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Thomas Romo III, MD, FACS, director of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Northwell’s Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital (MEETH), has been recognized with the 2025 American College of Surgeons (ACS)/Pfizer Domestic Surgical Volunteerism Award for his impactful work providing reconstructive surgery to underserved children with complex facial deformities. This prestigious honor celebrates surgeons who demonstrate exceptional commitment to volunteerism in the U.S., expanding access to operative care through charitable service. Dr. Romo’s leadership, innovation, empathy and advocacy exemplify the spirit of the award.
For nearly four decades, Dr. Romo has advanced treatment for children with facial anomalies through innovative techniques and compassionate care. As founder and medical director of the Little Baby Face Foundation (LBFF), a nonprofit he established in 2002, Dr. Romo has led efforts to bring kids in need from the U.S. and around the world to New York City to receive free, comprehensive, high-quality reconstructive surgery. Since its inception, LBFF has transformed the lives of more than 660 children across the U.S. and 22 other countries, performing nearly 2,500 procedures.
Early in his career, Dr. Romo participated in international surgical missions in countries such as India and Nicaragua, which revealed the limitations of short-term care for children requiring follow-up or multiple procedures. LBFF was created to address this gap, ensuring patients receive continuity of care in a safe, well-resourced environment. Dr. Romo personally reviews every patient application, oversees treatment planning and performs the most complex procedures himself, including surgeries for microtia, hemifacial microsomia and congenital vascular anomalies.
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and reflects not only my work but the dedication of the incredible teams at Northwell Health and the Little Baby Face Foundation,” said Dr. Romo. “Every child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and confident, and I hope this recognition inspires other surgeons to lend their expertise to those in need.”
About Dr. Romo
Beyond clinical care, Dr. Romo has led advocacy efforts to expand access to care for uninsured and underinsured children, raised over $4.5 million to support patient services at LBFF and helped establish housing partnerships to ensure non-local families receive treatment without financial burden. He also serves as principal investigator of a first-of-its-kind, FDA-approved clinical trial using 3D-printed ear implants, which could expand access to reconstructive otology procedures globally.