James F Thornton MD

James F. Thornton, MD, is a physician specializing in plastic surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center, where he serves as Professor of Plastic Surgery and Director of Facial Reconstruction in the Department of Plastic Surgery. He holds the Ellen L. Heck Chair in Tissue Transplantation. Dr. Thornton earned his medical degree at UT Southwestern Medical School, completed a general surgery residency at UT Southwestern/Parkland, and completed plastic surgery residency training at Emory University. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Thornton’s clinical focus includes facial and nasal reconstruction, with particular expertise in reconstruction following Mohs surgery and skin cancer excision. His academic and clinical work is complemented by research interests in biologic agents used in skin and soft tissue reconstruction and techniques to optimize outcomes after Mohs cancer excision. A recognized contributor to the field, Dr. Thornton is editor of the textbook Facial Reconstruction After Mohs Surgery and has authored numerous publications and delivered national lectures on nasal and facial reconstruction. His professional affiliations include the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and AO North America as Craniofacial Faculty. He has also been recognized by Texas Monthly and Castle Connolly for his clinical excellence. A retired Captain in the U.S. Navy Reserve, he served as a squadron flight surgeon during a long military career.