About Naikhoba Munabi, MD, MPH:
Dr. Naikhoba Munabi graduated from Stanford University with a BA in Human Biology. She then obtained her MD at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. After medical school, Dr. Munabi completed her integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency training at the University of Southern California (USC). She went on to complete a fellowship in craniomaxillofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, one of the largest craniofacial surgery programs in the country.
In addition to learning advanced surgical techniques across 9 different clinical sites in Los Angeles, Dr. Munabi spent an additional two years during residency earning a MPH from USC and working as a Global Surgery Fellow with Operation Smile. During that two-year period, she initiated programs to improve surgical education and conducted research on surgical capacity building and health systems strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa. She helped develop a landmark Women in Medicine surgical program for the non-profit, which was featured in an editorial by Forbes.
Dr. Munabi is the author of over 40 peer-reviewed publications and has presented her research at numerous national and international plastic surgery conferences. She was awarded the Peter J. Gingrass Memorial Award for the best research presentation by a trainee at the Plastic Surgery Research Council and the Warren L. Garner, MD Resident Research Award for excellence in research and scholarly activity from USC. Dr. Munabi is well trained in the full breadth of plastic and reconstructive surgery, with a particular interest in cleft lip, cleft palate, craniosynostosis, hypertelorism, frontal facial advancement, orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty, and MEDPOR ear reconstruction for microtia. She also specializes in adult aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. Her current research interests include cleft and craniofacial surgical outcomes, improving disparities in access to craniofacial surgery, and global surgical education and capacity building.
Expertise:
Honors:
Warren Louis Garner M.D. Resident Research Award, Keck School of Medicine of USC, 2023
UBS Optimus Foundation Grant, 2018
Cleft Congress Scholarship, 13th International Congress for Cleft Lip, Palate & Related Craniofacial Anomalies, 2016
The Robert G. Bertsch Prize, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2015
Aura E. Severinghaus Award, National Medical Fellowships, 2015
Department of Surgery Start-Up Grant, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2014
Peter J. Gingrass MD Memorial Award, Plastic Surgery Research Council 59th Annual Meeting, 2014
Barber Scholar, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Full tuition academic scholarship, 2011-2015
Department of Surgery Start-Up Grant, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2011
J.F. Bohmfalk Scholar, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 2010-2011
NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award T35 Grant, 2011
Vice President for Undergraduate Excellence Major Research Grant, Stanford University, 2009
Dean's Award for Academic Excellence, Stanford University, 2008
Nominee for Boothe Prize for Excellence in Writing, Stanford University, 2007
Stanford Scholar Athlete, Stanford University, 2006-2007
Appointments:
Education:
New Patients:
Locations
Primary Locations:
CUIMC/Herbert Irving Pavilion
161 Fort Washington Avenue
New York, NY 10032
- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- 212-305-3755
Other Locations:
CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital
3959 Broadway
New York, NY 10032
- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- (212) 305-3755
ColumbiaDoctors - 1 Pondfield Road
1 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
- For new and current patient appointments, call:
- (212) 305-3755
Insurances:
Please contact the doctor's office directly to verify that your particular insurance is accepted.
Publications:
Obinero CG, Boyd A, Barrera J, Munabi N, Valenti A, Imahiyerobo T, Greives MR. Revealing a Cleft in the Community: A Systematic Review of Sociodemographic Disparities Affecting the Care of Patients with Cleft Lip. FACE 2024; Epub ahead of print
Valenti A, Munabi N, Obinero C, Demetres M, Greives M, Imahiyerobo T. Healthcare Disparities in the Care of Children with Craniosynostosis: A Systematic Review. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 2024; Epub ahead of print
Munabi NCO, Nelson MS, Francis SH. Risk Factors for Delayed Diagnosis of Positional Plagiocephaly: A Review of 25,322 Patients. Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal 2023; Epub ahead of print
Ross EE, Knapp RC, Yu J, Munabi NCO, Gillenwater TJ, Yenikomshian HA. Identifying Populations at Risk for Difficulty Managing Emotions and Social Interactions after Burn Injury. Journal of Burn Care and Research 2023; Epub ahead of print
Szymanski K, Munabi NCO, Ray EC. Delayed, Dramatic Breast Swelling in a Transgender Woman: A Case Report and Comprehensive Review of the Literature. Sexual Medicine 2023; 11(5):1-3
Kondra K, Liu A, Jimenez C, Stanton E, Malkoff N, Lasky S, Vartanian E, Wolfswinkel EM, Wlodarczyk JR, Garg R, Munabi NCO, Howell LK, Lee J, Seruya M, Steinberg JP, Urata MM, Hammoudeh JA. Custom Endoprosthesis: A Versatile Surgical Technique for Optimizing Mandibular Reconstruction and Dental Restoration. FACE Journal 2023; 4(1):72-79
Ross EE, Colbath RA, Yu J, Munabi NCO, Gillenwater TJ, Yenikomshian HA. Peer Support Groups: Identifying Disparities to Improve Participation. Journal of Burn Care and Research 2022; 43(5): 1019-1023
Stanton E, Kondra K, Jimenez C, Munabi NCO, Chen K, Huang A, Magee WPIII, Urata MM, Hammoudeh JA. Increased Distraction Magnitude Leads to Greater Reduction in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index in Infants with Robin Sequence. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2022;80(9):1486-1492
Munabi NCO, Said S, Webb M, Toubat O, Auslander A, Sanchez-Lara P, Manojlovic Z, Schmidt R, Craig DW, Magee WP, Kumar SR. High prevalence of de novo mutations in concomitant nonsyndromic cleft and outflow tract heart defects. Am J Medical Genetics 2021; 188(7): 2082-2095
Munabi NCO, Auslander A, Xepoleas MD, Bunker LD, Vangsness KL, Koualla S, Magee KS, Magee WPIII, Yao CA. The Influence of an All-Female Healthcare Environment on Mentorship and Empowerment of Female Healthcare Professionals. PLoS Global Public Health 2022; 2(3): e0000081
Stanton E, Kondra K, Brahme I, Lasky S, Munabi NCO, Jimenez C, Jacobs L, Urata MM, Hammoudeh JA, Magee WPIII. Tympanostomy Tubes: Are They Necessary? A Systematic Review on Implementation in Cleft Care. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 2023;60(4):430-445
Kondra K, Stanton E, Jiminez C, Ngo K, Wlodarczyk J, Jacob L, Munabi NCO, Chen K, Urata MM, Hammoudeh J. Rethinking the Rule of 10s: Early Cleft Lip Repair Improves Weight Gain. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 2023;60(3):306-312
Wlodarczyk JR, Munabi NCO, Wolfswinkel EM, Higuchi EV, Turk M, Nagengast ES, Urata MM, Hammoudeh JA, Yao C, Magee WPIII. Midface Growth Potential in Unoperated Clefts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2022; 33(3): 774-778
Munabi NCO, Hoffman WY, Francis SH. Facial Feminization Surgery: Guidelines for Patient Evaluation and Operative Techniques. FACE 2021;2(4):436-45.
Jumbam D, Durnwald L, Munabi NCO, Ayala R. Implementation science: a missing link in global surgery. East and Central Africa Journal of Surgery 2021;26(2):45-48.
Stoneburner J, Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Williams MS, Goel P, Howell LK, Hammoudeh JA, Urata MM, Magee WPIII. Factors Associated with Delay in Presentation for Cleft Surgery at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in a Major US Metropolitan City. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Surgery Journal 2021;58(12):1508-1516.
Choi KJ, Wlodarczyk JR, Nagengast ES, Wolfswinkel E, Munabi NCO, Yao C, Magee WPIII. The Likelihood of Orthognathic Surgery after Orofacial Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2021;32(3):902-906.
Munabi NCO, Xepoleas MD, Vangsness KL, Koualla S, Magee WPIII, Yao CA. Impact of an All-Female Surgical Team on Moroccan Patient Perspectives of Female Healthcare Providers. World Journal of Surgery 2021;45(11):3280-3287.
Raghuram AC, Wlodarczyk JR, Munabi NCO, Chong DK, Yao CA, Magee WPIII. The Evolution of Cleft Lip Repair. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2021;32(6):2068-73.
Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Parker G, Magdum SA, Hamer M, Chong DK. A Novel Surgical Technique for Large Frontoencephalocele Management: The Mercy Ships Approach. FACE 2021;2(1):82-88.
Wlodarczyk JR, Brannon B, Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Wolfswinkel E, Yao C, Magee WPIII. A Meta-Analysis of Palatal Repair Timing. Journal of Craniofacial Surgery 2021;32(2):647-51
Nagengast ES, Munabi NCO, Xepoleas M, Auslander AA, Magee WPIII, Chong D. The Local Mission: Improving Access to Surgical Care in Middle-Income Countries, World Journal of Surgery 2021;45(4):962-969.
Toubat O, Mallios DN, Munabi NCO, Magee WPIII, Starnes VA, Kumar SR. Clinical importance of concomitant cleft lip/palate in the surgical management of patients with congenital heart disease. World Journal for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery 2021;12(1):35-42.
Xepoleas M, Munabi NCO, Auslander A, Magee WPIII, Yao CA. The experiences of female surgeons around the world: a scoping review. Human Resources for Health 2020;18:80-108.
Munabi NCO, Williams M, Nagengast ES, Fahradyan A, Goel P, Gould DJ, Hammoudeh JA, Urata MM. Outcomes of Intracranial versus Subcranial Approaches to the Frontofacial Skeleton. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 2020;78(9):1609-1616.
Azadgoli B, Munabi NCO, Fahradyan A, Auslander A, McCullough M, Aflatooni N, Davidson Ward SL, Kumar SR, Sanchez-Lara PA, Swanson J, Magee WPIII. Congenital Heart Disease in Patients with Cleft Lip/Palate and its Impact on Cleft Management. Cleft Palate Craniofacial Journal 2020;57(8):957-966.
Goel P, Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Williams MS, Fahradyan A, Urata MM. The Monobloc Distraction with Facial Bipartition: Outcomes of Simultaneous Multidimensional Facial Movement Compared to Monobloc Distraction or Facial Bipartition Alone. Annals of Plastic Surgery 2020; 84(5S Suppl 4):S288-294.
Munabi NCO, Durnwald L, Nagengast E, Ntirenganya F, Magee WPIII. Long-term Impact of a Mission-Based Surgical Training Rotation on Plastic Surgery Capacity Building in Rwanda. Journal of Surgical Education 2019;77(1):124-130.
Munabi NCO, Durnwald L, Nagengast E, Auslander A, Ntirenganya F, Magee WPIII. Pilot Evaluation of the Impact of a Mission-Based Surgical Training Rotation on the Plastic Surgery Skills and Competencies Development of General Surgery Residents in Rwanda. Journal of Surgical Education 2019; 76(6):1579-1587.
Munabi NCO, Tanabe K, Kulber DA. Wassel VI Duplications: A Report of 2 Cases: Soft-tissue Anatomy, and Reconstructive Approach. PRS Global Open 2018;6(11):e1996-e1999.
Najjar M, Lopez MM, Ballestin A, Munabi N, Naides AI, Noland RD, Blackburn C, Akelina Y, Ascherman JA. Reestablishment of Lymphatic Drainage after Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer in a Rat Model. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2018;142(4):503e-508e.
Edwards AK, Glithero K, Grzesik P, Kitajewski AA, Munabi NCO, Hardy K, Tan QK, Schooning M, Kangsamaksin T, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. NOTCH3 regulates stem to mural cell differentiation in infantile hemangioma. Journal of Clinical Investigations Insight 2017; 2(21):1-14. PMID: 29093274
Munabi NCO, Swanson J, Auslander A, Sanchez-Lara PA, Davidson Ward SL, Magee WP. The Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate. Annals of Plastic Surgery 2017;79(2):214-220.
Munabi NCO. “Textbook Reviews: Plastic Surgery Emergencies: Principles and Techniques”. Plastic Surgery Resident 2017; 5:29.
Goltsman D, Munabi NCO, Ascherman JA. The Association Between Smoking and Plastic Surgery Outcomes in 40,465 patients: An analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Datasets. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2017; 139(2): 503-11.
Phillips BT, Munabi NCO, Roeder RA, Ascherman JA, Guo L, Zenn MR. The Role of Inatraoperative Perfusion Assessment: What is the Current State and How Can I Use It in My Practice? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2016;137(2):731-41.
Munabi NCO, England RW, Edwards AK, Kitajewski AA, Tan QK, Weinstein A, Kung JE, Wilcox M, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Propranolol Targets Hemangioma Stem Cells via cAMP and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Regulation. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2016;5(1):45-55.
Munabi NCO, Tan QK, Garzon MC, Behr GG, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Growth Hormone Induced Recurrence of Infantile Hemangioma after Apparent Involution: Evidence of Growth Hormone Receptors in Infantile Hemangioma. Pediatric Dermatology 2014;32(4):539-43.
Malliaris SD, Munabi NCO, Akelina Y, Ascherman JA. Topical Cilostazol Inhibits Neointimal Hyperplasia in a Rat Interposition Vein Graft Model. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014; 134(6):895e-901e.
Munabi NCO, Olorunnipa OB, Goltsman D, Rohde CH, Ascherman JA. The Ability of Intraoperative Perfusion Mapping With Laser-Assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography to Predict Mastectomy Flap Necrosis in Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective Trial. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery 2014;67(4):449-55.
England RW, Munabi NCO, Glithero KJ, Kitajewski A, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Abstract 70: Propranolol Effects on Hemangiomas are Mediated via Distinct Pathways. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014; 133(3S):81. PMID: 25942181
Glithero KJ, Munabi NCO, England RW, Kitajewski A, Chang MM, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Abstract 2: NOTCH3 Regulates Mural Cell Differentiation Of HemSCs. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014;133(3S):11. PMID: 25942113
Munabi NCO, England RW, Glithero KJ, Chang MM, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Abstract 3: Propranolol Accelerates Involution in a Murine Model of Infantile Hemangioma.Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014;133(3S):11. PMID: 25942114
Glithero KJ, Munabi NCO, Chang MM, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. NOTCH3 Regulates Hemangioma Stem Cell Differentiation and Alters the Vascular Phenotype in an Infantile Hemangioma Murine Model. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 2014;133(4S):1014.
Edwards AK, Glithero KJ, Kitajewski AA, Kung JE, Munabi NCO, Kitajewski JK, Shawber CJ, Wu JK. Abstract 23: Role of Hemangioma Stem Cell Notch3 in Infantile Hemangioma Blood Vessel Development. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2016;4(4S):46.
Akintayo RM, Munabi NCO, Olorunnipa OB, Jin JL, Otterburn DM. Abstract: 2 Stage Approach to Autologous Breast Reconstruction Is Cost Effective and Improves Aesthetic Outcomes. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2016:4(9S):135.
Munabi NCO, Goltsman D, Ascherman JA. Abstract: The Association Between Smoking and Plastic Surgery Outcomes in 40,465 patients: An Analysis of the ACS-NSQIP Datasets. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2016;4(9S):158-159.
Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Goel P, Williams MS, Howell L, Hammoudeh JH, Urata MM, Magee WPIII. Abstract 235. Factors Associated with Delay in Presentation for Cleft Surgery at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital in a Major U.S. Metropolitan City. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal 2020; 57(4_suppl):1–143.
Nagengast E, Goel P, Munabi NCO, Fahradyan A, Williams MS, Gould DJ, Hammoudeh JA, Urata MM. Abstract 13: Surgical Correction of Orbital Malposition: Indications for the Use of the Box Osteotomy and Facial Bipartition. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2019:7(8S-2):166-167
Munabi NCO, Williams MS, Goel P, Nagengast ES, Hammoudeh JA, Urata MM, Magee WPIII. Abstract 58: Geospatial Analysis of Medical Reach and Barriers to Surgical Cleft Care in Los Angeles. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2019:7(4S):41-42
Wlodarczyk J, Munabi NCO, Higuchi E, Brannon B, Wolfswinkel E, Nagengast E, Urata M, Hammoudeh J, Yao C, Magee WPIII. Abstract 148: Natural Trajectory Of Midface Growth In Unoperated Cleft Defects: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2020;8(4S):99-100
Goel P, Munabi NCO, Nagengast ES, Williams MS, FAhradyan A, Urata MM. Abstract: Monobloc Distraction with Facial Bipartition: Outcomes of Simultaneous Facial Movement Compared to Monobloc Distraction or Facial Bipartition Alone. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2019;7(8S-2):39
Munabi NCO, Durnwald L, Nagengast ES, Auslander A, Ntirenganya F, Magee WPIII. Abstract: Pilot Evaluation of the Impact of a Mission-Based Surgical Training Rotation on the Plastic Surgery Skills and Competencies Development of General Surgery Residents in Rwanda. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2021:9(2S):7
Munabi NCO, Nelson MS, Francis SH. Abstract: Risk Factors for Delayed Diagnosis of Positional Plagiocephaly: A Retrospective Review of 25,322 Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2020:8(9S):50-51
Ives GC, Munabi NCO, Ames JA, Kim DC, Chu MW, Lee JC, Francis SH. Abstract: A Novel Hairline Feminization Technique: Using Temporal Rotation Flaps to Take the M-Shape out of Masculine Hairlines in Facial Feminization Surgery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2022;10(4S):11
Munabi NCO, Ross EE, Colbath RA, Yu J, Garner WL, Gillenwater TJ, Yenikomshian H. Abstract 53: Enhanced Psychosocial Support is Needed for Plastic Surgery Patients: A Study of Emotional and Social Interaction Management in Burn and Plastic Surgery Patients. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open 2022;10(4S):27