Published Research & Academic Contributions
Over thirty years of exclusive practice, Dr. Bonilla has built a clinical and academic record that includes peer-reviewed research, a textbook chapter, keynote presentations at major microtia conferences, and national and international media coverage.
These publications are not separate from clinical care. They reflect the same long-term judgment families see in consultation and in the operating room: how outcomes hold up over time, what technique choices matter most, and how the field continues to evolve. Much of this work focuses on long-term outcomes in microtia reconstruction and how surgical decisions affect patients over time.
Families who want to understand the clinical thinking behind this work can also review Dr. Bonilla’s background, his approach to microtia surgery, and how he evaluates complex revision cases.
The following publications represent the most clinically significant contributions from Dr. Bonilla's body of published work — each verifiable through PubMed or institutional records.
Dr. Bonilla’s fellowship training in Pediatric Otolaryngology — the specialty dedicated to diseases and surgery of the ear — gives him a clinical foundation in ear anatomy, function, and pediatric development that is specific to otolaryngology training. Pediatric Otolaryngology training focuses on the ear as a complete functional organ — its anatomy, pathology, hearing mechanisms, and development in children. This depth of ear-specific expertise is combined with 30 years of exclusive focus on microtia.
UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
When a fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologist performs microtia reconstruction, he brings to the operating room a complete understanding of how that ear works, how it develops, and what the child’s hearing future depends on.
Textbook Chapter & Peer-Reviewed Publications
Dr. Bonilla’s published work spans the full scope of his Pediatric Otolaryngology training — from microtia reconstruction to otitis media to rare laryngeal anomalies. His textbook chapter on surgical management of microtia and congenital aural atresia is included in the standard Pediatric Otolaryngology training text.
Pediatric Microtia Reconstruction with Autologous Rib — Personal Experience and Technique with 1,000 Pediatric Patients
Publication in the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America documents Dr. Bonilla's surgical technique and outcomes across 1,000 pediatric microtia patients — one of the largest single-surgeon series in the published literature. The chapter on cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of congenital ear deformities represents a peer-reviewed summary of three decades of exclusive clinical experience and refined technique. View on PubMed →
Chapter 21: Surgical Management of Microtia and Congenital Aural Atresia
Authorship of a textbook chapter in a standard otolaryngology training text reflects recognition by the peer community of clinical expertise in the subject. The chapter is included in the standard Pediatric Otolaryngology textbook used in otolaryngology training programs.
Chapter 207: Microtia — Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, 3rd Edition
Authorship of the microtia chapter in the third edition of Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery — a standard surgical reference used in otolaryngology residency training programs nationally. Invitation to author this chapter reflects peer recognition of Dr. Bonilla's standing as a leading authority on microtia reconstruction technique.
International Conference Presentations
Dr. Bonilla has delivered keynote presentations at major microtia family conferences in the United States and internationally, presenting on surgical candidacy, technique, outcomes, and advances in the field.
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center. Invited presentation to military surgical residents on pediatric microtia reconstruction technique.
Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, San Antonio Military Medical Center. Invited presentation on comprehensive management of pediatric microtia patients for military trauma surgeons.
Division of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Invited presentation to otolaryngology residents and fellows on surgical management of pediatric microtia.
Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Invited presentation on advances in pediatric microtia surgical technique.
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Invited presentation to plastic surgery residents and fellows rotating through pediatric reconstruction.
Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Invited presentation on current technique and outcomes in pediatric microtia reconstruction.
Media Features
Dr. Bonilla’s work has been covered by national and international media in English and Spanish across three decades. For a fuller record of independent media coverage, visit the In the News page.
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Dr. Bonilla conducts consultations personally. His academic record, conference presentations, and three decades of exclusive clinical focus are the foundation behind every consultation.