Joseph E. Losee, MD, MBA

Originally from Upstate New York, Dr. Joseph E. Losee is a distinguished pediatric plastic surgeon and medical leader with over 25 years of experience. He graduated with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1994 and earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business in 2023. He completed his residency in Plastic Surgery at the University of Rochester, followed by a Craniofacial Surgery fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Losee is a Fellow of both the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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Currently, Dr. Losee holds the Dr. Ross H. Musgrave Endowed Chair of Pediatric Plastic Surgery and serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds the role of Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs at the School of Medicine. He is deeply involved with the UPMC Health System Physician Wellbeing Initiative and teaches in the Executive MBA–Healthcare program as a Professor of Business Administration. For 20 years (2003–2023), he served as Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where he built a national reputation for innovation, leadership, and mentorship.

As a board-certified executive coach, Dr. Losee enjoys empowering healthcare professionals and organizations navigate challenges and grow through clarity, communication, and compassionate leadership.  He is passionate about providing coaching to individuals across all career stages, helping them reach their professional goals and thrive in complex environments – with the goal of fostering growth and resilience. He brings a thoughtful and empowering approach to individual and team development.

Dr. Losee is a formally trained mediator with a passion for conflict resolution and organizational healing. He works closely with academic departments, healthcare teams, and individuals to resolve disputes early and constructively. Using principles of Restorative Justice, he facilitates honest conversations and collaborative solutions, especially in cases involving interpersonal conflict or medical error. He brings extensive experience from his service on medical malpractice claims committees, where fairness and resolution are paramount.

A sought-after inspirational speaker and leadership educator, Dr. Losee has delivered over 180 invited lectures and served as a visiting professor at more than 50 institutions across the globe. He is the founder of several successful leadership programs, including: the Academic Medicine Leadership Academy, and the Pitt-UPMC Senior Residents and Fellows Leadership Academy. His presentations and workshops focus on medical education, professional development, coaching, and leadership strategies for emerging and seasoned healthcare leaders.

With a deep understanding of, and experience within, healthcare governance and Medical Regulation, Dr. Losee has played significant leadership roles in medical licensure, certification, accreditation, and credentialing. He served on the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine, including as Vice-Chair in his final year. He was also a Director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery for seven years and was elected Chair in his final term.  His professional leadership includes presidencies of multiple national societies: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons, American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery, American Society of Pediatric Plastic Surgery. Through these roles, he has helped shape the future of plastic surgery and healthcare education nationwide.

An accomplished academic and researcher, Dr. Losee has authored more than 250 peer-reviewed publications and 40 book chapters and has edited 7 textbooks in the field of plastic surgery and craniofacial care. His research spans basic science, translational, and clinical domains and includes federally funded projects. He continues to mentor trainees, contribute to scholarly work, and inspire the next generation of physician leaders.

In recognition of his outstanding mentorship and leadership, Dr. Losee was awarded the Goldwyn Mentor of the Year by the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons and the Level 5 Leadership Award by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Foundation in 2022.

Dr. Losee is a dedicated patient advocate - caring for children and families. He specializes in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery, treating children born with congenital craniofacial anomalies and those who have experienced traumatic facial injuries. His approach is deeply rooted in empathy, surgical excellence, and advocacy.  In addition to his local and national advocacy work, Dr. Losee travels internationally with the Global Smile Foundation, providing cleft care and training local providers in underserved regions. He also advocates for patients in the legal arena, serving as an expert witness in medical malpractice cases to help ensure fairness and accountability in healthcare.