UCSD Profiles

Dr. Marek K. Dobke is recognized as an international plastic surgeon who has developed a large practice in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has special interest and clinical expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast and facial rejuvenation as well as in applications of new technologies in cosmetic surgery. He also treats children with cleft lip and palate at the UC San Diego Medical Center and participates with surgical teams for underprivileged patients in Mexico.

Dr. Dobke graduated from the Medical Academy in Gdansk, Poland in 1974. From 1982 through 1984, he was a Burn Research Fellow at the University of Texas in Dallas. Subsequently, he took clinical training in General Surgery at Texas Tech University in Lubbock and then Plastic Surgery at the University of California, San Diego. He is both board-certified in Poland and by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).

Throughout his career, Dr. Dobke has combined the practice of plastic surgery with research. He has been principal and co-investigators to numerous projects, one of which where he was awarded a grant for have telemedicine used for chronic wounds. Several other interests consist of the physiology and pathology of healing processes and the exploration of the response and interaction with silicone implants in biomaterials.

He has had the opportunity to serve as a teacher to those practicing to become plastic surgeons. In 1996, he became the Chief of Plastic Surgery at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and later returned to Southern California to become the Head of Plastic Surgery and Residency Program at UCSD. He is responsible for educating medical students and general and plastic surgery residents in the fields of surgery, plastic surgery, and anatomy. Dr. Dobke also serves as an advisor and mentor to several fourth-year medical students and college students.

Dr. Dobke also contributed to the education of residents in Head and Neck Oncology as well as Podiatry Residency Programs through my participation in the treatment planning conferences, postgraduate courses and clinical activity. I have also participated in educational programs for non - M.D. health professionals (e.g., Wound Management Workshops, independent clinical nursing internship for R.N. First Assistant Program) and for the general public (e.g., through the Breast Cancer Outreach Program Group, Burn Victims Support Groups).

Dr. Dobke treats patients with compassion and offers solid care and skills. His success results from the blend of an experienced plastic surgeon and an innovative clinician and teacher of cutting edge plastic surgery.

Research Topics
Cell Biology
Inflammation
New Technologies in Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine
Outcomes

Current Project Titles
Outcomes, evidence-based aesthetic surgery