About Dr. Baker

Dr. Baker’s Philosophy

“Integrity and honesty.” These are the words Dr. Stephan Baker stands by to ensure his aesthetic philosophy is met through optimal, natural-looking results. Dr. Baker combines his philosophy with his knowledge of European artistry and German craftsmanship and precision to provide his patient’s with their desired results.

Schedule Appointment

“Dr. Stephan Baker and his team understand that taking care of patients is a privilege and are dedicated to optimizing every patient’s aesthetic results and overall experience.”

Background

Early Life

Born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, where he grew up for 18 years.
- Raised under humble economic circumstances, young Stephan learned the importance of honesty, hard work, responsibility, order and attention to detail at a young age.
Lost his central upper front teeth in an accident at the age of 10.
- His missing teeth led to years of emotionally painful self-awareness and a visceral understanding of the importance of one’s appearance.
Two years later (when Stephan was 12), Dr. Baker was adopted by an American citizen, Joseph A. Baker. To Stephan, Joseph became “St. Joseph.”
At 17, his stepfather enabled Stephan to undergo his first dental reconstruction in the United States, a life-changing experience.
Nearing the completion of high school, he experienced a trial year at an American college in the Midwest.
- Fueled by wanderlust, he found himself cleaning operating rooms as a summer orderly at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.

Journey to Success (College Career)

He enrolled at Oberlin College in Ohio and majored in Chemistry.
- One year quickly became four as Dr. Baker thrived in his studies and graduated magna cum laude.
Completed a summer research project at the National Institutes of Health near Washington DC.
- Graduating Phi Beta Kappa and near the top of his class led to Dr. Baker’s next stop: New York City.
Enrolled in New York University’s School of Medicine to pursue medical school.
- His four years at NYU confirmed Dr. Baker’s interest in a surgical career and his future in America.
Became a naturalized U.S. citizen at the federal courthouse in downtown Manhattan on his birthday – all of this made possible by his American stepfather.
During his last year of medical school, Dr. Baker pursued an elective in Plastic Surgery under the guidance of Plastic Surgery pioneer Dr. Joseph G. McCarthy. He was then further exposed to the practice in Paris, France, with Dr. Paul Tessier, and in Milan, Italy, with Dr. Ernesto Caronni.
- These experiences resulted in Dr. Baker’s decision to pursue a future career in Plastic Surgery.

Embarking Toward Excellence in Plastic Surgery

Dr. Baker began a five-year hospital residency program in General Surgery at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons’ St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, in Manhattan.
- Upon completion, Dr. Baker became certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery.
During his third year in General Surgery, Dr. Baker was accepted for Plastic Surgery training by the 20th-century Plastic Surgery giant Dr. D. Ralph Millard.
Spent four years training in Plastic Surgery under Dr. Millard at the University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Medical Center.
Appointed as a Clinical Instructor in Plastic Surgery by Dr. Millard.
- Dr. Millard considered Dr. Baker one of his best trainees, and on two occasions afforded him the very rare privilege of accompanying him to international plastic surgery meetings overseas.
Volunteered his time and skills for reconstructive surgery missions in Colombia, Panama, and the Philippines, organized by Operation Smile International.
Dr. Baker became certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and started his private practice in Miami, Florida.
- In 2001, he joined his practice with world-famous cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Fredric S. Brandt at the Offices at Merrick Park in Coral Gables, Florida.

Throughout his journey, Dr. Baker owes much of what he has accomplished to his family. His stepfather Joseph A. Baker gently guided and encouraged Dr. Baker to pursue medical school and his vocation for helping others. From his mother Ortrud, a World War II survivor and self-made Italian fashions retailer, he learned hard work, resilience, and visual aesthetics.

Dr. Baker’s Education, Training, and Credentials

Education and Official Accredited Surgical Training

Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, Bachelor of Arts, High Honors in Chemistry, Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi Research Society, Varsity Swim Team
New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, Doctor of Medicine
General Surgery: Five-Year Residency/Chief Residency, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, New York
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Four Year Residency/Chief Residency/Fellowship with Dr. D. Ralph Millard Jr., MD, FACS, Hon. FRCS England, University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, Florida
University of Miami, School of Business Administration, Miami, Florida, Exec. MBA-Health Administration, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society

Subspecialty Training

Liposculpture with Dr. Marco Gasparotti MD, Rome, Italy, and Dr. Luiz S. Toledo MD, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Aesthetic Breast Surgery with Dr. Joao Carlos Sampaio-Goes MD, Ph.D., Brazilian Institute for Cancer Control, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Vertical Breast Reduction with Dr. Elizabeth Hall-Findlay MD, Banff, Alberta, Canada

ABMS Accredited Specialty Board Certifications

American Board of Plastic Surgery, Maintenance of Certification 2005 and 2015
American Board of Surgery, 1990

Academic Appointment

Voluntary Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Medical Center, Miami, Florida

Research Experience

Clinical Research Investigator for Cosmetic FDA-Approved Protocols and Clinical Trials, 1998-present

Medical Book Publications

“Facial Fractures,” Co-Author with S. A. Wolfe, MD, FACS, Thieme Medical Publisher, New York, New York, 1993
“Craniofacial Disorders and Their Surgical Treatment,” Chapter co-author with S. A. Wolfe, M.D., F.A.C.S. in Berkowitz: Cleft Lip and Palate: Perspectives in Management, Vol. II, 243-271, Singular Publishing Group, San Diego, 1996

Hospital and Surgery Center Staff Privileges

Bayside Ambulatory Surgery Center, HCA Mercy Hospital, Miami, Florida
Baptist Health Medical Arts Surgery Center, South Miami – Member, Surgical Care Review Committee, Miami, Florida
Baptist Health South Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida

Professional Societies and Activities

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – Maliniac Circle, Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation, South Florida Spokesperson; Membership Committee 2004-2008; Member, Government Affairs Council, 1997-2007; “Outstanding Council Representative” Award, 2003, Chair, Federal Affairs Committee 2006-2007; Past Member, Public Education and Audit Committees
American Board of Plastic Surgery – Board Examiner, Oral Board Certifying Examinations, Contributing Author to Certification Examination Questions
American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons – Member, Board of Directors, 1999-2000; President, Political Action Committee, 2001-2003
Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons – President, 1998-1999
D. Ralph Millard Plastic Surgery Society and Educational Foundation

American College of Surgeons – Member, Board of Governors 2013-2016; Member, Membership Committee – South Florida District, 2004-present and Chairman, 2017-present

South Florida Chapter-American College of Surgeons – President, 2012-2014; Member, Board of Councilors, 2003-present
Florida Medical Association – Member, Board of Governors 2003-2011; Chair, FMA Administrative Audit Committee 2007-2008; Chair, FMA Audit Committee 2008-2009; Member, FMA EVP-CEO Evaluation Committee, 2008
Dade County Medical Association – President 2006-2007

Volunteer Reconstructive Surgery Missions

Ipiales, Colombia, 1991
Naga City, Philippines, Operation Smile International, 1992
Panama City, Panama, Operation Smile International, 1992