Plastic Surgery & Aviation Medicine Expert

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Dr. Ethan J. Baughman, MD, PhD, FACS is an American board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and FAA-designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner providing expert witness services in plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, trauma care, and aviation medicine. He maintains an active surgical practice in Westlake Village, California and serves on clinical faculty at Los Robles Regional Medical Center, where he teaches general surgery residents and participates in multidisciplinary trauma care. Dr. Baughman has extensive clinical experience in: Cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, breast, and body Traumatic injuries, including facial fractures, hand injuries, nerve and tendon lacerations, and complex soft-tissue wounds Breast surgery, including augmentation, mastopexy, implant revision, and reconstruction Body contouring procedures, including abdominoplasty and liposuction Complex wound care, including debridement, grafting, flap reconstruction, and negative pressure therapy Post-operative complications, including infection, necrosis, implant failure, and delayed wound healing Dr. Baughman began his academic training at Kansas State University, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology under the mentorship of lipid biologist Dr. Ruth Welti. He then completed a combined MD/PhD at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, where his doctoral research on CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis was conducted under hematopathologist Dr. Nitin Karandikar. He developed his foundation in plastic surgery under internationally recognized leaders including Dr. Rod Rohrich, Dr. Jeffrey Kenkel, and Dr. Jeffrey Janis, and completed integrated plastic surgery residency training at Washington University in St. Louis, where he received additional craniofacial and reconstructive mentorship from Dr. Kamlesh Patel. His surgical training includes advanced nerve repair and reconstruction, requiring detailed knowledge of nerve anatomy, function, and outcomes. In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr. Baughman is a certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), with experience in body fluid diagnostics, laboratory standards, and medical data interpretation. Dr. Baughman also possesses specialized expertise in aviation and aerospace medicine. He is an instrument-rated, multi-engine, commercial pilot with tailwheel experience and has flown multiple aircraft platforms including Beechcraft, Cessna, Piper, and Diamond aircraft. He is highly knowledgeable in: Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) FAA medical certification standards Aeromedical physiology and risk assessment Aviation weather, navigation, and flight operations Pilot performance, impairment, and in-flight medical events This dual expertise allows him to provide authoritative opinions in cases involving pilot medical fitness, aviation-related injuries, aeromedical certification, and trauma sustained in aviation incidents. Dr. Baughman provides expert witness services for both plaintiff and defense counsel, including medical record review, standard of care analysis, causation assessment, independent medical examinations, written reports, depositions, and trial testimony. He is known for clear, well-supported opinions and effective communication with attorneys and juries.