Welcome, Patients and Friends,
I am delighted to welcome my former patients back into my care. After more than three decades in private solo practice in Irvine, California (1986–2019), I took a medical leave of absence to treat and recover from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Since March 2025, I have resumed part-time practice, working with trusted colleagues in Orange County.
Rather than reopening my own office, I now serve as an independent contractor within the practices of highly respected plastic surgeons and dermatology colleagues. This allows me to focus on the work I value most—supporting patients through their surgical journey with attentive, personalized care.
My priority remains the same: to ensure each patient feels safe, has their questions answered clearly, matches goals to realistic expectations, and guides their healing with compassion and understanding. It is an honor to reconnect with so many of you, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Very Truly Yours,
Donald Altman M.D. 9/11/2025
Education
- Seton Hall Law School, MLS (master’s degree in legal studies), Pharmacology and Medical Device Law and Compliance, May 2024
- UCI Paul Merage School of Business, Spring 2015 Certificate in Leadership for Healthcare Transformation
- Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University 1999 – 2001 Executive M.B.A.
- Children’s Hospital, Akron, Ohio, with James Lehman, M.D., Spring 1986 Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship
- Santa Ana, California, 1985 with Bruce Connell, M.D. Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship
- University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, 1983 – 1985, Residency Training in Plastic Surgery
- Northwestern University Medical School, 1980 -198,3 Residency Training: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
- Northwestern University Medical School, 1978 – 1980, Residency Training in General Surgery
- University of Illinois School of Medicine, 1974 – 1978 M.D. Degree
- Oberlin College, 1971 – 1974 Bachelor of Arts degree
- Harvard University, 1972 and 1973 Summer Courses
- University of Michigan Spring Semester 1971
Board Certification
- Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery
Clinical Appointments and Membership
- Vice Chairman, Department of Surgery, Irvine Regional Hospital and Medical Center, 2007 – 2009
- Chief of Plastic Surgery at Irvine Medical Center (hospital) 1998 – 2007
- President, Orange County Plastic Surgery Society 2000 – 2002
- Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Inc.
Hospital Staff Privileges
- Hoag Hospital, Irvine, California - reinstatement effective May 1, 2025
- Hoag Hospital, Newport Beach, California - reinstatement effective May 1, 2025
Media
Since 1998, Dr. Altman and his patients have been featured on six different programs for The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, and Discovery Health Channel. Dr. Altman was formerly a member of Allergan's National Educational Board for teaching the use of Botox.