Meet our team

Sanjay Naran, MD

Division Head

Pediatric Plastic & Craniofacial Surgeon

Dr. Sanjay Naran is an attending surgeon in the Division of Pediatric Plastic and Craniofacial Surgery at Advocate Children’s Hospital, and a clinical instructor of plastic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Dr. Naran specializes in the treatment of patients with cleft lip and palate, craniofacial disorders, and other congenital, acquired and traumatic conditions. Dr. Naran uses multi-disciplinary care, evidence-based practices, innovative surgical techniques, and advanced treatment strategies to enhance the appearance and functioning of patients with craniofacial disorders, optimizing both their surgical outcomes and quality of life.

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Dr. Naran completed his plastic surgery residency training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and his craniofacial surgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

Education

Medical school:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA

Residency:
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Craniofacial Surgery Fellowship:
University of Pennsylvania/Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Clinical Research and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship:
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA

Experience:
Dr. Naran specializes in cleft lip and palate repair, cranial vault and facial reconstruction, craniomaxillofacial distraction osteogenesis, rhinoplasty and maxillo-mandibular (orthognathic) surgery as well as minor pediatric plastic surgery procedures.

Locations:

Advocate Children’s Hospital Outpatient Center (Mondays)
1675 Dempster St., 3rd Floor
Park Ridge, IL 60068

Advocate Children’s Medical Group (2nd and 4th Tuesdays)
1945 W. Wilson Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604

Advocate Children’s Medical Group Oak Lawn (Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM)
4220 West 95th Street
Suite 210
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

John Smetona, MD

Craniofacial & Pediatric Plastic Surgery
Director of Orthognathic Surgery

Dr. John Smetona began his training process in Chicago at Northwestern Medical School, and then relocated to New England to train at Yale. After completing his plastic surgery residency there, he completed subspecialty fellowship in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. He has returned to the Chicagoland area to focus on the full spectrum of craniofacial surgery. His areas of specialty include craniofacial anomalies including cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, micrognathia, hemifacial microsomia, and microtia. He also treats pediatric trauma across the body and non-facial congenital differences including congenital breast deformities, Poland Syndrome, and hand and foot anomalies including syndactyly and polydactyly.

In adult patients, he uses his craniofacial expertise and determined focus on minute details to deliver results that are both functional and beautiful. He has a special passion for rhinoplasty, orthognathic (‘jaw’) surgery, facial trauma, and the full range of facial cosmetic surgery and minimally invasive procedures including blepharoplasty, non-surgical rhinoplasty, and injectables. Dr. Smetona is also interested in airway surgeries and has partnered with the sleep center to develop a comprehensive sleep program which includes the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea with orthognathic surgery.

Education

Medical school:
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Ill.

Residency:
Plastic Surgery: Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Fellowship:
Craniofacial and Pediatric Plastic Surgery, The Children’s Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh

Locations:

Advocate Outpatient Center (Monday, Thursday)
9555 S 52nd Ave.
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Advocate Children’s Hospital – Oak Lawn (Friday)
4440 W 95th St
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

Emily Hines, MS, PA-C

Emily is passionate about pediatrics and has been working with children in some capacity for the past 10 years. She received her Master’s degree from Midwestern University, in Physician Assistant studies, and has been working as a PA in the field of Pediatric Plastic Surgery for Dr. Vicari ever since. Emily provides continuity of care to families and serves as a further resource for questions before and after treatment. Her expert assistance inside and outside the operating room allows our team to function smoothly.

Melissa Lieberman, MS, PA-C

Melissa is a physician assistant for Dr. Naran. She completed her undergraduate training at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and received her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Melissa has always had a passion for both pediatrics as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. She takes pride in educating and supporting her patients and their families every step of the way throughout their surgical journeys.

Dalila Alcala, MSPAS, PA-C

Dalila is a physician assistant working in the Pediatric Plastic Surgery Department at Christ Medical Center. She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Saint Xavier University and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Carroll University. Dalila is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Languages spoken: English, Spanish

Cleft and Craniofacial Coordinator

The clinical coordinator serves many functions, one of the most important is that of a liaison between the family and cleft/craniofacial team. The coordinator also helps arrange evaluations and treatments, direct patients to the appropriate services, and follow up with the family. Throughout the course of treatment and recovery, the coordinator is available to provide educational guidance and emotional support to the patient and family.

Ali Walsh, MSN, RN

Ali has over 10 years of pediatric and adolescent nursing experience. She takes pride in providing advanced, specialized and compassionate care for both the child and their family. Ali will ensure that exceptional care, education and support are provided throughout your child's treatment plan. She will assist in coordinating your child’s care needs and will be a life-long advocate for your child.

Cleft and Craniofacial Coordinator

The clinical coordinator serves many functions, one of the most important is that of a liaison between the family and cleft/craniofacial team. The coordinator also helps arrange evaluations and treatments, direct patients to the appropriate services, and follow up with the family. Throughout the course of treatment and recovery, the coordinator is available to provide educational guidance and emotional support to the patient and family.

Ali Walsh, MSN, RN

Ali has over 10 years of pediatric and adolescent nursing experience. She takes pride in providing advanced, specialized and compassionate care for both the child and their family. Ali will ensure that exceptional care, education and support are provided throughout your child's treatment plan. She will assist in coordinating your child’s care needs and will be a life-long advocate for your child.

Anna Souri

Surgery Scheduler for Pediatric Plastic Surgery

Anna assists with surgical scheduling and insurance pre-certification. She will help facilitate all aspects of scheduling and admissions. She’s passionate about delivering the highest quality of care by assessing the patients' needs and supporting the families from start to finish.

Laura Fernandez

Surgery Scheduler for Pediatric Plastic Surgery