Dr. Melissa Amundson, DDS, MPH, FACS

Media Releases

Specializing in Complex Maxillofacial Trauma, Dr. Amundson Enhances Access to Life-Saving Care in Florida and Beyond

Tallahassee, Florida  – Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) proudly announces the addition of Melissa Amundson, DDS, MPH, FACS, to its esteemed team of healthcare professionals. Dr. Amundson is the only trauma fellowship-trained oral and maxillofacial surgeon in the state of Florida. With her extensive expertise in maxillofacial trauma and reconstructive surgery, she aims to enhance the quality of care available to patients throughout the region. 

Dr. Amundson’s commitment to her patients and the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery is evident in her approach to care. “I try to engage patients in the decision-making process and offer treatment options that I would offer a family member,” she stated. “As a surgeon, the temptation is always to operate, but often less is more. Identifying the right time to not operate can be challenging, but it is often the right thing to do.” This patient-centered philosophy is a cornerstone of her practice and aligns with TMH’s mission to provide compassionate and comprehensive care.

Her choice of TMH as her base for practice is rooted in the facility’s outstanding resources and commitment to quality healthcare. “The operating rooms are the nicest I have seen in the state of Florida,” Dr. Amundson remarked. “There are growth opportunities in the trauma program, and the relationship with Florida State University is robust. Additionally, TMH plays a vital role in rural health care, increasing access to care in populations that are often overlooked in the United States.”

Dr. Amundson’s impressive academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago. She completed her residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 2012, followed by fellowship training in advanced craniomaxillofacial surgery and trauma at the Head and Neck Institute/Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland, Oregon. 

Dr. Amundson was a member of Head and Neck Surgical Associates from 2016 to 2019, managing complex trauma cases across southern Washington, central and western Oregon, and northern California. During this time, she served as the program site director for resident education and led the CMF/Trauma Fellowship from 2018 to 2019. In 2020, she completed her Master of Public Health Degree at the University of Florida.

As a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Amundson is among the select few single-degree OMFS surgeons in the United States. Her professional affiliations include fellowships in esteemed organizations such as the American College of Surgeons and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, reflecting her commitment to advancing her specialty.

Furthermore, Dr. Amundson is an active member of numerous professional societies, including the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, American Dental Association, Western Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Southeastern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Florida Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Florida Dental Association, Oregon Dental Association, Oregon Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Academy for Sports Dentistry, Academy of Osseointegration, and The G4 Alliance.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Amundson is passionate about education. She has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Florida State University College of Medicine since 2020, where she imparts her knowledge and skills to the next generation of healthcare professionals. Her dedication to international humanitarian surgery is evident in her work with Hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, since 2015, as well as her role as a consulting surgeon with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) at Noma Children’s Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria. Additionally, Dr. Amundson plays an active role in resident education across the United States, Honduras, and Nigeria.

Her impressive list of accolades includes the UIC Rising Star Award (2022), the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital ICARE Award (2022), the UIC Rising Star Leadership Award (2021), the OMS Foundation GIVE Travel Stipend (2018), the Commitment of Excellence from the Government of Honduras, awarded by First Lady Ana Garcia de Hernandez (2014), the Excellence in Surgical Skills Award from Dr. Robert Marx, DDS (2012), and the Larry D. Seldin Award for Excellence in Pre-Doctoral Oral Surgery from Dr. Gene Sbalchierro, DDS (2007).

Dr. Amundson serves as an editor and reviewer for several esteemed publications, including Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Cases, and PLOS ONE. She has also authored and co-authored numerous articles and book chapters focused on craniomaxillofacial trauma.

In her spare time, Dr. Amundson enjoys yoga, traveling, and engaging in volunteer mission work that allows her to give back to communities in need. Her well-rounded approach to life and work reflects her dedication to service and excellence.

As she embarks on her journey with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, Dr. Amundson looks forward to making a significant impact on the local community and contributing to the advancement of trauma care in Florida. Her unique qualifications and compassionate approach promise to elevate the standard of care for patients facing complex maxillofacial challenges.

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