Dave Fogarty, M.D., DDS, a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine, has been recognized with the 2025 Noordhoff Humanitarian Award from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons for his extraordinary dedication to the mission of plastic and reconstructive surgery around the world.
Dr. Fogarty’s path to medicine began while working as an orderly in the operating room at WVU during his dental school years. That experience inspired him to pursue a medical degree and ultimately specialize in plastic surgery.
Following his residency at Stanford University, where he first participated in mission trips, he dedicated his career to serving patients with limited access to surgical care.
In addition to his 35-year career in private practice, Fogarty participated in 118 mission trips across 13 countries, providing life-changing procedures for children and families.
During this time, he also held clinical professorships at both the WVU School of Medicine and Dentistry.
He later founded Interplast West Virginia, Inc., a community-based charitable organization that allowed West Virginians to support international medical missions. Thousands of patients’ lives have been transformed thanks to this program and the generosity of the Mountain State.
“I was surprised and humbled to receive this award,” Fogarty said. “I accepted it on behalf of WVU, Stanford, and the more than 300 health professionals who joined me on these trips. The true reward has always been using your gifts to help others.”
Since his retirement, Interplast West Virginia has expanded into three independent nonprofit organizations operating in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, ensuring that his mission continues.
“The best advice I can give young physicians is to go for it,” he said. “This work is why you go into medicine. The reward isn’t financial—it’s knowing you’ve changed someone’s life.”
Fogarty will formally accept the award at “The Meeting,” in New Orleans, Louisiana Saturday, Oct. 11. The Meeting is a the premier educational and networking event of the year for both domestic and international plastic surgeons hosted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
To learn more about WVU School of Medicine, visit medicine.wvu.edu and to learn more about WVU School of Dentistry, visit dentistry.wvu.edu.