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MARCO ELLIS MD | COMPREHENSIVE FACIAL SURGERY

About Dr. Ellis

MARCO ELLIS, MD

Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Marco EllisAs a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Marco Ellis specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body. Dr. Ellis practices all aspects of plastic surgery but has expertise in reconstructive surgery of the face. His unique training, experience and knowledge in facial surgery give him unparalleled expertise in assessing facial form. He specializes in cosmetic and complex reconstructive surgery of the face, ranging from revision cosmetic surgery and jaw reconstructive surgery. He continues to implement innovative and state-of-the-art reconstructive options to patients with cancer and complex wounds.

Dr. Marco Ellis is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is an assistant professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. He also holds a title in the Department of Neurological Surgery, where he participates in complex scalp and skull reconstruction. Dr. Ellis is also an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Illinois Chicago in the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. He holds the title of Director of Microsurgery and Breast Services.

Dr. Ellis is an associate program director of the integrated plastic surgery residency program. He has been honored for his commitment to teaching, educating, and diversity. He leads several didactic sessions, observerships and cadaver dissections throughout the year.

After graduating from University of Virginia, where he received his BS in Chemistry specializing in biochemistry, he received his MD degree from Harvard Medical School. After completing his internship and residency in at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, he continued to become a fellow at both John Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland/ Shock Trauma Medical Center in craniofacial surgery and microsurgery. During his time in Baltimore, he trained with the team that revolutionized face transplant surgery. Dr. Ellis has also completed a research fellowship in congenital and adult jaw surgery at Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago.

Dr. Ellis lectures at national and international symposia on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is the co-author of several publications and abstracts in premier scientific journals, as well as a book contributor on breast reconstruction, eyelid and craniofacial surgery. Dr. Ellis is “driven to help patients identify and articulate their areas of concerns” and from that point, he “educates and explains their options in a clear and concise manner”. According to Dr. Ellis “my ultimate goal is to guide their decision making and do my best to meet their expectations”.


EDUCATION
MD, Harvard Medical School
Boston, Massachusetts
August 2001 – June 2005

BS, University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Chemistry, Specialization in Biochemistry
August 1997 – May 2001

MacArthur Senior High School
Lawton, Oklahoma
Valedictorian, National Merit Scholar
August 1995 – May 1997

POST-GRADUATE TRAINING
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery & Microsurgery Fellowship
Baltimore, Maryland
July 2012 – June 2013

R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma
University of Maryland Hospital Medical Center
Section of Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery & Microsurgery Fellowship
Baltimore, Maryland
July 2012 – June 2013

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Chief Resident
Chicago, Illinois
June 2011 – June 2012
Shriners Hospital for Children – Chicago
Division of Plastic Surgery
Chief Resident
Oak Park, Illinois
June 2011 – June 2012

Children’s Memorial Hospital
Section of Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Chief Resident
Chicago, Illinois
June 2010 – June 2011

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Integrated Residency
Chicago, Illinois
June 2005 – June 2012

CLINICAL APPOINTMENTS
Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Assistant Professor
Associate Program Director
Chicago, Illinois
March 2017 – Present

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Contributing Services Faculty
Chicago, Illinois
August 2013 – February 2017

University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Chief of Microsurgery
Chicago, Illinois
October 2014 – present

Johns Hopkins Hospital
Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Clinical Instructor in Surgery
Baltimore, Maryland
July 2012 – June 2013

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Clinical Instructor of Surgery
Chicago, Illinois
July 2011 – June 2012

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Shriners Hospital for Children – Chicago
Oak Park, Illinois
Research Fellow, 2008-2009
Pravin Patel, M.D. Development of Virtual Orthognathic Surgery.

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, MA
Research Assistant, Fall 2004
Steven Rauch, M.D. Study of Hormonal Influence on Hemangioma Evolution.

Picower Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Cytokine Biology
Manhasset, New York
Research Assistant, Summer 2000
Barbara Sherry, Ph.D. Investigation of Down-Regulation Mechanism of CC chemokine receptors with Lipopolysaccharide Activation.

University of Pennsylvania, Institute of Human Gene Therapy
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Research Assistant, Summer 1999
Joseph Shrager, M.D. Study of Lung Volume Reduction Surgery Effects on Myosin Heavy Chain Composition of the Diaphragm in COPD.

University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry
Research Assistant, Summer 1998
James Marshall, Ph.D. Preliminary Investigation of Cyclic Diastereoselective Additions Using Organozinc Reagents.

WORK EXPERIENCE
University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center
Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Chief of Microsurgery
Chicago, Illinois
October 2014 – present

Northwestern Specialists in Plastic Surgery
Vice-President, Director of Craniofacial Surgery
Chicago, Illinios
August 2013 – February 2017

Massachusetts General Physicians Organization
Boston, Massachusetts
Intern, Summer 2002
Peter Slavin, M.D. Devised the framework for an in-house consultation service. Composed an annual update and analysis of current medical management initiatives.

Harvard Medical School, Educational Computing
Boston, Massachusetts
Technology Assistant, 2001 – 2003
Provided technical support for students and faculty in on-campus computer centers. Designed and implemented PDA and computing software.

ACTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
McGaw Medical Center
Residency Program Evaluation Committee, Committee Chair
Office of Graduate Medical Education, Diversity Committee
McGaw Diversity Showcase/ Residency Fair, Coordinator
SNMA Annual Meeting Planning Committee
Plastic Surgery Residency Clinical Competency Committee

Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Surgical Oversight Committee, Plastic Surgery Member
Plastic Surgery Materials & Purchasing Committee
Northwestern Scholars Mentorship Program
Northwestern McGaw Underrepresented Residency & Fellow Forum, Co-President
Surgical Oversight Committee, Resident Member
Clinical Informatics Committee
Chief Residents Council

Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
Office of Minority & Cultural Affairs
Mentorship Committee Member
Men in Medicine and Science, Westinghouse High School

University of Illinois
Plastic Surgery Residency, Simulation Lab
Young Doctors Club, Faculty Advisor
Plastic Surgery Interest Group, Faculty Advisor
Residency Advisory Group

HONORS/ AWARDS
Faculty
ASMS CRANIO Traveling Fellowship 2016
UIC 2015 Departmental Research Grant $30,000
Northwestern Department of Surgery Teaching Award 2015

Residency
ASMS Biomet Resident Scholar 2009
ASPS Allergan Resident Scholar 2010
Northwestern Department of Surgery Teaching Award 2010, 2012
Marco Ellis Legacy Award for Diversity 2012

Medical School
Harvard University MAPS, Mentor Award
Urban Neighborhood Revitalization (FUNC), Participant

Undergraduate
Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Golden Key Honor Society
Raven Society
University Lawn Resident
Ron Brown Scholar

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
American College of Surgeons, Fellow Membership
American Association of Neurologic Surgeons, Adjunct Member
American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Active Member
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, Active Member
American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery, Active Member
AO Craniomaxillofacial Society, Member
Art Institute of Chicago, Evening Associate
Face the Future Foundation, Board Member
University of Virginia Alumni Association, Former Class Trustee
Ron Brown Scholar Alumni Association, Co-Founder
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

CONTINUING EDUCATION
ASPS Annual Plastic Surgery Conference

  • Los Angeles,
    LA 2016
  • Chicago,
    IL 2014
  • New Orleans,
    LA 2012
  • Denver,
    CO 2011
  • Toronto,
    ON 2010
  • Seattle,
    WA 2009
  • Chicago,
    IL 2008

Biomet Masters Series Course in Orthognathic Surgery, May 2015, Jacksonville, FL.
AONA Fellows Complex Reconstruction Course, October 2012, Palm Beach, FL
ASCFS Fellows Basic Techniques of Craniofacial Surgery, August 2012, Phoenix, AZ
Advanced Oromandibular and Palatomaxillary Reconstruction Course, December 2011, Chicago, IL
ACMF Craniofacial Course for Chief Residents/ Fellows, August 2011, Chicago, IL
ADT Advances in Head & Neck Surgery, May 2011, Freiburg, Germany
AONA Advanced Course: Orbital Trauma & Reconstruction, Apr 2011, Chicago, IL
AO Symposium: Fracture Care Across Disciplines, Nov 2010, Phoenix, AZ
Surgical Approaches and Techniques in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma, Nov 2010, Chicago, IL
AONA Principles of Hand Open Reduction & Internal Fixation, Oct 2010, Chicago, IL
ASMS Annual Craniofacial Symposium, Sep 2010, Toronto, ON
AONA Craniofacial Course: Principles of Craniofacial Trauma, Sep 2010, Minneapolis, MN
ASMS Advanced Mandible Course, Feb 2010, Jacksonville, FL
ASMS Annual Craniofacial Symposium, Oct 2009, Seattle, WA
Stryker Educational Series with Myron Tucker DDS, Apr 2009, Chicago, IL
Selected Topics in Orthognathic Surgery: 9th Annual Symposium, Mar 2009, Washington, DC
ASMS Annual Craniofacial Symposium, Nov 2008, Chicago, IL
ASMS Basic Maxillofacial Principles & Techniques, Aug 2008, Chicago, IL
AONA Craniofacial Course: Preoperative Planning & Intraoperative Navigation, Apr 2008, Chicago, IL

LICENSURE
American Board of Plastic Surgery, Diplomate Exp (11/2024)
Illinois Physician License, 036-121419
Illinois State Controlled Substance, 036-082805
Maryland Physician License, D74342
US Drug & Enforcement Agency Controlled Substance, FE-0995881
Advanced Trauma Life Support, 12/06
Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 02/16
Basic Cardiac Life Support, 02/16

PUBLICATIONS
Vu M, Ellis MF, Blough J, Kim JY. Development of an Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Risk Calculator for Abdominal Contouring. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. [accepted, Jan 2018]

Fracol M, Grim M, Lanier S, Ellis MF, Fine NA. Vertical Skin Paddle Orientation for the Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Breast Reconstruction: A Technique to Simultaneously Correct Inferior Pole Constriction and Improve Projection. Plast. Reconstr. Surg [submitted]

Dorfman RG, Basu CB, Qui C, Ellis MF, Kim JY. The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Online Plastic Surgery Reviews. Plast. Reconstr. Surg [submitted].

Spitz JA, Bradford P, Fine NA, Ellis MF. How Big is Too Big: Pushing the Obesity Limits in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. Ann Plast Surg [submitted]

Spitz JA, Ellis MF. Surgical Management of Zygoma Fractures in Patients with Pre-injury Facial Asymmetry. JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery. [submitted]

Purnell CA, Vaca EE, Ellis MF. Conical Modification of Forearm Free flaps for single-stage reconstruction after total orbital exenteration. J Craniofac Surg. [accepted, Dec 2017]

Hwang LH, Spitz JA, Ellis MF. Visor flap scalp reconstruction: minimizing donor site morbidity of scalp advancement. J Craniofac Surg. Dec 2016.

Hwang LH, Ellis MF. Fibula flap harvest: How leg selection impacts inset for mandible defects. Microsurgery. Jul 2016.

Ellis MF. Blepharoplasty. In: Buck DW, editor. Review of Plastic Surgery. Seattle: Amazon Digital Services, 2015.

Abt NB, Ellis MF. Dealing with Complications. In: Rosson GD, editor. Breast Reconstruction. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2013.

Khattab M, Ellis MF. The Impact of Radiation and Chemotherapy. In: Rosson GD, editor. Breast Reconstruction. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2013.

Ellis MF, Few JW. Blepharoplasty. In: Neligan PC, editor. Plastic Surgery. 3rd ed. London: Elsevier Health Sciences; 2012.

Rawlani V, Ellis MF, Johnson SA, Khan S, Hansen N, Chopp D, Kim JY. A Geometric Analysis of Mastectomy Incisions: Optimizing Intraoperative Breast Volume. Canadian J Plast Surg, Vol 19(2): 45-50, Summer 2011.

Patel PK, Ellis MF. Craniofacial, Distraction Osteogenesis. eMedicine Plastic Surgery Journal 2009.

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Tomita T, DiPatri AJ, Alden TD, Christensen AM, Patel PK. Applications of virtual surgery in craniosynostosis reconstruction. J Neurosurg. [in publication]

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Patel PK. Management of alloplastic cranioplasty complications in children. Plast Reconstr Surg. [in publication]

Zhao L, O’Gara MA, Curtiss A, Monahan R, Ellis MF, Patel PK. A three-dimensional assessment of upper airway space changes after orthognathic surgery: Protocol Development. American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association, Scottsdale, AZ, April 2009.

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Patel PK. Management of alloplastic cranioplasty complications in children. Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons, Chicago, IL, April 2009.

ABSTRACTS
Spitz JA, Bradford P, Ellis MF. How Big is Too Big: Pushing the Obesity Limits in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. American Association of Plastic Surgery, Austin, TX, March 2017.

Hwang LH, Spitz JA, Ellis MF. The Visor Flap: a novel design for scalp wound closure. American Society of Plastic Surgery, Los Angeles, LA, October 2016.

Spitz JA, Ellis MF. Surgical Management of Zygoma Fractures in Patients with Pre-injury Facial
Asymmetry. Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgery, Chicago IL, April 2016.

Hwang LH, Spitz JA, Ellis MF. The Visor Flap: a novel design for scalp wound closure. Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgery, Chicago IL, April 2016.

Ellis MF, Patel PK, Zhao L. Applications of Virtual Surgery in Monobloc Reconstruction. Annual Research & Alumni Day, Division of Plastic Surgery. Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, June 2012.

Ellis MF, Patel PK, Zhao L, Christensen A. Development and Outcome of a Patient-specific Distractor Guide for Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis. Annual Research & Alumni Day, Division of Plastic Surgery. Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, June 2011.

Morris DE, Ellis M, Zhao L, Patel PK. Bringing 3-D Plans for Orthognathic Surgery to Reality: One Center’s Experience with Rapid-Prototype Splints and Cutting Guides. ADT Advances in Head & Neck Reconstruction, 4th International Conference, Freiburg, Germany, May 2011.

Ellis MF, Patel PK, Zhao L, Christensen A. Development and Outcome of a Patient-specific Distractor Guide for Craniofacial Distraction Osteogenesis. ADT Advances in Head & Neck Reconstruction, 4th International Conference, Freiburg, Germany, May 2011.

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Patel PK. Applications of Virtual Surgery in Craniosynostosis Reconstruction. 2010 Challenges in Fracture Care Across Disciplines: AO Symposium. Phoenix, AZ, November 2010.

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Patel PK. Management of Alloplastic Cranioplasty Complications in Children. Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons, Chicago, IL, April 2009.

PRESENTATIONS

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Controversies in Necklift Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, February 2017.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Management of Orbitozygomatic Fractures, University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, December 2016.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Facial Reanimation, University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, October 2016.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Principles of Mandibular Condylar Surgery. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, January 2016.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Principles of Mandibular Condylar Surgery. University of Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, December 2015.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Historical Perspective of Microsurgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, July 2015.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, May 2015.

Ellis, MF. Grand Rounds: Controversies in Breast Reconstruction. University of Illinois Chicago, Division of Plastic Surgery, January 2015.

Ellis MF, Reid R, Persing J. Neurosurgical Disasters: Scalp Reconstruction. American Society of Plastic Surgery National Meeting, Chicago, October 2014.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Syndrome of the Trephined. Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Department of Physical Medicine, Mar 2014.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Wound Healing Principles and Reconstruction. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Jan 2014.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Surgical Treatment of Migraines. Johns Hopkins Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, Mar 2013.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Controversies in Neck Lifting. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, May 2012.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Aesthetic Contouring of the Facial Skeleton. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, September 2011.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Basilar Joint Arthritis. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, April 2010.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Cleft Alveolar Reconstruction. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, October 2010.

Ellis MF, Groh C, Zhao L, Morris DA, Patel PK. Upper Airway Comparison of Patients with Class II and Class III malocclusion: Development of 3-Dimensional Model and Protocol. Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons, Chicago, IL, May 2010.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Functional Rhinoplasty. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, May 2010.

Ellis MF. The Use of Alloplastic Implants in Plastic Surgery. University of Virginia, Department of Chemistry. Plastic Project, Interdisciplinary Educational Series, March 2010.

Ellis MF. Grand Rounds: Thyroid Orbitopathy. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Division of Plastic Surgery, October 2009.

Ellis MF, Zhao L, Patel PK. Grand Rounds: Comprehensive finite element analysis of orbital floor fractures. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Department of Surgery Research Conference, October 2008.

HOBBIES
Running: Washington DC Marine Corps Marathon Finisher, 2002
Boston Athletic Association Marathon Finisher, 2003
Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Finisher, 2008
Soldier Field Ten Miler, Finisher, 2011, 2014
Chicago Shamrock Shuffle, Finisher, 2011, 2012, 2014
Functional fitness

SPECIAL SKILLS
Graphic Design, Webpage Design, Computer Network Maintenance, Virtual Surgery Planning

REFERENCES Furnished upon request.

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