Don LaRossa’s career-long dedication to teaching is recognized annually by "The Don LaRossa Teaching Award," chosen by the graduating chief residents for the faculty member who has contributed most to their education.
A true gentleman, Don LaRossa was universally respected and admired by his colleagues, trainees, and patients for his technical skill and clinical acumen, as well as his integrity, his humble demeanor, and his compassion. With endless patience, he taught the nuances of surgical technique to generations of residents and fellows at Penn and CHOP.
Don LaRossa began his faculty career at Penn in 1976 as Assistant Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Presbyterian Medical Center, and also as Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. His early research and clinical work focused on the improvement of microsurgical techniques. He established Penn’s first microsurgical teaching laboratory in 1981. Working with Ralph Hamilton, he helped pioneer the clinical application of microsurgical techniques for replantation and microsurgical reconstruction. Don also joined Peter Randall at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), where over the next 33 years, he became widely recognized for his expertise in pediatric plastic surgery, and especially for cleft surgery. He was Director of the Cleft Lip and Palate Program from 1980 to 2007. In 2001 he succeeded Linton Whitaker as Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at CHOP serving in this role until 2007, when he transitioned to Emeritus Professor.
Don LaRossa was best known for his artistry and passion for cleft surgery, as well as his extensive contributions to the field of cleft care. He authored more than 76 papers and 22 book chapters, including 13 on cleft lip and palate. Cumulatively, his publications on cleft lip and palate, represent a substantial contribution to the body of literature on the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Don also traveled around the world with Operation Smile, Rotoplast and Alliance for Smiles, participating in numerous surgical missions throughout South America, India, China, the Philippines, and the Middle East.
Don LaRossa was a member of over 17 local, national, and international medical societies, and held leadership roles in many of these. In particular, he had a long history of service and leadership within the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), serving as its President in 2003, as well as on the Executive Council and the Board of the Cleft Palate Foundation. He was the Plastic Surgery Section Editor for the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal which posthumously awarded him the prestigious Distinguished Service Award to recognize and honor his extensive contributions.
Don’s artistry extended beyond the operating room to the studio, where he excelled in painting and sculpting. He focused on stone carving, and executed many pieces in marble, alabaster, and soapstone. His pieces have appeared in several juried shows.
Don LaRossa crafted a long and distinguished career at HUP, CHOP and the University of Pennsylvania. He has had an immeasurable influence in the world of plastic surgery and cleft communities as a mentor and as a master clinician.