Department of Surgery Welcomes New Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Joseph Carey, MD
The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Department of Surgery, is pleased to welcome Joseph Carey, MD, as Division Chief and Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, effective October 1, 2025.
Carey joins us from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, where he served as Associate Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley, his medical degree from USC, and also completed a master’s degree in anatomy at USC. He went on to complete a microvascular surgery fellowship at Stanford University.
A specialist in microvascular surgery, Carey’s practice focuses on breast reconstruction, complex reconstructive surgery, thoracic and abdominal reconstruction, and cerebral revascularization procedures. His clinical expertise overlaps multiple specialties—including neurological surgery, general surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, and orthopedic surgery—making him a highly sought-after reconstructive surgeon known for his innovation and creativity.
Carey’s research interests include surgical education, breast reconstruction, extremity salvage, and cerebral revascularization. He has authored more than 100 publications and presented widely at national and international conferences. He has also held key leadership positions, including Chief of Plastic Surgery at Los Angeles County Hospital, Residency Program Director for USC Plastic Surgery, and Fellowship Director in Microvascular Surgery.
Beyond his academic and clinical contributions, Carey enjoys spending time with his wife, Molly (a Tucson native), and their three children, Braden, Liliana, and Suzie. Together, they enjoy traveling and new adventures. In his free time, Carey also plays guitar and enjoys reading.
We are delighted to welcome Carey to Tucson, where his leadership, clinical expertise, and research accomplishments will significantly contribute to the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the mission of the Department of Surgery.