fresh Start Surgical gifts, Inc. - Program for underprivileged children and young adults worldwide, all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Encinitas, CA

2001 Consultant - Demonstrating surgical techniques for Mentor
breast implants, Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, CA

2001 Invited to receive Clinical Faculty appointment, Division for Plastic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, CA

2001 Member of ASPS/PSEF Corporate Leadership Council - A vehicle
for gathering and sharing information concerning trends and developments in the specialty and industry. It is also a forum for discussing emerging issues. This forum represents an opportunity for joint cooperation and mutual understanding within the dynamic medical/plastic surgery industry. Arlington Heights, IL

1999 HOST: "Dr. Nigro's Operating Room" - One Hour radio show on "Spiritual and Physical Health", KFNX - AM 1100, Phoenix, AZ

1998 Preceptor, Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty, Lysonix Corp. - Clinical teaching of plastic surgeons on use of ultrasound techniques.
Carpenteria, CA

1997 Charter Member, Alumni Mentor Program - Duties: Guidance to scholarship, athletes - Thomas Kelly, Ph.D., Assistant Athletic Program Director, Chairman - Athletic Department, University of Notre Dame, IN

1994 - Present: Mentor, Notre Dame Summer Service Program, (Current student spends summer working at Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc. and in private office.) University of Notre Dame Center for Social Concerns, Notre Dame, IN

HONORS AND SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS
2006 Presented the “Charlie Joiner Winning Spirit Award”  given in recognition to individuals who are pillars of the community that have made an impact, through their contributions, making San Diego a better place to live – Skills Centers of America, San Diego, CA – June 23, 2006

2006 Program Co-Chair: “Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium, Tucson, AZ – February 23-25

2005 “Channel 10 Leadership Award”, San Diego's Channel 10 Television Station, in recognition of Community Educational Foundation Symposium, Tucson, AZ – February 24, 26

2005 Program Co-Chair: “Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children”, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium, Tucson, AZ – February 24-26

2004 Awarded the "2004 PSEF Distinguished Service Award" for ongoing contributions related to education and international service efforts. The only Plastic Surgeon to be honored with this award at the Annual ASPS/PSEF Board Dinner
Philadelphia, PA - October 7 

2004 Selected by the University of Notre Dame to be featured on all NBC televised home games as one of eight (8) "Champions of Notre Dame" - Honoring these former Athletes as Notre Dame defines their "True Champions" - both on the field and in life.

2004 Invited to participate in the "International Outreach Summit" to discuss PSEF and VIPS (Volunteers in Plastic Surgery) support to begin to build to the next level of international education and service,
Scottsdale, AZ - March 14

2004 Program Co-Chair: "Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults
and Children", Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium,
La Jolla, CA - February 26-28

2003 Program Co-Chair: "Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults
and Children", Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium,
Phoenix, AZ - February 20-22

2002 Program Co-Chair: "Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children", Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium, 
Nashville, TN - February 14-17

2001 Selected as "Parent of the Month" (Given to parents whose work
benefits children and inspires us all.) Parents Magazine, New
York, NY - January issue

2001 Program Co-Chair: "Aesthetic Reconstruction of Facial Defects:
From Infancy to Adulthood", Plastic Surgery Educational
Foundation Symposium, La Jolla, CA - February 22-25

2000 Program Co-Chair: "Pediatric Vascular Anomalies and Pigmented Lesions", Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation Symposium, Salk Institute, La Jolla, California - February 12-15

2000 Selected as one of "San Diego Magazine's 50 People to Watch
in 2000", "Beginning the new century, expanding globally to
provide reconstructive surgery to young victims of birth defects
and deformities." San Diego Magazine - January issue

1999 Letter of Commendation, United States Senator Barbara Boxer, 
California - February 3

1998 Awarded "Point of Light", Points of Light Foundation, President George Bush, Founder, Washington DC - November 19

1998 Named ""Man of the Year", Leukemia Society of San Diego, San Diego, CA - June

1998 Nominated by Reverend Theodore Hesburgh, CSC, (President Emeritus, University of Notre Dame) for the Henry B. Betts Award, Chicago, Illinois (Awarded to an individual whose work and scope of influence has significantly improved the quality of life for people with physical disabilities.

1997 Presented "University of Notre Dame Exemplar Award" - For 
contribution to this proud and continuing tradition of service to
"God, Country and Notre Dame" (The inscription above the east
door of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart reflecting the commitment
of Notre Dame people) - May 3

1997 Given "Honorary Service Award", Recognition of "Outstanding Service to Children and youth", California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc. - December 22

1997 - Present: Annually Awarded "March of Dimes "Certificate of Appreciation for Preventing Birth Defects", Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 

1996 Given "Courage of Compassion Award", Geraldo Rivera, The Geraldo Rivera Show, October

1994 - 1997 Member, Board of Directors, Notre Dame National Monogram Club

1993 Given "President's Volunteer Action Award" - Presented by President Clinton to Dr. Nigro (Founder and Chief Surgeon) on behalf of Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc. - The most prestigious and highest award given to organizations doing community service (20 recipients in 1993 from over 4,400 nominations and only recipient in California that year) - Washington DC - April 22

1993 Chosen by the Monogram (Varsity Letterman) Club of Notre Dame as "Man of the Year" (Edward E. "Moose" Krause Award) Notre Dame, IN

1992 "Channel 10 Leadership Award", San Diego's Channel 10 Television Station, in recognition of community service - San Diego, CA

1991 - 1992 Appointed to Faculty, Andrews Conference, Notre Dame, community service through alumni networks, Sponsored by CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education)

1991 Given "Dr. Thomas A. Dooley Award" for 1992 (Former Nobel Peace Prize Recipient), Presented yearly by the University of Notre Dame to the alumnus in recognition of their outstanding service to the community. Dr. Nigro is the first physician to receive this award.

1990 - 1993 Plastic Surgery Consultant to La Costa Hotel and Spa, Carlsbad, CA

1990 - Present: Plastic Surgery Consultant to International Fitness Systems, Inc. (Ray Wilson, CEO) - San Diego, CA

1989 - 1991 Plastic Surgery Consultant for the Child Abuse Foundation of San Diego, CA

1989 - 1992 Plastic Surgery Consultant to the Editorial Board of SHAPE Magazine

1988 - 1995 Monogram Representative, University of Notre Dame, Varsity Letterman and Representative to Alumni Board, San Diego, CA

1986 - 1993 Founder and Chairman, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Inc. (Program for underprivileged children and young adults worldwide, encompassing all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery) Encinitas, CA (Fresh Start Surgical Gifts received the distinguished award, "Points of Light" in January 1992, from President George W. Bush)

1986 - 1990 Appointed to Board of Directors, Association of Plastic Surgery Assistants

1984 - Present: Appointed to Advisory Board - Plastic Surgery American Cancer Society

1982 - Present: AMA Physicians Recognition Award for Continuing Medical Education

1982 Selected as one of the "Who's Who" Historical Society's "Outstanding Young Men of America"

1979 - 1988 Member, Board of Directors, COAD International Field Program, (Physicians who volunteer their services at Surgical Clinics in remote areas, with heavy emphasis on congenital deformities.)

1970 - 1973 Selected as Student Pathology Fellow. (One of four in medical school class - Salaried/stipend) Activities: All aspects of pathology discipline, including surgical pathology, autopsy

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
Fellow, American College of Surgeons

Fellow, International College of Surgeons

American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons

Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation

International Aesthetic Society

San Diego International Plastic Surgery Society

American Cancer Society - Advisory Board

American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Inc.

Lipolysis Society of North America

San Diego County Medical Society

California Medical Association

American Medical Association

PUBLICATIONS
2004 "Dennis Nigro's Destiny Was To Be A Doctor" - Discusses what motivated him to become a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and offers suggestions on what to ask to help assess the knowledge, talent, commitment, experience and judgment of a surgeon - November

2003 “How A Surgeon Would Pick A Surgeon” – A guide from the inside to help patients through the smokescreens of inflated, misleading claims and staged testimonials,  “For Your Body”, San Diego, CA - October

2001 "VBeam™ Pulsed Dye Treatment of Wrinkles - Discussing
clinical application of Vbeam™ treatment for the efficacy of skin
rejuvenation, collagen remodeling, port wine stains, vascular
lesions and a safe and effective method for management of
rosacea. "Clinical Bulletin", Candela Corp., Wayland, MA -
Nov/Dec

1999 "Clinical Application of CO2 Diamond Blade Laser Scalpel -
Discusses experiences in developing Clinicon Corp.'s blade
for plastic surgery application and evaluation for longevity,
thermal damage and wound healing. "Hot Topics", Aesthetic
Surgery Journal - May/June

2000 "Mission Possible" - Founder and chief surgeon of FreshStart Surgical Gifts, Inc. (Shares personal account of the missionary's development and growth, "Community Outreach", Plastic Surgery Products Magazine, September 

1998 -1999 "Clinical Application of Breast MRI and its Relevance in Silicone Breast Surgery and Treatment" - with Dr. Michael Middleton - UCSD Radiology. (Began preparation late 1998.)

1998 "Endoscopic & Mid-Face Subperiosteal Reconstruction with Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation" (Video) Journal of Plastic Surgery March

1977 "CAT Scan for Trauma"

1973 "Fibroadenoma of Female Breast"

1973 "Bare Facts of Systemic Pathology"

1972 "Bare Facts of General Pathology"

1980 - Present: "Subpectoral Augmentation Mammoplasty - A Review of One Thousand Cases" (in preparation) (see above)

1986 - Present: "Split Cranial Bone Grafts - Use On an Outpatient Basis" (in preparation)

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
2006 Featured Speaker: "Embryology Craniofacial Abnormalities – Treatment of Children Deformities and Community Services”, March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA – March 22, 2006

2006 Featured Speaker: "Intra-Oral Mid-Face Reconstruction” – PSEF Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children Symposium, Tucson, AZ – February 23, 2006

2005 Featured Speaker: “Embryology Craniofacial Abnormalities – Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Services”, March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA – March 15, 2005

2005 Featured Speaker: “Intra-Oral Approach to Mid-Face and Peri-Orbital”, PSEF Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and Children Symposium, Tucson, AZ – February 24-26

2004 Featured Speaker: "Endoscopic Brow Lift & Intra-Oral Midface Lift”, Aesthetic Surgery Educational Conference, University of California, San Diego, CA – October 23

2004 Panelist: "Dermal Fillers for Facial Rejuvenation-Practical
Applications, Upcoming Releases and Future Directions" - 
Specifically "Restylane, (By Invitation,) 54th CSPS (California Society of Plastic Surgeons) Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA - May 30

2004 Featured Speaker: "Embryology Craniofacial Abnormalities -
Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Services",
March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 12

2004 Presentation: "Intra-Oral Mid-Face Suspension for Lower Lid
Support", PSEF Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and 
Children Symposium, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - February 27

2004 Presentation: "Fresh Start Experience - Recontouring the Facial
Hard Tissue", PSEF Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction in Adults and
Children Symposium, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - February 27 

2003 Presentation: "Surgery of the Facial Muscles - Endobrow and Intra- Oral Midface" - UCSD Aesthetic Surgery conferences - Thornton 
Hospital - November 22

2003 Featured Speaker: "Embryology Craniofacial Abnormalities -
Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Services",
March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 12

2003 Featured Speaker - "Fresh Start History and Experience - Hard
Tissue Reconstruction of the face", PSEF Aesthetic Facial
Reconstruction in Adults and Children Symposium, Phoenix, AZ -
February 20

2002 Featured Speaker: "Hormone Replacement Therapy - Estrogen
and the Aging Process", - Breakthroughs: Breast Cancer Hormone
Replacement Therapy, Notre Dame Club of San Diego, CA -
October 18

2002 Featured Speaker: "Embryology, Craniofacial Abnormalities - 
Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Service",
March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 19

2002 Featured Speaker: "Multi-Level Osseous Facial Reconstruction
& Fresh Start Surgical Gifts", PSEF Aesthetic Facial Reconstruction
in Adults and Children Symposium", Nashville, TN - February 14

2001 Featured Speaker: "Endoscopic Brow Lift & Intra-Oral Midface Lift", Aesthetic Surgery Educational Conference, University of California, San Diego, CA - October 23

2001 Featured Speaker: "Embryology, Craniofacial Abnormalities - 
Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Service",
March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - April 3

2001 Featured Speaker: "The Fresh Start experience" (Review of 800 procedures by Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, - success, complications, cost analysis and highlights of memorable cases.) "Charitable care in the United States or overseas?" - Aesthetic Reconstruction of Facial Defects: From Infancy to Adulthood Symposium, Plastic Surgery Education Foundation, La Jolla, CA - February 22

2000 Featured Speaker: "Embryology, Craniofacial Abnormalities,
Treatment of Childhood Deformities and Community Service", March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - April 4

1999 Keynote Speaker: "Aesthetic Surgery and Community Service", The Committee of 200 America's Women Business Leaders, "Health and Wellness ", Phoenix, AZ - October 6-9

1999 Featured Speaker: "Embryology of Birth Defects and Plastic Surgical Treatment Combined with Community Service", March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 

1999 Featured Speaker: "Endo-Browlift with Bio-Absorbable Screws
and Intra-Oral Osseous Fixation for Subperiosteal Mid-Facelift", 
Scientific exhibit, New Frontiers in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Symposium, Dallas, TX - May 14-19

1999 Featured Speaker: "Reconstruction of Facial Neurofibromatosis Encephalocele (Midline) and Craniosynostosis ", University of California, San Diego, Plastic Surgery Conference, San Diego, CA -
February 3

1998 Featured Speaker: "Birth Defects and Reconstructive Surgery with Community Service", March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March

1998 Featured Speaker: "Value of Community Service in Education and Personal Growth", Mentor Program, University of Notre Dame Athletic Department, Stadium Pressbox, South Bend, IN 

1997 Featured Speaker and Primary Surgeon with live surgery: "Ultra-Sonic Liposuction/Intra-Oral Facelift", (Teaching Course, visiting Professor), Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR - August 22-23

1997 Featured Speaker: "Surgical Gifts for Children Born with Birth Defects", March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 18 

1997 Featured Speaker: "Basic Endoscopy of the Head and Neck Region", (Teaching Course, visiting Professor) Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR - March 1

1996 Panelist: "Forehead Rejuvenation - Open vs. Endoscopic 
Approaches", "Innovations in Plastic Surgery - Clinical Advances 
or Passing Fads?" California Society of Plastic Surgery Annual 
Meeting (By Invitation), Palm Springs, CA - May 27

1996 Featured Speaker: "Surgical Facial Enhancement", American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Scientific Session, San Diego, CA- May 3

1996 Live Presentation: "A Comprehensive Laser Course", Faculty and Primary Surgeon, Saint Joseph Surgery and Laser Center, Orange, CA- April 21

1996 Featured Speaker: "Reconstructive Efforts in Selected Birth Defects of Head and neck", March of Dimes, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA - March 

1995 Featured Speaker: "Variations in Endoscopic Surgical Approaches to the Face" and "Soft Tissue Reconstruction Using Mastoid Fascia", International College of Surgeons, US Section, Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA - March 

1994 - 1995 Lecturer and Primary Surgeon, Advanced Course: "Endoscopic and Subperiosteal Forehead & Mid-Face Surgery" (Live TV surgical exercise), Faculty, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA - October 1994, February & May 1995

1992 Presentation: "Split Cranial Bone Grafts and Sliding Osseous
Genioplasty", Faculty Conference, UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA

1991 Presentation: "Breast Implants: Facts and Fiction", Grand Rounds, Medical Education Seminar, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, CA

1990 Exhibit: "Split Cranial Bone Grafts in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery", American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, International Meeting, Chicago, IL 

1989 Papers Presented: "Experience with 1,000 Submuscular Breast Augmentations" and "Outpatient Experience with Split Cranial Bone Graft and Nasal and Mid-face Fractures", Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California and the University of Guadalajara Medical College, Guadalajara, Mexico 

1989 Presentation of paper: "Contouring of the Mid-face Using Alloplastic and Autogenous Material", Lipolyosis Society of North America

1986 Lecture: "Coronal Browlift", Association of Plastic Surgery
Assistants, Los Angeles, CA

1985 Clinical Lecture: "Tissue expanders for Breast Reconstruction",
UCSD Medical Center, San Diego, CA

1984 Lecture: "Tissue Expanders for Breast Mastectomy", American 
Cancer Society, San Diego Chapter, San Diego, CA

1984 Lecture: "Tissue Expansion Innovations and Uses", Board of 
Governors, Plastic Surgery, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Encinitas, 
CA

1981 Presentation, Original paper: "Computerized Axial Tomography
and Cranial Facial Trauma", Head and Neck Surgical Conference,
Scripps Clinic, La Jolla, CA

INVENTIONS
1997-2000 "Laser Powered Diamond Blade Scalpel" - Responsible for
for design, ergonomics, and clinical application with Clinicon Inc.,
Carlsbad, CA

1997 "Bio-absorbable Screw" for use in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery (Inventor and First Name on Patent # - Pending), Bionix Implants, Inc., Blue Bell, PA 

1997 "Elevator" for Endoscopic and Subperiosteal Dissection - Codman refractor and guide for motorized drill pericranial fixation, Bionix Implants, Inc., Blue Bell, PA

Rev 4/06