Julio F. Gallo M.d., F.a.c.s., Medical Director

Named one of the nation’s top facial plastic surgeons by Elle magazine in 2003, Medical Director Julio F. Gallo, M.D. enjoys an international following in his practice that spans more than a decade.
Board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Gallo has published numerous articles in medical journals and frequently presents lectures at medical symposiums. Dr. Gallo has been featured in local and national media, demonstrating leading-edge surgical techniques and procedures.

Dr. Gallo’s training included laser techniques, endoscopic facial plastic surgery and other minimally invasive procedures, as well as laser surgery for the elimination of wrinkles and vascular blemishes, and scar removal. He has extensive experience in reconstructing defects following the removal of skin cancers.

Dr. Gallo is a graduate of the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his fellowship in facial plastic surgery with Robert L. Simons, M.D., another member of the Institute’s medical team. In addition, Dr. Gallo completed an internship in general surgery and residency in head and neck surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Miami, graduating summa cum laude in biology/religion. Dr. Gallo speaks English, Spanish, Italian and French.

Stephen A. Watson, President & Ceo

MIAMI Institute President, Stephen A. Watson, is an experienced business leader and professional marketing executive who has built a number of successful organizations over the past 15 years. His specialty is in organization leadership, branding/ marketing and strategic business development. Watson’s marketing experience encompasses many healthcare organizations, including Columbia HCA, Miami Heart Institute, Parkway Regional Medical Center, Pediatrix Physician Group and others throughout the country.

Watson has been a founder and senior manager of three successful start-up companies: Courtney & Watson Advertising, a highly regarded full-service advertising agency; Rampage Interactive, an Internet technology development company; and World Media, an online media-buying agency. He recently sold Courtney & Watson Advertising to the Diversified Advertising Services division of Omnicom Worldwide. Rampage Interactive was sold to Cooper and Hayes Advertising of Miami.

Watson serves as a board member for several South Florida companies and non-profit organizations.

Robert L. Simons, M.d. F.a.c.s., Medical Board Chairman

Robert L. Simons, M.D., is one the nation’s most renowned facial plastic surgeons, with more than 30 years of experience. Board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology, Dr. Simons served as director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Miami School of Medicine for more than 25 years. He holds the position of voluntary clinical professor of otolaryngology at the medical school.

Dr. Simons is past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. In 1988 he edited a book for the academy, “Coming of Age: A History of the AAFPRS.” He also served as president of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 1991-1995.

A noted author of numerous articles and chapters on various aspects of facial plastic surgery with special expertise in rhinoplasty, Dr. Simons frequently presents at medical meetings and symposiums in the U.S. and abroad.

Dr. Simons earned his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College. He completed an internship in surgery at Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia and a residency in otolaryngology at Mt. Sinai Hospital, New York, New York.