Dr. Timothy Rankin
As a surgeon, educator, and innovator, Dr. Timothy Rankin, MD MS comes from one of the leading plastic surgery training programs in the country, Vanderbilt University. Dr. Rankin spent a decade with some of the most prominent names in surgical training in order to be able to offer the safest, cutting edge techniques to the San Francisco Bay area. Dr. Rankin is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Dr. Rankin’s clinical expertise and interest in surgical technology enabled him to provide consultancy for surgical device manufacturing companies such as Xeridiem and various medical startups.
Get to Know Dr. Rankin
Dr. Rankin has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications and book chapters on safety in surgery, technology in surgery, and three-dimensional printing in surgical applications. Dr. Rankin’s research has always stemmed from an interest in the human mind and how we experience life. His early work at the University of California – San Francisco was with the department of Dynamic Neuroimaging and focused on ultra-short-term memory and how this might expand our understanding of cognitive dysfunction (schizophrenia).
As an educator, he developed algorithms to better understand the haptics of the clinical examination that all physicians use and how to educate the medical students at Northwestern University. With a focus on the quality of life, Dr. Rankin continued his work while contributing as a reviewer for the Journal of Palliative Medicine, the British Journal of Radiology, and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, Dr. Rankin’s interest in the human body started early as an artist and student of martial arts. Dr. Rankin attended Sir Francis Drake High School, but it was not until college that he discovered a passion for medicine. Acknowledged by the Spirit of Chapman Award, Dr. Rankin obtained a Biology degree from Chapman University.
Following his bachelor’s degree, Dr. Rankin worked at the University of California – San Francisco in the Dynamic Neuroimaging lab and on a critical care ambulance as an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). It was during his work as an EMT that he confirmed his passion for healing.
Dr. Rankin graduated Summa Cum Laude from Ross University School of Medicine after completing much of his clinical training in Chicago’s Cook County hospital system. Dr. Rankin completed a full General Surgery residency at the University of Arizona. Dr. Rankin served as Chief Resident at Banner University Medical Center. He was awarded the Charles L. Witte Award for surgical excellence and discovered the power of plastic and reconstructive surgery and its ability to improve patients’ quality of life.
During his general surgery training, Dr. Rankin completed a master’s degree in surgical research and performed a dedicated research fellowship with Dr. David G. Armstrong, MD, DPM, Ph.D. Dr. Rankin published extensively on the application of technology in surgery and limb salvage.
After serving as Chief Resident at the University of Arizona, Dr. Rankin obtained a highly coveted position in the plastic surgery training program at Vanderbilt University under the tutelage of Dr. R. Bruce Shack. While training under nationally and internationally recognized plastic surgeons, including G. Patrick Maxwell, inventor of the modern day breast implant, Dr. Rankin honed his skills in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial aesthetic surgery.
Dr. Rankin was also awarded the Highest In-service Examination Award on the Plastic Surgery In-service training exam. Just as in his research career, Dr. Rankin sought further training with masters of facial aesthetic surgery, including Dr. Timothy J. Marten, Dr. Dino Elyassnia, and Dr. Ronald P. Gruber.
Dr. Rankin is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and participates in continuous certification with the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rankin is a member of multiple professional organizations, including:
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Plastic Surgery Research Council
- Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
- American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery
- American College of Surgeons
Additionally, he is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Dr. Rankin has medical licenses in California, Tennessee, and Arizona. He performs all of his surgeries at accredited surgery centers, working with Board-Certified anesthesiologists.
Dr. Rankin’s earliest clinical philanthropy was with the Salybia Mission Project in the West Indies, supplying basic medical care to the indigenous population of Dominica. Dr. Rankin has worked closely with the cleft team at Vanderbilt University and has authored multiple papers on managing congenital anomalies, including cleft lip/ palate, microtia (ear deformities), and neonatal myelomeningoceles (spinal cord defects).
Having worked with various charitable organizations, including Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Boys and Girls Club, and Angel Charity. Dr. Rankin embraces the San Francisco Bay Area as his home.
To start your journey toward improved self-confidence and natural-looking aesthetic enhancements, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rankin at NorCal Plastic Surgery. Fill out the consultation request form below and one of our team members will contact you shortly.