Manuela Neira

Manuela Neira, MD is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, working under the mentorship of Dr. Bernard Lee. Her research focuses on clinical outcomes, health optimization, and innovation in reconstructive and microsurgical breast surgery. She leads and contributes to multiple studies investigating the impact of nutrition, vascular imaging, and sensation recovery on postoperative outcomes in breast and gender-affirming surgery.

Originally from Ecuador, Dr. Neira graduated from medical school in 2024 and has been deeply involved in academic surgery and women’s leadership. She founded the first Association of Women Surgeons chapter at her medical school, participated in global health initiatives with Operation Smile, and continues to mentor Latin American women pursuing surgical careers in the U.S.

Her long-term goal is to become an academic plastic and reconstructive surgeon, combining patient-centered care, rigorous research, and mentorship to advance the field.