Undergraduate Education

Dr. Ruotolo earned her Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude, from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina (1991–1994), graduating with distinction and maintaining Dean’s List status throughout her undergraduate years. Her strong academic foundation in the sciences prepared her for advanced medical training and a career dedicated to surgical excellence.

Medical School

Dr. Ruotolo earned her Doctor of Medicine with distinction from George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. (1995–1999). Her medical school honors reflect her early commitment to plastic surgery and her dedication to advancing the field through clinical excellence. During medical school, she received the James Douglas Goddard Award for academic achievement and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the highest honor society for medical students in the United States.

General Surgery Residency

Following medical school, Dr. Ruotolo completed a comprehensive General Surgery Residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1999–2003), providing foundational surgical training across all aspects of general surgical care and preparing her for advanced plastic surgery training. During this period, she also served as a Research Fellow in the Craniofacial Biology Laboratory at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2002–2003), conducting research on craniofacial reconstruction and surgical innovation.

Plastic Surgery Residency

Dr. Ruotolo completed her Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (2003–2005), where she advanced her expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, microsurgery, and complex surgical problem-solving. She was selected as Chief Resident in the Division of Plastic Surgery (2005–2006), a distinction reflecting her clinical leadership and surgical proficiency.

Fellowship Training

To develop specialized expertise in pediatric craniofacial surgery, Dr. Ruotolo completed a Fellowship in Pediatric Congenital and Craniofacial Surgery at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Dallas, Texas (2006–2007), one of the nation’s leading centers for craniofacial care. This specialized training provided extensive experience in the surgical management of cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and other complex congenital conditions.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Ruotolo is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (November 2008). This certification reflects her achievement of demanding standards in surgical knowledge, clinical competency, and professional ethics—and her ongoing commitment to maintaining excellence through continuing education and periodic recertification.

Dr. Ruotolo maintains active involvement in professional organizations that align with her clinical focus on craniofacial surgery, pediatric care, and lifelong learning:

• American Board of Plastic Surgery: Board certification demonstrating rigorous standards of knowledge and clinical competency in plastic surgery.
• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS): The premier organization of board-certified plastic surgeons committed to advancing the science and art of plastic surgery.
• American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA): A multidisciplinary organization dedicated to improving the care of individuals with cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial conditions.
• International Society of Craniofacial Surgery (ISCFS): A global organization focused on advancing craniofacial surgical techniques, outcomes, and innovation.
• Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY): A statewide professional organization dedicated to advancing medical practice and patient care standards.
• Nassau County Medical Society: A regional medical organization serving physicians and patients in Nassau County. Dr. Ruotolo was elected to the board in 2022.
• Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons (NESPS): A regional organization of plastic surgeons committed to advancing surgical excellence in the Northeast.

These memberships reflect Dr. Ruotolo’s dedication to staying current with the latest advances in plastic and craniofacial surgery and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.

Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery

Over nearly two decades of clinical practice, Dr. Ruotolo has developed deep expertise in the surgical management of pediatric craniofacial conditions across the lifespan. Her surgical practice includes:


Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery:

• Primary and secondary (revision) cleft lip and palate repairs
• Velopharyngeal insufficiency management and surgical correction
• Cleft nasal reconstruction
• Comprehensive cleft team coordination and multidisciplinary care
• Cleft lip adhesion w/nostril stent technique for staged cleft repairs

Craniofacial Conditions:

• Craniosynostosis (premature closure of skull sutures) surgical correction
• Syndactyly (fused digits) repair
• Protruding ears (otoplasty)
• Non-surgical ear molding for various congenital ear deformities
• Aplasia Cutis Congenita (ACC) reconstruction
• 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (Velocardiofacial Syndrome) surgical management
• Stahl’s ear deformity reconstruction

Facial Trauma and Reconstruction:

• Orbital fracture repair
• Zygomatic (cheekbone) fracture management
• Mandibular (jaw) fracture reconstruction
• Complex facial trauma in both children and adults (i.e. dog bites, extensive soft tissue injuries)
• Cranioplasty (skull reconstruction) following craniotomy or trauma
• Frontal sinus fracture reconstruction

Reconstructive Surgery:

• Complex wound reconstruction
• Scar revision and optimization
• Treatment of giant congenital melanocytic nevi (staged excisions, tissue expansion)
• Treatment (surgical and non-surgical) of congenital vascular lesions (hemangiomas)
• Surgical treatment of keloids (management and prevention)
• Syndactyly (webbed fingers/toes) reconstruction
• Polydactyly (extra fingers/thumbs/toes) reconstruction
• Preauricular pit surgery (ear pit removal)

Leadership Roles

Vice President, New York Plastic Surgical Group—Dr. Ruotolo serves in a leadership capacity at a multi-surgeon practice dedicated to comprehensive cosmetic and reconstructive surgery across the New York metropolitan area, where she helps set clinical standards and strategic direction. She has held this position since 2013.

Executive Committee Member, New York Plastic Surgical Group (2013–Present)—Dr. Ruotolo serves on the executive committee, contributing to the strategic planning and operational excellence of the practice.

Co-Director, Cohen Children’s Hagedorn Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Center—Dr. Ruotolo directs a specialized multidisciplinary center focused exclusively on the evaluation and treatment of cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies, coordinating care across multiple surgical and non-surgical specialties.

Partner and Board Member, New York Plastic Surgical Group (2010–Present)—As a partner in the practice, Dr. Ruotolo contributes to governance, clinical policy, and the advancement of surgical standards within the organization.

Academic and Teaching Appointments

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program (2012–Present)—Dr. Ruotolo holds an academic appointment reflecting her commitment to surgical education and training the next generation of plastic surgeons.

Faculty Appointment, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Nassau University Medical Center (2008–Present)—Dr. Ruotolo maintains an active faculty role at a major academic medical center, contributing to resident education and clinical care.

Medical Staff, Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Medical City Dallas Hospital (2006–2007)—Dr. Ruotolo served on the medical staff during her fellowship training, contributing to surgical education and patient care.

Community Leadership and Service

Board of Directors, Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) (2010–2019)—Dr. Ruotolo served on the board of an organization dedicated to protecting children from abuse and neglect, demonstrating her commitment to child welfare beyond the operating room.

Dr. Ruotolo maintains active medical staff privileges and affiliations at leading medical institutions throughout the New York metropolitan area:

• Cohen Children’s Medical Center
• Good Samaritan Hospital
• Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• Mercy Medical Center
• North Shore University Hospital
• NYU Langone Hospital Long Island
• Mount Sinai South Nassau Communities Hospital
• South Shore University Hospital

These affiliations reflect Dr. Ruotolo’s commitment to providing comprehensive craniofacial care across multiple healthcare systems and her recognition as a trusted surgical partner by leading regional medical institutions.

Dr. Ruotolo has established herself as a productive researcher and educator, with multiple peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and presentations at national and international conferences. Her scholarly interests center on craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate management, velopharyngeal insufficiency, and innovative surgical techniques. Her body of work includes:

Research Interests

• Velopharyngeal insufficiency in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome
• Long-term, post-surgical anthropometric growth patterns in single suture synostosis
• Lip adhesion and nasal conformers as an alternative to NAM in cleft lip repair
• Keloid management and prevention strategies
• Novel surgical techniques in craniofacial reconstruction

Peer-Reviewed Publications:

• “An Overview of Cleft Lip and Palate.” Alois, Corinne I. MS, PA-C; Ruotolo, Rachel A. MD, FACS. Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, November 6, 2020 – Volume Publish Ahead of Print. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000721644.06681.06
• “The Double-Reverse Wedge Excision Technique: A Novel Approach to Reconstruction of Stahl’s Ear Deformity.” Sinnott CJ, Boutros C, Davenport TA, Ruotolo RA. Plastic and Reconstructive Global Open, 2019. 7(7):e2313.
• “Use of Enzymatic Debridement for Necrotic Soft Tissue Infection in a Preterm Infant.” Yukiko Miura, Jessica Huskey, Rachel A. Ruotolo, Renu Aggarwal. American Academy of Pediatrics, February 2016.
• “Single Sutural Craniosynostosis: Surgical Outcomes and Long Term Growth.” Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD, Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, and John Kolar, PhD. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal 123: 635, 2009.
• “Cleft Lip Repair: A Unique Sutureless Skin Closure Technique.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS and Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, March 2009.
• “Velopharyngeal Anatomy in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Nestor A. Veitia, MD, Aaron Corbin, BS, Joseph McDonough, MS, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, Beverly S. Emanuel, PhD, Don LaRossa, MD, Raanan Arens, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 43(4): 446-56, 2006.
• “Hybrid Constructs for Craniofacial Reconstruction: Sustained Gene Delivery Using Demineralized Bone Matrix Putty.” James M. Smartt, MA, Ines C. Lin, BS, Elizabeth Kim, MD, Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Nestor A. Veitia, MD, Timothy M. Crombleholme, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. Annals of Plastic Surgery, Vol 52, Number 6, June 2004, 592-597.
• “Mesenteric Ischemia in the Elderly.” RA Ruotolo and SRT Evans. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, August 1999.

Book Chapters:

• “Velopharyngeal Insufficiency.” Richard E. Kirschner, Rachel A. Ruotolo. Current Reconstructive Surgery. Serletti and Losee. (in press)
• “Surgical Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction.” Richard E. Kirschner, Rachel A. Ruotolo. Cleft Lip and Palate, 2nd edition (Berkowitz).

ABSTRACTS AND ORAL PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Ruotolo has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, including the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), American Association of Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery Research Council (PSRC), American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), International Congress of Facial Surgery (ICFS), and the Ivy Society. Her presentations have focused on velopharyngeal dysfunction, craniofacial reconstruction, cleft lip repair techniques, surgical outcomes optimization, and novel surgical approaches.

• “Decreasing Recurrence After Keloid Excision with Sequential Triamcinolone Injections.” Nicholas M. Kunda, MD, Tori Salorenzo, MS, Rachel Ruotolo, MD. American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), October 2020.
• “Decreasing Recurrence After Keloid Excision with Sequential Triamcinolone Injections.” Nicholas M. Kunda, MD, Tori Salorenzo, MS, Rachel Ruotolo, MD. Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, Garden City, NY, at NESPS, September 27, 2020.
• “The Double-Reverse Wedge Excision Technique: A Novel Approach to Reconstruction of Stahl’s Ear Deformity.” Sinnott CJ, Boutros C, Davenport TA, Ruotolo RA. Annual American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), April 10, 2019, Tucson, Arizona.
• “Use of Enzymatic Debridement for Necrotic Soft Tissue Infection in a Preterm Infant.” Yukiko Miura, Jessica Huskey, Rachel Ruotolo, Renu Aggarwal. Pediatrics, February 2016, 137 (Supplement 3) 473A.
• “Cleft Lip and Palate: Diagnosis and Management During the Pre- and Post-natal Period.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD. Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, February 18, 2016.
• “A Staged Approach for the Treatment of Facial Hemihypertrophy and Lower Facial Paralysis.” M. M. Melendez, R. L. Simpson, M. Dobryansky, R. A. Ruotolo. ACPA, Puerto Rico, April 5, 2011.
• “Single Sutural Craniosynostosis: Surgical Outcomes and Long-Term Growth.” Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD and Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS. ASPS, Baltimore, MD, October 29, 2007.
• “Single Sutural Craniosynostosis: Surgical Outcomes and Long-Term Growth.” Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD and Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD. International Congress of Facial Surgery (ICFS), Brazil, September 2007.
• “Variations on a Bandeau.” Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD and Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS. ACPA, Broomfield, Colorado, April 27, 2007.
• “Cleft Lip Repair: A ‘Suture-Less’ Skin Closure.” Jeffrey A. Fearon, MD and Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS. ACPA, Broomfield, Colorado, April 25, 2007.
• “Alar Wing Graft: Tip Rhinoplasty Technique for the Cosmetic Patient.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Jesse A. Goldstein, MD, Don LaRossa, MD. Ivy Society, Pittsburgh, PA, June 3, 2006.
• “Velar Motion and VPI Treatment Outcomes in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, C. Francisco Espinel, MD, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna M. McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. Ivy Society, Pittsburgh, PA, June 2, 2006.
• “Velar Motion and VPI Treatment Outcomes in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, C. Francisco Espinel, MD, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna M. McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. ACPA, Vancouver, April 8, 2006.
• “Lip Adhesion and Nasal Conformers: Staging Cleft Lip Repair to Optimize Outcome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, C. Francisco Espinel, MD, Don LaRossa, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. First Annual Whitaker Lectureship, Philadelphia, PA, May 19, 2006.
• “Lip Adhesion and Nasal Conformers: Staging Cleft Lip Repair to Optimize Outcome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, C. Francisco Espinel, MD, Don LaRossa, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. ACPA, Vancouver, April 5, 2006.
• “Velar Motion and VPI Treatment Outcomes in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, C. Francisco Espinel, MD, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna M. McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. Senior Resident’s Conference, Arlington, VA, March 23, 2006.
• “Soluble Mediators Produced by Fetal Dural Cells and Calvarial Osteoblasts Stimulate Proliferation and Inhibit Osteodifferentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.” David Yan, M.D., David S. Cabiling, B.A., Shushan Jacob, M.D., Rachel A. Ruotolo, M.D., F.A.C.S., Nestor A. Veitia, M.D., Hyun-Duck Nah, D.M.D., Ph.D., and Richard E. Kirschner, M.D. PSRC, Toronto, Canada, May 20, 2005.
• “Management of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in 22q11.2 Deletion (Velocardiofacial) Syndrome: Optimizing Surgical Outcome.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Don LaRossa, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. Ivy Society, Valley Forge, PA, April 16, 2005.
• “Speech Outcome After Surgical Management of Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome.” Richard Kirschner, MD, Cynthia Solot, MA, CCC, Rachel Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Jason Catanzaro, Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine Zackai, MD, Don LaRossa, MD. ACPA, Myrtle Beach, SC, April 8, 2005.
• “Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Do Aberrant Carotid Arteries Preclude Surgical Intervention?” Rachel Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Cynthia Solot, MA, CCC, Don LaRossa, MD, Richard Kirschner, MD. ACPA, Myrtle Beach, SC, April 7, 2005.
• “Velopharyngeal Anatomy in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Three Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis.” Cynthia B. Solot, Richard E. Kirschner, Rachel A. Ruotolo, Ranaan Arens. 2004 SENTAC Annual Meeting, December 5, 2004.
• “Velopharyngeal Anatomy in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Nestor A. Veitia, MD, Aaron Corbin, BS, Joseph McDonough, MS, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, Beverly S. Emanuel, PhD, Don LaRossa, MD, Raanan Arens, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. American Association of Pediatrics, New Orleans, October 2003.
• “Influence of Dural Signaling on Fetal Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation.” Nestor A. Veitia, Rachel A. Ruotolo, Ines Lin, Elizabeth Kim, Miguel Sena-Esteves, Elisabeth H. Javazon, Hyun-Duck Nah, and Richard E. Kirschner. Oral presentation at the Plastic Surgery Research Council, Las Vegas, NV, April 26, 2003 and at the AAPS, Baltimore, MD, May 5, 2003.
• “Influence of TGF-β Isoforms on Fetal Dural Cell and Calvarial Osteoblast Differentiation.” Kim EM, Ruotolo RA, Veitia NA, Lin I, Nah HD, Kirschner RE. Plastic Surgery Research Council, Las Vegas, NV, April 26, 2003.
• “Influence of Dural Signaling on Fetal Osteoblast Proliferation and Differentiation.” Nestor A. Veitia, Rachel A. Ruotolo, Ines Lin, Elizabeth Kim, Miguel Sena-Esteves, Elisabeth H. Javazon, Hyun-Duck Nah, and Richard E. Kirschner. Plastic Surgery Research Council, Las Vegas, NV, April 26, 2003.
• “Velopharyngeal Anatomy in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: A Three-Dimensional Cephalometric Analysis.” Rachel A. Ruotolo, MD, FACS, Nestor A. Veitia, MD, Aaron Corbin, BS, Joseph McDonough, MS, Cynthia B. Solot, MA, CCC, Donna McDonald-McGinn, MS, Elaine H. Zackai, MD, Beverly S. Emanuel, PhD, Don LaRossa, MD, Raanan Arens, MD, and Richard E. Kirschner, MD. ACPA 60th Anniversary Conference, Asheville, NC, April 11, 2003.

Throughout her career, Dr. Ruotolo has earned recognition for her surgical skill, dedication to patient outcomes, and service to vulnerable populations:

Professional Recognition and Awards:

• Castle Connolly Top Doctor (2014–2026), NY Metro area – Continuous recognition for clinical excellence and patient outcomes
• Eddie and Ozzie Award – Best Single Article: “An Overview of Cleft Lip and Palate” (2021)
• New York Times Super Doctors (2019, 2020, 2021) – Acclaimed in the media for compassionate care and life-changing results
• Woman of Distinction Honor – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran (2018), for extraordinary efforts in helping others
• Exceptional Women in Medicine Award – Castle Connolly (2017)
• The Doctor Chandler Award – NYS Troopers PBA (2017), recognizing medical professionals who have shown extraordinary service to NYS troopers or their family members
• Patients’ Choice Award (2013)
• Physician Healthcare Hero Award – Long Island Business News (2010)
• Distinguished Service to Children Award – Child Abuse Prevention Services (CAPS) (2010)
• Long Island Press Fortune 52 Honoree (2011) – Recognizing local women who make significant and unique contributions in their community or workplace
• Certificate of Recognition – Nassau County Legislature (2010), for volunteer mission to Haiti

Academic Honors:

• Junior Investigator Award – American Association of Pediatrics Conference, Plastic Surgery Section (2003)
• Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society (1999)
• Alec Horowitz Award for Exceptional Proficiency in Surgery – George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences (1998)
• Pathology Honor Society – George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences (1997)
• James Douglas Goddard Award – George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences (1997)
• Cum Laude – Duke University (1994)
• Duke University Dean’s List with Distinction (1991–1994)
• National City Foundation Scholarship Award (1990–1994)

These recognitions reflect Dr. Ruotolo’s clinical expertise, dedication to patient care, and commitment to advancing the field of craniofacial surgery.

Community Service and Volunteer Work

Dr. Ruotolo’s mission to help children extends beyond the operating room. She has participated in volunteer medical missions and has traveled abroad to treat adults and children in developing countries around the world. In 2007, she volunteered with Project Vietnam, which provides healthcare for children in rural parts of Southeast Asia. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Dr. Ruotolo treated victims at the El Buen Samaritano Hospital in the Dominican Republic.