Joe I. Garri, MD, DMD

Dr. Joe Garri’s long educational path started in Gainesville, Florida. There he attended college and obtained his dental degree at the University of Florida. Upon completion of a general practice residency in dentistry at University Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, he sought further training and completed a residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Harlem Hospital Center in New York City. It was during this residency that Dr. Garri developed an interest in the treatment of children born with cleft lip and palate, and in the care of patients with complex craniofacial challenges. To pursue these interests, Dr. Garri decided upon the completion of his oral surgery training, to return to medical school and pursue a career in plastic surgery. He completed medical school at SUNY at Stony Brook, New York, and then a general surgery program at the University of Miami. It was there that he also completed his residency in plastic surgery. Dr. Garri finished his long surgical training at UCLA with a one-year fellowship in craniofacial surgery.

The author of multiple scientific articles and book chapters, Dr. Garri also co-edited a book on craniofacial surgery which was published in 2008. Becoming A Surgeon is Dr. Garri’s debut at creative, nonfiction writing. This book is the realization of Dr. Garri’s desire to fuel the passion of future surgeons and to let them know what the process of becoming a surgeon is really like.

Since the completion of his training, Dr. Garri has remained involved in the education of medical/dental students and young surgeons alike. These activities are a testament to his commitment to nurturing future generations of those who are called to the healing professions. Dr. Garri very much appreciates and enjoys the time he devotes to working with students, surgical residents, and fellows at all levels of training. Dr. Garri lives and practices plastic surgery in Miami Beach, Florida.