Bio

Rafael Y. Brzezinski, MD, PhD, is a Visiting Postdoctoral Scholar in the laboratory of Drs. Michael Longaker and Derrick Wan in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. He is a physician-scientist, plastic and reconstructive surgery resident at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. He completed the MD–PhD program at Tel Aviv University, where his doctoral research focused on regenerative medicine, extracellular vesicles, and cardiovascular inflammation and tissue repair.

His research investigates the biological mechanisms underlying fibrosis, inflammation, and tissue regeneration, with an emphasis on translating scientific discoveries into clinically relevant therapies. His current work focuses on the foreign-body response and capsular contracture, adipose-derived extracellular vesicles, radiation-induced soft-tissue injury, and innovative imaging approaches in reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Brzezinski has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and has received several competitive research grants supporting investigations into personalized approaches to preventing and treating fibrosis. His work has also received recognition, including the prestigious Kahn Foundation Orion Scholarship for outstanding physician-scientists.

At Stanford, Dr. Brzezinski collaborates with faculty to advance translational research at the intersection of regenerative medicine, bioengineering, and reconstructive surgery. His long-term goal is to develop personalized strategies to prevent fibrosis and improve tissue healing and functional recovery.