02/14/2026
Remembering Dr. Whitaker. A message from Drs. Serletti and Taylor -
“It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Linton A. Whitaker passed away early this morning. Linton had a truly legendary career, both within and beyond medicine. His contributions to Penn Plastic Surgery and Penn Medicine are immeasurable. He was a founding father of American craniofacial surgery, establishing the Craniofacial Program and Fellowship at Penn in 1972. He served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Penn for 17 years and CHOP for 21 years, during which time the programs gained in international prominence and earned the reputation as one of the top programs in the country. Alumni of Penn Plastic Surgery and the Penn Craniofacial Fellowship represent a true “who’s who” of American plastic surgery.
Linton was also the Founder and Director of Penn Medicine’s Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance. He had the visionary—and courageous—idea of uniting traditionally separate specialties within a single center dedicated to patients with conditions affecting appearance. Under his leadership, the Center brought together Plastic Surgery (HUP and CHOP), Oculoplastic Surgery (CHOP), Dermatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Neuroaesthetics. It has since grown into a vibrant center for research and education, supporting medical students, residents, research fellows, and junior faculty as they begin their careers in academic medicine.
Linton was a founding member of both the International Society of Craniofacial Surgery and the American Alpine Workshop in Plastic Surgery. An avid skier, he could ski circles around most of us—even into his 80s. Linton touched countless lives, within medicine and far beyond it. He will be deeply and profoundly missed.
I have spoken with Renata, and with her full support, we plan to hold a celebration of life this spring to honor Linton and his extraordinary contributions. The event will be open to all. We will share additional details and a date in the coming weeks.“
