Draft:Meegan Gruber

Meegan Gruber

Meegan M. Gruber, MD, PhD born in Miami, Florida and is the daughter of marine biologist Samuel H. Gruber. Dr. Gruber is an American plastic surgeon, biochemist, artist, and television personality. She is best known for pioneering the “awake technique” in plastic surgery—procedures performed under local anesthesia with patients fully conscious—and as the star of the television series "Awake Surgery," featured on TLC, HBO Max, and Discovery Channel.¹² Gruber has earned recognition as one of the country’s top plastic surgeons, combining scientific rigor, surgical artistry, and a commitment to patient safety and empowerment.

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Early Life and Education

Meegan Gruber was born in Miami, Florida. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with honors with a double major in Molecular Biology and Ethnic Studies, and a minor in Fine Art.³ She completed her MD/PhD through the Medical Scholars Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where her doctoral research focused on immunology and antibody development for cancer therapy. Gruber later pursued postdoctoral research at Stanford University before entering the highly competitive combined General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency at Washington University in St. Louis.

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Medical Career

Pioneering the Awake Technique

Dr. Gruber is regarded as a pioneer in awake plastic surgery, a method that allows patients to undergo complex cosmetic procedures under local anesthesia, remaining alert and involved in intraoperative decision-making. This approach is recognized for its safety profile, patient satisfaction, and ability to offer real-time aesthetic adjustments.⁴ She has championed the philosophy that "patients should have control over their surgery, without surprises," and her techniques have influenced practitioners nationwide.

Clinical Practice

After training, Dr. Gruber practiced as a plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Oregon for over a decade before returning to Florida, where she founded Gruber Plastic Surgery in Tampa. Her practice is recognized for its focus on both awake and traditional procedures, comprehensive aesthetic services, and treatment of conditions such as lipedema. Dr. Gruber is also renowned for her artistic skills, reflected in her approach to surgical planning and patient care.

Media and Television

Dr. Gruber is the star and lead surgeon featured on "Awake Surgery," a reality television series broadcast on TLC, HBO Max, and Discovery Channel. The show documents her innovative techniques, patient stories, and the real-world experience of awake surgery. Her media appearances have raised public awareness about safer alternatives to general anesthesia and empowered patients to make informed choices.⁵

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Research and Publications

Dr. Gruber has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed scientific publications, particularly in the fields of immunology, reconstructive surgery, and innovative surgical techniques. Her research includes work on bispecific antibodies, cancer immunotherapy, and anatomic studies relevant to hand and nerve surgery. She is also a frequent speaker at major medical conferences, presenting her research and expertise in awake anesthesia, body contouring, and fat grafting.

Selected Publications:

• Lalonde, D.H.; Gruber, M. (2024). “New Frontiers in Wide Awake Surgery.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 153(6).
• Gruber, M.M.; Tung, T.T. (2005). “Anatomic Variability and Internal Topography of the Human Tibial Nerve.”
• Manning, T.C.; Rund, L.A.; Gruber, M.M.; Fallarino, F.; Gajewski, T.F.; Kranz, D.M. (1997). “Antigen Recognition and Allogeneic Tutor Rejection in CD8⁺ TCR Transgenic/RAG⁻/⁻ Mice.”
• Gruber, M.M.; Cheng, C.J. (2004). “Characteristics of Metacarpal Fractures that Result in Extensor Lag.”
• Gruber, M.M.; Kranz, D.M. (1996). “Bispecific Single Chain Antibodies in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy.”
• Kranz, D.M.; Gruber, M.M.; Wilson, E.R. (1995). “Properties of Bispecific Single Chain Antibodies Expressed in Escherichia coli.”
• Gruber, M.; Schodin, B.A.; Wilson, E.; Kranz, D.M. (1994). “Susceptibility of Breast Cancer Cells to Lysis Mediated by a Bispecific Single Chain Antibody and Cytotoxic T Cells.”
• Gruber, M.M.; Kranz, D.M. (1995). “Efficient Tumor Cell Lysis Mediated by a Bispecific Single Chain Antibody Expressed in Escherichia coli.”

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Awards and Honors

• Newsweek Top Doctor – Plastic Surgery (2024)
• Castle-Connolly Top Doctor – Plastic Surgery (2024)
• RealSelf Top 100 Doctor (2023), RealSelf Verified Doctor
• American Registry – America’s Most Honored Doctors (2020)
• Vitals Top Ten Doctor, State of Oregon – Plastic Surgeon Specialist (2014)
• American Registry – Most Compassionate Doctor (2012–2017)
• American Registry – Patient Choice Award (2011–2017)

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Professional Memberships

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
• Tampa Bay Area Plastic Surgeons

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Education and Certifications

• Residency: Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital (General Surgery & Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery)
• MD/PhD: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Medical Scholars Program, College of Medicine/Department of Biochemistry
• Postdoctoral Research: Stanford University, Division of Immunology and Transplant Biology
• BA: University of California, Berkeley (Molecular & Cell Biology; Ethnic Studies)

Board Certifications:

• American Board of Plastic Surgery (2006, re-certified 2016)

Medical Licenses:

• State of Florida (2017–present)
• State of Oregon (2005–2017)
• State of Missouri (2000–2005)

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Academic and Community Involvement

Dr. Gruber lectures nationally and internationally on advances in anesthesia, body contouring, awake surgery, and fat grafting. She has presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ annual and spring meetings and other major professional gatherings. Gruber also mentors emerging surgeons and has contributed to raising standards of care in her specialty.

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Artistic Work and Personal Life

An accomplished artist, Dr. Gruber has continued her passion for art through costume design, face and body painting, and has received several awards for her design and makeup work. She is active in her local arts community and enjoys entertaining, spending time with her partner, children, cats, and sugar gliders. Her hobbies include snorkeling, scuba diving, and underwater photography.

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See Also

• Awake Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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External Links

• Gruber Plastic Surgery
• Awake Surgery TV Show – TLC
• RealSelf Profile