Meet Dr. Fizan Abdullah: A Leader in Pediatric Surgical Care

Dr. Fizan Abdullah is a distinguished, board-certified pediatric surgeon with over 20 years of experience dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. Renowned for his expertise in complex pediatric surgical conditions, particularly chest wall deformities, Dr. Abdullah brings a unique blend of advanced surgical skill, compassionate care, and a profound commitment to patient well-being.

Dr. Abdullah attending the Chest Wall International Group meeting in Japan

A Leader in Pediatric Chest Wall Surgery

As a national expert in chest wall surgery, Dr. Abdullah has performed more chest wall surgeries than any other surgeon in the Midwest over the last decade. He is highly skilled in innovative procedures such as the Nuss Procedure, offering children effective solutions for conditions like pectus excavatum.

His commitment to advancing specialized chest wall care is further underscored by his collaborations with global leaders in the field, including Dr. Donald Nuss, the inventor of the Nuss Procedure, and Dr. Park, widely recognized as the world’s highest-volume chest deformity surgeon. These collaborations reflect his continuous pursuit of excellence and his dedication to integrating the latest advancements into his practice.

Compassionate Care and Patient-Centered Philosophy

Dr. Abdullah understands that a child’s need for surgery can be a challenging time for families. His philosophy centers on a patient-centric approach, ensuring that every family feels supported, informed, and confident throughout the treatment journey.

He is deeply committed to reducing barriers to quality surgical care for children, believing that every child deserves access to outstanding outcomes and compassionate treatment. This dedication is evident in his partnership with families, providing clear explanations of diagnoses and anticipating clinical courses to offer clarity and confidence in their next steps.

Academic Excellence and Recognition

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Abdullah is a respected academic and leader in the surgical community. He serves as a Professor of Surgery at Loyola University Chicago. His extensive research in pediatric surgery, including over 400 peer-reviewed publications, contributes significantly to the advancement of surgical techniques and patient care.

His excellence has been recognized with the prestigious “Chicago Top Doctor” award for multiple years, including 2024, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the medical community and the trust he has earned from his peers and patients.

Education and Training

Dr. Abdullah’s robust educational background includes:

Medical School: Doctorates in Philosophy & Medicine (M.D. & Ph.D.), Jefferson Medical College (Thomas Jefferson University), Philadelphia, PA (1998).
Residency: General Surgery, followed by Administrative Chief Resident, Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
Fellowship: Pediatric Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital-Los Angeles.

Chicago Top Doctor Award Winner for Four Years

Chicago Magazine Top Doctors award badge

Recognized as one of Chicago Magazine's Top Doctors, honoring physicians respected for excellence in patient care.

Member of the American College of Surgeons, dedicated to improving surgical care standards.

Affiliated with the American Academy of Pediatrics, advancing children's health and well-being.

American Surgical Association membership badge

Associated with the American Surgical Association, recognizing excellence in surgery.

Member of the Society of University Surgeons, promoting innovation and academic excellence.

Patient & Parent Reviews

Families trust KIDS Orthopedics and Chest Care for clarity, expertise, and specialized treatment of chest deformities.

"My son Nicholas, he just had a surgery with Dr. Abdullah, and we are so grateful to have Dr. Abdullah in our lives. Nicholas, he has a pectus excavatum. His chest was caved in, and we were really concerned about the surgery. But having Dr. Abdullah in our lives, it's a blessing. I will recommend him for anybody who needs a good doctor. "

Vanessa De Mesquita

"I actually found Dr. Abdullah after searching on YouTube. My experience with Dr. Abdullah has been amazing. He has really put myself at ease throughout this whole process, and I'm really happy with how everything's turned out. I feel confident that my son will be up and walking in no time."

Adam Patel

"My 17-year-old daughter had surgery with Dr. Abdullah two years ago. We've been very happy with the results, very successful surgery. We looked really long and hard to find Dr. Abdullah. The cryoablation is a game-changer for this surgery. So, we've been very, very happy with the results."

Jenna DePerte

"I can't rave enough about Dr. Abdullah. My son is two years into his bar placement, and we 'chased the doctor, not the hospital, not the staff'. I can't say enough good things about Dr. Abdullah and his mastery work."

Tyler Edwards

"I had the Nuss procedure in December of 2024. Since then, things have been very good. I haven't had any sort of shortness of breath or any sort of bad pain or anything. I feel like the actual appearance has looked better as well."

Logan Gross

"So even though we live about two and a half hours away, we feel that it's worthwhile to drive and see Dr. Abdullah because we had such a great experience with him and we trust his expertise in treating our son."

Jake McCoy

"I am just thrilled with the outcome of his surgery. Primarily because he is now able to cough better. I'm also very happy with the way that his chest looks currently. It doesn't look as deformed as it was. I just think it's better for him in the long run. So, I thank Dr. Abdullah for doing the surgery."

Lori Curtis

Expert Care. Clear Answers. Real Confidence.

Whether you’re seeking evaluation, bracing, or advanced surgical treatment, our team is here to guide you with clarity and compassion. Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation designed around your goals and your child’s long-term wellbeing.