From setback to surgical scholar: Joseph Fahmy, M.D. ’19

headshot of Dr. Joe FahmyJoseph Fahmy, M.D. ’19, now a PGY-4 Plastic Surgery Resident at Loyola University Medical Center and recent NIH-T32 research fellow at the University of Michigan under Dr. Kevin Chung, is pairing surgical training with health-policy research. Supported by a PSF Pilot Grant, his work examines how ownership models (ambulatory surgery centers [ASC], independent, hospital-owned and hospital outpatient departments) shape cost, access and outcomes.

But Dr. Fahmy's path wasn’t linear. There were a few bumps in the road that he hopes, by sharing his story, can inspire NEOMED students to stay persistent to follow their passions.

In his third-year rotation at Summa, Dr. Fahmy found his calling in surgery, thanks to residents and mentors who pushed him to aim high, including Dr. Noaman Ali, Dr. Michael Cullado and Dr. John Fondran. He applied to general surgery but didn’t match.

Instead of changing course, Dr. Fahmy completed a preliminary year in general surgery at Loyola University Medical Center. With guidance from faculty and senior residents, he earned a categorical general surgery spot and later discovered a passion for plastic surgery, particularly complex reconstruction after cancer, trauma, pressure injuries and procedures restoring function after massive weight loss or for congenital differences.

Committed to research and better care delivery, Dr. Fahmy spent two academic-development years at the University of Michigan, earning a master’s degree in health and health policy research and working closely with Dr. Kevin Chung. In 2024, he transitioned into Loyola’s integrated plastic surgery residency, where he pursues both surgical excellence and policy-relevant research.

“Here, under the guidance of a phenomenal faculty and maintaining relationships fostered along the way, I transitioned from my first love in general surgery to plastic surgery, pursuing excellence in surgical care and academic research endeavors,” Dr. Fahmy shared.

Evaluating same-day surgery and policy impact

Featured in Plastic Surgery News, Dr. Fahmy’s analysis of 120,420 matched cases found:

Physician in surgical scrubs

  • Lower costs: Freestanding ASCs were up to 57% less costly and rising more slowly than hospital-owned ASCs or HOPDs.
  • Improving access: Disparities in same-day surgery access narrowed over time.
  • Better short-term outcomes: Freestanding ASCs showed lower odds of readmission or ED visits.

The findings strengthen the case for site-neutral payment policies and support the viability of high-value surgical care outside large health systems—improving access, encouraging competition and potentially lowering costs for patients without compromising outcomes.

Read more about Dr. Fahmy’s work

November 18, 2025
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