UF introduces new chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery

Dr. Bruce A. Mast, the new chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery for UF's department of surgery. Photo by Jesse Jones/University of Florida

The UF College of Medicine’s department of surgery formally introduced its new chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Bruce A. Mast, M.D., during a reception Dec. 15 at the Health Science Center.

Mast, who recently worked in private practice in Gainesville, previously served as a UF assistant professor of surgery in the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery from 1995 to 2000.

He said he is excited to rejoin the university and that his vision is to “make UF a national leader in plastic surgery by taking the strengths of a world class academic medical center and combining them with the nuances of private practice surgery.”

Mast specializes in cosmetic surgical procedures, breast reconstruction and reduction, and skin cancer. He earned his medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick, N.J. He completed his general surgery training at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond and his plastic and reconstructive residency at the University of Pittsburgh and the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

“Our department is tremendously enthusiastic about Bruce’s decision to rejoin us,” said Kevin Behrns, M.D., chairman of the department of surgery. “He will bring an incredible clinical skill set, business acumen and patient-first orientation that will rejuvenate the division of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The blend of private practice customer service with academic surgery is a new exciting venture that will help shape our future.”