Dr. Shafer completed his plastic surgery residency at the world famous Mayo Clinic. He was then selected to continue his education at the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. While most plastic surgeons go directly into practice after residency, Dr. Shafer had the honor to operate with many of the world’s most distinguished plastic surgeons. This unique experience allowed Dr. Shafer to advance his skills to a level that most surgeons take a lifetime to develop. Dr. Shafer continues to operate at MEETH and now teaches the next generation of plastic surgeons from NYU, Columbia and Cornell.
In 2008, Dr. Shafer has authored chapters and produced instructional DVDs on facelift techniques and on Botox injections. He also authored a chapter on anesthesia for plastic surgery patients. Dr. Shafer’s focus on education and technology allows him to offer his patients state-of-the-art care.
In addition to his work in Vietnam to repair cleft lips and palates in children, Dr. Shafer also participates with periodontal surgeons in a team focused on comprehensive facial reconstruction and rejuvenation in adults.
Educational Background
Dr. Shafer attended The University of Michigan, graduating with the Highest Honors in Biology. He then returned to his home town to attend Medical School at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. During medical school, Dr. Shafer traveled to Kenya to operate at the Kenyatta National Hospital in Nairobi and attend clinics in Machacos. Following medical school, Dr. Shafer entered his surgical residency at Maricopa Medical Center and the Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, Arizona. He was honored as the "Intern of the Year," the "Rick Weimar Ambassador of Medical Ethics," and given the "Harry W. Hale, Jr. Surgery Award" as a graduating chief resident.
During his surgery training, Dr. Shafer developed a strong interest in burn patient care and presented his research studies at national meetings. His research earned many "First Place" awards and resulted in publications in several journals. Dr. Shafer then completed his general surgery boards and is Board Certified by the American Board of Surgery. Following his surgery residency, Dr. Shafer completed his plastic surgery training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. During this time, Dr. Shafer had the opportunity to travel to Hanoi, Vietnam as part of a surgical mission to operate on children with congenital facial deformities.
After graduating from the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Shafer was selected for the prestigious Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital in New York City. Dr. Shafer has completed 12 years of post-college medical and surgical specialty training.
