John C Oeltjen, MD, PhD : Bio and credentials

Initially, I went to school interested in marine biology. As I studied the sciences, I also discovered my true calling: helping people. I was drawn to medicine, a profession that allowed me to combine my love of science with helping others. In medical school, a presentation on the unimaginable possibilities to repair an individual affected by trauma or cancer attracted me to plastic surgery. A medical school course in plastic surgery influenced my desire to be a plastic surgeon, and I haven’t looked back since.

I am a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at University of Florida Health. I have over 20 years of experience in academic medicine, clinical care and research, focusing on breast and microsurgical reconstruction.

I earned my undergraduate degree from Duke University before moving to Houston. There, I attended the Baylor College of Medicine and earned both a medical degree and a doctorate in molecular and human genetics. Afterward, I completed an integrated residency in plastic surgery, training at multiple institutions within the Texas Medical Center. That includes public and private hospitals, Texas Children’s Hospital, the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and the MD Anderson Cancer Center.

After finishing my residency, I moved to Miami. For over 15 years, I was a member of the medical faculty at the University of Miami, providing advanced care to cancer patients and those with complex wounds.

A dedicated educator and published author, I am active in several national surgical societies and frequently present at national and international conferences. My research has centered on human genome sequencing and vascularization in skin grafts, and more recently, improving surgical outcomes and preventing infections in implant-based breast reconstruction.

I am excited to join UF Health and bring my unique blend of surgical precision, academic rigor and compassionate care to the central and panhandle Florida communities.

Outside of work, in my downtime, I enjoy running, gardening, boating and cooking.