Dr. Melissa Amundson

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Professional Summary

Dr. Melissa Amundson is an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in Trauma Reconstruction. Her professional and academic history has taken her around the country, exposing her to a broad spectrum of injury patterns and current treatment approaches. Dr Amundson takes a special interest in ballistic injuries (gunshot wounds) and complex secondary repair of the facial skeleton using virtual surgical planning and customized implants which she has published on extensively.

She is currently a full-time hospital based maxillofacial trauma surgeon at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital-Florida State University College of Medicine. Her extensive international experience includes long-term projects in Honduras, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. She is currently a consultant surgeon for both Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) and Mercy Ships

Dr Amundson lectures frequently at a national level and remains active in medical education with the Florida State University medical students at all levels.

Why Choose an OMS?

Current Appointments

  • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Traumatology and Reconstruction
    2020–Present
  • Florida State University College of Medicine
    Clinical Assistant Professor
    2020–Present
  • Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)
    Senior Noma Surgeon, Surgical Educator, and Maxillofacial Trauma Consultant
    2016–Present
  • Mercy Ships
    Tumor and Reconstructive Surgeon
    2020–Present

Education & Postgraduate Training

Education

  • University of Florida
    Master of Public Health (MPH)
    2017–2020
  • University of Illinois–Chicago
    Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
    2003–2007
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison
    Bachelor of Science, Molecular Biology
    1995–1999

Postgraduate Training

  • Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Head and Neck Institute
    Fellowship, Trauma and Advanced Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
    2015–2016
  • University of Miami–Jackson Memorial Hospital
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    2008–2012
  • University of Pennsylvania
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Internship
    2007–2008

Clinical Appointments

  • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Traumatology and Reconstruction
    2020–Present
  • Florida State University College of Medicine
    Clinical Assistant Professor
    2020–Present
  • Surgical Arts of Boca Raton
    Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
    2019–2020
    Associated Faculty:
    • Florida Atlantic University
    • Nova Southeastern University
  • Head and Neck Surgical Associates
    Maxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction Surgeon
    2016–2019
    Leadership Responsibilities:
    • Graduate Medical Education Committee
    • Director, Fellowship for Advanced Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Trauma
    • Resident Program Director
    • Assistant Professor, Oregon Health & Sciences University

Current/Ongoing Research

  • Psychological Impacts of Facial Gunshot Wounds
  • Negative Pressure Wound Closure of Orocutaneous Fistula in Ballistic Injuries to the Face and Neck
  • Use of Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator in Complex Mandibular Reconstruction
  • Antibiotic Resistance Development in Ballistic Injuries to the Neck

Publications

  1. Suleiman IK, Kaka Sanda A, Modibbo AM, Muhammad Shehu I, Amundson M, Amundson M. Large Noma Composite Defect: The Role of the Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap in Paediatric Noma Reconstruction in Low-Resource Setting. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2026;84(8):e12.
  2. Kongala B, Bielling R, Amundson M. A Case of Ludwig’s Angina Following Bilateral Mandibular Fractures. European Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2026.
  3. Bielling R, Kongala B, Amundson M, Amundson M. Oculocardiac Reflex in the Setting of Globe Subluxation. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2026;84(8):e21–e22.
  4. Bielling R, Amundson M. Submental Intubation vs. Tracheostomy in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Settings: A Decisional Algorithm. European Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 2026.
  5. Amundson, M., Mousa, M. S., Kongola, B. P., & Kongola, B. P. (2026). Controversies in Occult Larynx Factures, Underreported and Overtreated? A Case Series. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 84(5), e9–e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2026.01.037
  6. Amundson, M., Easterling, C., Rupareliya, R., Bassoff, L., Kersey, K., & Amundson, M. (2026). Tension Pneumocephalus in the Setting of Non-Displaced Occipital Bone Fracture Resulting in Bifrontal Craniotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 84(5), e11–e12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2026.01.040
  7. Patrick, M. M., & Amundson, M. S. (2024). A Case of Profound Obstructive Sleep Apnea Secondary to an Unrecognized Lingual Angiomyxoma. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 82(10), 1295–1303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2024.06.163
  8. Button, J., & Amundson, M. (2024). Geospatial Review of Literature on Noma (Cancrum Oris): Can We Do Better? Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 82(9), S83–S84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2024.06.119
  9. Govind, A., Demirel, S., Lee, K., Amundson, M., Bell, R. B., & Dierks, E. (2023). Predictors of Intraoperative Difficulty and Postoperative Examination Abnormalities in 164 Orbital Operations. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2023.08.171
  10. Braimah, R. O., Taiwo, A. O., Olasoji, H. O., Legbo, J. N., Amundson, M., Ibikunle, A. A., Suleiman, I. K., Bala, M., & Ile-Ogedengbe, B. O. (2023). Braimah-Taiwo et al New Classification System and Treatment Algorithm of Mandibulo-Maxillary Synostosis Related to Noma. Field Experience From Noma Children Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, 0(0), 19433875231214071. https://doi.org/10.1177/19433875231214071
  11. R. Bryan Bell, L. T., Melissa Amundson. (2022). Contemporary Management of Mandible Fractures. In G. E. G. Micheal Miloro, Peter E. Larson, Peter Waite (Ed.), Peterson’s Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (pp. 581–649). Springer Nature.
  12. Khatib, B., Gelesko, S., Amundson, M., Cheng, A., Patel, A., Bui, T., Dierks, E. J., & Bell, R. B. (2021). Updates in Management of Craniomaxillofacial Gunshot Wounds and Reconstruction of the Mandible. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am, 33(3), 359–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2021.04.005
  13. Cuddy, K., Dierks, E. J., Cheng, A., Patel, A., Amundson, M., & Bell, R. B. (2021). Management of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures Utilizing Intraoperative 3-Dimensional Imaging: The ZYGOMAS Protocol. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 79(1), 177–182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2020.08.028
  14. Dennis, P., Govind, A., Demirel, S., & Amundson, M. (2020). Orbital Volume Correction in Orbital Floor Fractures: A Comparison of Transorbital and Transantral Techniques. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 78(3), 430 e431–430 e437. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.10.028
  15. Amundson, M. (2020). 3-D Computer-assisted Surgical Planning, Manufacturing, Intraoperative Navigation and CT in Maxillofacial Trauma. Atlas of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America(Computer Aided Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery).
  16. Khatib, B., Patel, A., Dierks, E. J., Bryan Bell, R., Amundson, M., & Cheng, A. (2019). Reconstruction of Maxillary Defects. In J. C. Melville, J. W. Shum, S. Young, & M. E. Wong (Eds.), Regenerative Strategies for Maxillary and Mandibular Reconstruction: A Practical Guide (pp. 175–200). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93668-0_14
  17. Govind, A., Dierks, E., Bell, R. B., & Amundson, M. (2019). Four Practical Reconstructive Techniques Using the Transantral Approach to the Orbital Floor Without the Need for an Endoscope. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 77(10), 2074–2082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2019.05.018
  18. Fagin, A. P., Dierks, E. J., Bell, R. B., Cheng, A. C., Patel, A. A., & Amundson, M. S. (2019). Infection prevalence and patterns in self-inflicted gunshot wounds to the face. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol, 128(1), 9–13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oooo.2019.02.022
  19. Shumate, R., Portnof, J., Amundson, M., Dierks, E., Batdorf, R., & Hardigan, P. (2018). Recommendations for Care of Geriatric Maxillofacial Trauma Patients Following a Retrospective 10-Year Multicenter Review. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 76(9), 1931–1936. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2017.10.019
  20. Kupfer, P., Cheng, A., Patel, A., Amundson, M., Dierks, E. J., & Bell, R. B. (2017). Virtual Surgical Planning and Intraoperative Imaging in Management of Ballistic Facial and Mandibular Condylar Injuries. Atlas Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am, 25(1), 17–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cxom.2016.05.012
  21. Khatib, B. N., Cuddy, K. K., Gelesko, S. L., Amundson, M., Cheng, A., Patel, A. A., Dierks, E. J., & Bell, R. B. (2017). Application of Virtual Surgical Planning to Staged Management of Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds to the Maxillofacial Skeleton: The Oregon Protocol. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 75(10), e367–e368. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2017.07.070
  22. Khatib, B., Gelesko, S., Amundson, M., Cheng, A., Patel, A., Bui, T., Dierks, E. J., & Bell, R. B. (2017). Updates in Management of Craniomaxillofacial Gunshot Wounds and Reconstruction of the Mandible. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am, 25(4), 563–576. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsc.2017.06.007
  23. Cuddy, K. K., Khatib, B. N., Bell, R. B., Cheng, A., Patel, A. A., Amundson, M., & Dierks, E. J. (2017). The Impact of Intraoperative CT on Decision Making in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Surgery. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 75(10), e368–e369. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joms.2017.07.071

Abstracts, Posters, and Presentations

2026

  • Bielling, R., Kongala, B., Amundson, M., & Amundson, M. Oculocardiac Reflex in the Setting of Globe Subluxation. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 84(8), e21–e22.
  • Bielling, R., & Amundson, M. Submental Intubation vs. Tracheostomy in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Settings: A Decisional Algorithm. European Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 10.
  • Amundson, M., Mousa, M. S., Kongola, B. P., & Kongola, B. P. Controversies in Occult Larynx Fractures, Underreported and Overtreated? A Case Series. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 84(5), e9–e10.
  • Amundson, M., Easterling, C., Rupareliya, R., Bassoff, L., Kersey, K., & Amundson, M. Tension Pneumocephalus in the Setting of Non-Displaced Occipital Bone Fracture Resulting in Bifrontal Craniotomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 84(5), e11–e12.

2025

  • Amundson, M., Kongala, B. Kersey, K. The Use of Reamer Irrigator Aspirator in Reconstruction of Acquired Defects of the Mandible International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

2024

  • Button, J., & Amundson, M. Geospatial Review of Literature on Noma: Can We Do Better? Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 82(9), S83–S84.
  • Amundson, M. A New Classification System: Maxillofacial Synostoses and Noma.

2022

2019

  • Newman, M. F. (Presenter), Dierks, E. J., Bell, R. B., & Amundson, M. S. Augmented Reality Applications in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery.
  • Amundson, Melissa, and Arianna Elmquist . “Current Management of Mandibular Ameloblastoma.” Current Opinion in Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery.

Humanitarian and Global Surgery Service

Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)

Noma Reconstruction Project, Sokoto, Nigeria
2016–Present

  • Surgical Educator
  • Senior Noma Surgeon
  • Maxillofacial Trauma Consultant

Ukraine (Virtual)

  • Trauma Consultant

Mercy Ships

2020–Present

  • Benign Tumor Surgery and Reconstruction

Operation Nueva Vida: Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa, Honduras

2013–2020

  • Trauma Reconstruction
  • Orthognathic Surgery
  • Benign Tumor Management
  • Project Coordinator and Surgeon
  • Resident Education in Facial Plastics

Professional Leadership

American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  • President

American College of Surgeons

Fellow

  • International Relations Committee
  • ACS HOPE Education Committee
  • Course Director, Global Health in Surgery Certificate Program

American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Diplomate

  • Junior Examiner
    • OMSITE
    • Recertification Exam
  • Oral Certifying Examination Examiner

Memberships

  • Fellow – American College of Surgery
  • Diplomate – American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Fellow – American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Fellow – American College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Member – Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Member – Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Member – International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Member – American College of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
  • Member – Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Group (SORG)
  • Member – AO Foundation

Academic Appointments

  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Florida State University College of Medicine
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Nova Southeastern University
  • Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor of Surgery, Florida Atlantic University
  • Assistant Professor, Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry

Honors and Awards

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison Luminary Award (2024)
  • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital ICARE Award (2022)
  • UIC Rising Star Leadership Award (2021)
  • OMS Foundation GIVE Travel Stipend (2018)
  • Commitment of Excellence, Government of Honduras (2014)
  • Excellence in Surgical Skills Award (2012)
  • Larry D. Seldin Award (2007)

Current Hospital Appointments

  • Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
  • Noma Children’s Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Licensure and Certifications

Licensure

  • Florida Dental License: DN20015
  • Nigeria Medical/Dental License Available Upon Request

Board Certification

  • Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Clinical Certifications

  • General Anesthesia
  • ACLS
  • ATLS
  • PALS

Professional Interests

  • Humanitarian Relief
  • Public Health
  • Global Surgery
  • Surgical Education
  • Maxillofacial Trauma Reconstruction
  • Noma Reconstruction and Capacity Building

Specializing In

Acute Fractures of the Facial Skeleton

  • Zygoma (Cheek bone)
  • Mandible (Lower Jaw)
  • Maxilla/Midface (Lefort I/II/III)
  • Orbits (Eye Sockets)
  • Frontal Sinus (Forehead)

Virtual Surgical Planning and Patient Specific Implants

Gun Shot wounds

  • Acute and Secondary Repair

Trauma Reconstruction of the Facial Structures

Secondary repair complex orbit fractures

Dog Bites and complex wounds of the face

Benign Tumors of the Maxilla and Mandible

Intraoperative Navigation and Imaging

Joint Ankylosis

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Featured Articles & Interviews

Humanitarian Surgery

Fall 2024
On Wisconsin Magazine

Interview

December 16 2023
STATnews.com

ACOMS Review, Volume 4

December 2022
Dr. Melissa Amundson: Noma Intervention in Nigeria With Doctors Without Borders
View All

Invited Lectures

The Hidden Pathway: Transantral Approaches to Orbital Reconstruction

Upcoming
EACMFS

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Humanitarian Projects

Upcoming
ACS Clinical Congress

Dura to Pleura Trauma, Tips for Success

Upcoming
University of Michigan
View All

Contact

MELISSA AMUNDSON, DDS, MPH, FACS
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon | Trauma, Reconstruction & Global Surgery

Tallahassee Memorial Hospital • Florida State University College of Medicine
Tallahassee, Florida

Office: (850) 431-2100
Mobile: (847) 721-1265