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  1. About the Friedman Center
  2. Care Team
  3. Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS

“I’m honored by every patient who trusts me with their care. It’s an extraordinary responsibility.”

Mark L. Smith, MD, FACS

Dr. Smith is a pioneer in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and lymphatic surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon, he brings over 20 years of surgical experience to the Friedman Center, where he also serves as Executive Director.

While his innovative methods have established him as an international leader in breast reconstruction, Dr. Smith’s primary focus has always been the patient experience. He understands the intimate and personal nature of reconstructive surgery and is deeply committed to helping every woman confidently make the right decisions for her body. At the Friedman Center, Dr. Smith strives to provide holistic patient care that supports a woman at every stage of her journey to healing and wholeness.

Honored by numerous publications as a Top Doctor in plastic surgery and the recipient of multiple Patient Choice Awards, Dr. Smith most recently was awarded the Northwell Health Patient Choice Award. This award recognizes the top 15 physicians among Northwell Health’s more than 3000 physicians for providing the most positive experience for their patients. Dr. Smith’s passion for helping others has also included volunteering with non-profit organizations around the world to educate local physicians in new techniques and to perform advanced reconstructive surgeries.

Dr. Smith holds several administrative positions at Northwell Health, including:
-Director of Reconstructive Oncology for Northwell Health Cancer Institute
-System-wide Vice Chair of Surgery for Northwell Health System
-Vice President of Northwell Health’s Surgical Services for Nassau and Suffolk Counties
-Professor of Surgery at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

“Dr. Smith is one of the best doctors I have ever met. He’s so professional, very patient and answered all of my concerns.”

Education

  • Fellowship in Craniofacial/Pediatric Plastic Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Fellowship in Microsurgery/Oncologic Reconstruction, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
  • Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • Residency in Surgery and Plastic Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
  • MD, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  • BA in Biology, Cornell University

Honors & Awards

  • Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors in Plastic Surgery, Top Doctors for Cancer, and America’s Top Doctors
  • Newsday’s Top Doctors on Long Island
  • Newsweek Magazine’s America’s Top Doctors for Cancer
  • New York Magazine’s Best Doctors
  • Best Doctors in America
  • New York Super Doctors®
  • American Registry’s America’s Most Honored Professionals
  • Vitals’ Patients’ Choice Award, Compassionate Doctor Recognition, and On-Time Doctor Award
  • MD Anderson Cancer Center—Fellow Research Grant Award
Publications

Original Breast Cancer Contributions in Peer-Reviewed Journals

Response to Reply: A Simplified Cost-Utility Analysis of Inpatient Flap Monitoring after Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Hospital Length of Stay

A Simplified Cost Utility Analysis of Inpatient Flap Monitoring After Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction and Implications for Hospital Length of Stay

Factors Influencing Patient Satisfaction in Plastic Surgery: A Nationwide Analysis

Author Reply to Letter to the Editor on “Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks with Single-Dose Liposomal Bupivacaine in Conjunction with a Nonnarcotic Pain Regimen Help Reduce Length of Stay Following Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction”

Considerations for Clinicians in the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema, Recommendations from an Expert Panel: Part 2: Preventive and Therapeutic Options

Considerations for Clinicians in the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Treatment of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Recommendations from a Multidisciplinary Expert ASBrS Panel : Part 1: Definitions, Assessments, Education, and Future Directions.

Defining the Role of Free Flaps in Partial Breast Reconstruction

Transversus Abdominis Plane Blocks with Single-Dose Liposomal Bupivacaine in Conjunction with a Nonnarcotic Pain Regimen Help Reduce Length of Stay following Abdominally Based Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction

The 5th World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery-Recent Updates in Lymphedema Surgery and Setting Up of a Global Knowledge Exchange Platform

Modern Perforator Flap Imaging with High-Resolution Blood Pool MR Angiography

Factors Influencing Incidence and Type of Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction in an Urban Multidisciplinary Cancer Center

Reverse Lymphatic Mapping: A New Technique for Maximizing Safety in Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer

Conjoint Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flaps: Case Series of Two Patients with Subfascial Communication of the Deep Inferior Epigastric Vein

The Efficacy of Simultaneous Breast Reconstruction and Contralateral Balancing Procedures in Reducing the Need for Second Stage Operations

The Use of Magnetic Resonance Angiography in Vascularized Groin Lymph Node Transfer: An Anatomic Study

Revision of Wise Pattern Breast Reduction with Vertical Procedures

Bilateral Breast Reconstruction from a Single Hemiabdomen Using Angiosome-Based Flap Design

Comparison of Irradiated Versus Nonirradiated DIEP Flaps in Patients Undergoing Immediate Bilateral DIEP Reconstruction with Unilateral Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy (PMRT)

Bilobed Flap for Axillary Reconstruction

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with the TRAM Flap after Neoadjuvant Therapy

Reduction Mammoplasty: Its Role in Breast Conservation Surgery for Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Immediate Breast Reconstruction in Patients with Locally Advanced Disease

 

Other Breast Cancer Related Invited Contributions

Differential Lymph Node Mapping (chapter in Lymphedema: Complete Medical and Surgical Management)

Reverse Lymphatic Mapping in Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer (chapter in Principles and Practice of Lymphedema Surgery)

Microsurgical Procedures: Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer from the Thoracodorsal Axis (chapter in Principles and Practice of Lymphedema Surgery)

Surgical Treatment of Postmastectomy Lymphedema [Chapter 63 in the textbook: Operative Plastic Surgery]

Immediate Breast Reconstruction with the Free TRAM Flap

Invited Lectures & Presentations

International & National

Lymph Node Transfer and Liposuction for Secondary Lymphedema. American Society of Breast Surgeons, Lymphatic Surgery Course (Dallas, TX, 2019)

ERAS for Implant Based Reconstruction. Invited Speaker, Breast Reconstruction Panel, ASAPS Annual Meeting. (New Orleans, LA, 2019)

Surgical Techniques for the Prevention and Management of Lymphedema: Including; Lymphatic Mapping, LYMPHA, ARM, LN Transfer Course with Cadaver Lab. ASBrS Lymphatic Course. (Dallas, TX, 2019)

Lymphatic Surgery for Lymphedema. American College of Phlebology Meeting. (Nashville, TN, 2018)

Making Breast Reconstruction Great Again: How to show the value of a breast reconstruction program to the Hospital. American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting (Chicago, IL, 2018)

Planning the Donor Site in Autologous Breast Reconstruction. London Breast Meeting. (London, UK, 2018)

Fast Track Autologous Breast Reconstruction. London Breast Meeting. (London, UK, 2018)

Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction. London Breast Meeting (London, UK, 2018)

Managing the Ptotic Nipple in Breast Reconstruction. ASPS 2018 (Chicago, IL, 2018)

Optimizing Aesthetics in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction. ASPS 2018 (Chicago, IL, 2018)

Shaping the DIEP flap in Delayed Breast Reconstruction. London Breast Meeting. (London, UK, 2018)

Axillary Lymph Node Transfer for Lymphedema. Invited Speaker, Chicago Breast and Lymphatic Symposium. (Chicago, IL, 2018)

After the Operation: Post-Operative Protocols and Long Term Follow Up for Lymphedema Surgery. Invited Panelist, ASRM  Annual Meeting. (Phoenix, AX, 2018)

So you want to set up a lymphedema practice?  Invited Moderator, ASRM  Annual Meeting. (Phoenix, AZ, 2018)

Axillary/Lateral Thoracic Lymph Node Transfer. Invited Speaker, ASRM Lymphatic Surgery Symposium: A Collaboration with WSRM and ASLS: VLNT. (Phoenix, AZ, 2018) 

Overview of  Indications and Surgery for Lymphedema. Invited Speaker, Third Italian National Congress on Phlebology, Lymphology and Rehabilitation. (Pavia, Italy, 2017)

Surgery for Lymphedema: LYMPHA and Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer. Invited Course Speaker, American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Orlando, FL, 2017)

Two-Day Hospital Stay for DIEP Flap Reconstruction: How and Why I Do It. Invited Speaker, World Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Biannual Meeting. (Seoul, Korea, 2017)

Tumor Board. Invited Panelist, American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Las Vegas, NV, 2017)

Immediate vs Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Considerations and Outcomes. Invited Lecture, American Society of Breast Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Las Vegas, NV, 2017)

Lymphedema Consensus Panel. Invited Panelist, American Society of Breast  Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Las Vegas, NV, 2017)

Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis Techniques. Session Moderator, World Symposium on Lymphedema Surgery. (Barcelona, Spain, 2017)

Lymphedema Surgery Abstract Session. Moderator, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting. (Kona, Hawaii, 2017)

Live Surgery Demonstration: Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer. Invited Speaker and Operating Surgeon, World Symposium for Lymphedema Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. (Taipei, Taiwan, 2016)

Lymphatic Surgery: Which Operation for Whom. Invited Panelist, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting. (Scottsdale, AZ, 2016)

Decision Making in Lymphatic Surgery. Invited Panelist, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting. (Scottsdale, AZ, 2016)

Current Treatments of Lymphedema. Panel Moderator and Presenter, 2015 American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. (Chicago, IL, 2015)

Do You Want to Start a Lymphedema Program? Panelist, 2015 Chicago Breast and Lymphedema Symposium. (Chicago, IL, 2015)

Complications of Lymph Node Transfer: What They Are and How to Avoid Them. Panel Moderator, 2015 Chicago Breast and Lymphedema Symposium. (Chicago, IL, 2015)

Expert Panel on Lymphatic Surgery. American Society for Lymphatic Surgery Session, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. (Paradise Island, Bahamas, 2015)

Panel: Decision Making in Lymphatic Surgery. Invited Presenter/Moderator, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery. (Paradise Island, Bahamas, 2015)

Cadaver Dissection: Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap with Vascularized Lymph Nodes.  University of Pennsylvania International Cadaver Course on Lymphatic Surgery. (Philadelphia, PA, 2014)

Overview of Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer. Invited presenter and panel moderator, Chicago Breast and Lymphedema Symposium. (Chicago, IL, 2014) 

Panel: American Society for Lymphatic Surgery. Moderator and Presenter, American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery Annual Meeting. (Kauai, HI, 2014)

Microsurgical Treatment of Lymphedema. Invited Discussant with David Chang, MD, American Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting. (New Orleans, LA, 2013)

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer in the Treatment of Lymphedema. Invited presenter, Lymphatic Research Foundation Livestream Symposium. (New York, NY, 2013)

Live Surgery Demonstration: Vascularized Axillary Lymph Node Transfer to the Lower Extremity using Reverse Lymphatic Mapping. Operating surgeon, International Symposium on Lymphedema Surgery. (Taipei, Taiwan, 2013)

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy. Invited International Faculty and Speaker, Buenos Aires Society of Plastic Surgery Symposium. (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007)

Advances in Breast Reconstruction. Invited International Faculty and Speaker, Buenos Aires Society of Plastic Surgery Symposium. (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2007)

Regional & Local

Breast Reconstruction Papers. Session Moderator. Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Sept 2020 – Virtual).

Oncoplastic Breast Reconstruction. Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. (Bronx, NY, 2019)

My Breast Decisions: Mastectomy and Reconstruction. LIJ Hospital. (Long Island, NY, 2019)

Autologous Breast Reconstruction. Event Organizer, Moderator, and Speaker, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Event, North Shore-LIJ Campus. (Long Island, NY, 2018)

Partial Breast Reconstruction. Event Organizer, Moderator, and Speaker, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Event, North Shore-LIJ Campus. (Long Island, NY, 2018)

Breast Reconstruction Options. Invited Speaker, CancerCare. (New York, NY, 2018)

Lymphatic Reconstruction. Lenox Hill Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds. (New York, NY, 2018)

Lymphatic Reconstruction in Upper Extremity Lymphedema. Huntington Hospital Breast Tumor Board. (Long Island, NY, 2018)

Breast Reconstruction Options. Invited Speaker, Sisters of Greater Long Island. (Long Island, NY, 2018)

Breast Reconstruction Options. Invited Speaker, SHARE Cancer Support. (Long Island, NY, 2018)

Lymphedema Panel. Invited Speaker, NYU Breast Reconstruction Course. (New York, NY, 2018)

Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day Event. Organizer, Moderator, Speaker at Northwell Health. (Long Island, NY, 2017)

Partial Breast Reconstruction Using TDAPs and Free Flaps. Invited Speaker, NYU Comprehensive Reconstructive Microsurgery: Tips, Tricks, and Videos. (New York, NY, 2017)

Lymphedema: Decision Making for Best Treatment Options. Invited Speaker, NYU Comprehensive Reconstructive Microsurgery: Tips, Tricks, and Videos. (New York, NY, 2017)

Enhanced Recovery for DIEP Flaps – The Evidence for 2-day Hospital Stay. Invited Speaker, NYU Comprehensive Reconstructive Microsurgery: Tips, Tricks, and Videos. (New York, NY, 2017)

Breast Reconstruction. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (New York, NY, 2017)

Torso and Thigh Flaps. Instructor/Prosector for Northwell Health Plastic Surgery Bioskills Cadaver Lab. (Long Island, NY, 2017)

Lymphedema: Overview and Surgical Treatment. Northwell Health Cancer Rehabilitation Committee. (Long Island, NY, 2017)

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer and LYMPHA. Invited Speaker, NYU Comprehensive Reconstructive Microsurgery: Tips, Tricks, and Videos. (New York, NY, 2017)

Lymphedema Update. Northwell Health Breast Cancer Update. (Manhassett, NY, 2017)

Surgical Treatment for Cancer-related Lymphedema of the Upper Extremity. Northwell Prospective Tumor Board presentation to MD Anderson Cancer Center group. (Long Island, NY, 2016)

Partial Breast Reconstruction. Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day event, Northwell Health System. (Long Island, NY, 2016)

How I  Select the Donor Lymph Glands and Prevent Donor Site Morbidity. NYU Symposium: Breast Reconstruction State of the Art 2016: Surgery to Treat Upper Extremity Lymphedema. (New York, NY, 2016)

Live Surgery Demonstration: Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer. Invited Operating Surgeon,  NYU Symposium: Reconstructive Microsurgery – The Future is Today. (New York, NY, 2015)

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer: An Evolving Treatment for Post-Surgical Lymphedema. Mount Sinai Medical Center Surgery Grand Rounds (New York, NY, 2014)

Challenging Problems in Lymphedema. Invited presentation for the panel “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: Challenging Problems in Lymphedema, Burns, and Wounds” with Joseph Dayan, MD, Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting. (Providence, RI, 2014)

Oncoplastic Reconstruction. Invited presentation with Joseph Dayan, MD, Plastic Surgery Grand Rounds, Montefiore Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2013)

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer in the Treatment of Lymphedema. Invited presentation with Joseph Dayan, MD, Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting, Received President’s Award for Best Presentation by a member. (Washington, DC, 2013)

Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer. Invited presentation with Joseph Dayan, MD, Metropolitan Breast Cancer Group, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. (New York, NY, 2012)

Advances in Oncoplastic Surgery. Invited Speaker, New York Metropolitan Breast Cancer Group, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. (New York, NY, 2011)

Microsurgery. Surgery Grand Rounds, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2010)

A DIEP Conversation – Overview of operative room preparation for microvascular breast reconstruction. Nursing Grand Rounds, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2010)

Breast Reconstruction – Are we there yet? Invited Faculty and Speaker, Management of Breast Diseases 2010 Symposium, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2010)

Arthur G. Ship Lecture on Lymphedema Management. Surgery Grand Rounds, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2009)

Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction. Surgery Resident Teaching Conference, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2008)

The Evolution of Breast Reconstruction. Invited Speaker, Annual Louis Venet Lecture, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2007)

Breast Reconstruction. Radiology Combined Grand Rounds, Beth Israel Medical Center and St-Luke’s, Roosevelt Medical Center. (New York, NY, 2005)

Wound Healing, Flaps and Grafts. Invited Faculty and Speaker, Regional ABSITE Surgery Resident Review Course, St. Barnabas Medical Center. (Livingston, NJ, 2005)

Wound Healing, Flaps and Grafts. Invited Faculty and Speaker, Regional ABSITE Surgery Resident Review Course, Beth Israel Medical Center (New York, NY, 2002, 2003)

Breast Reconstruction. Continuum Cancer Centers of New York Breast Cancer Update for Primary Care Physicians, CME Course, Beth Israel Medical Center. (New York, NY, 1999)

Affiliations
  • Glen Cove Hospital
  • Huntington Hospital
  • Lenox Hill Hospital
  • Long Island Jewish Forest Hills
  • Long Island Jewish Medical Center
  • Long Island Jewish Valley Stream
  • North Shore University Hospital
  • Northern Westchester Hospital
  • Peconic Bay Medical Center
  • Phelps Memorial Hospital Center
  • Plainview Hospital
  • Southside Hospital
  • Staten Island University Hospital
  • Syosset Hospital
Insurance

Dr. Smith accepts a wide range of insurance plans: view the current list of accepted insurance on the Northwell Health website. We also recommend that you contact us directly with any questions regarding your coverage.

SENIOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT

Pashmena Ahmadi

Pashmena ends every patient conversation by asking, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” A member of Dr. Smith’s team since 2012, she finds caring for patients both intellectually and emotionally fulfilling. Pashmena assists with preoperative and postoperative assessments, creating treatment plans, and coordinating care. She enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Nicole Stamm

Nicole is passionate about helping others and a true caregiver at heart. She works with patients across the continuum of their reconstruction experience and provides education, support, and wellness tools throughout the journey. Nicole also offers office-based treatments to refresh facial appearance and delay the aging process. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and family time, and has completed an Ironman triathlon!

SURGICAL COORDINATOR

Marilyn Sic

When Marilyn comes to work each day, her primary focus is meeting patients’ needs. From confirming insurance authorizations to organizing care plans, Marilyn helps coordinate all aspects of surgical preparation. The best part of her job is supporting women through the difficult journey of breast reconstruction. Outside of work, Marilyn enjoys camping and spending time in the great outdoors.