Dr. Michael Ha, an accomplished medical educator and researcher with a distinguished background in surgery and interdisciplinary health sciences, brings a global perspective to teaching and mentorship at UDC, leveraging his expertise in clinical medicine, research, and healthcare access to advance student success and diversity in the medical field.
Experience
Education
Postgraduate Certificate in Medical Education, with distinction, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom Master of Arts, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, with high distinction, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, with honors, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Roles
Assistant Professor, UDC, 2026-present Visiting Assistant Professor, UDC, 2024-2025 Adjunct Lecturer, Catholic University of America, 2024 Anatomy Instructor, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 2023-24 Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Plastic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, 2020-23 Academic Foundation Doctor, Lister Hospital, 2018-20 Teaching Supervisor, University of Cambridge, 2015-20
Courses Taught
Clinical Microbiology Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II Integrated Sciences Biological Sciences I Introduction to Physiology Anatomy Dissection Clinical Medicine & Surgery Medical Communications (OSCE) Neurobiology & Human Behavior
Expertise
Chair of Interdisciplinary Research Club CACE Tutor and Mentor IRB Committee Member Public Health and Information Technology Advisory Board Lead Integrated Sciences Coordinator
Research Focus / Works in Progress
Wet lab research in surgical site infection with implants; access to healthcare in the landscape of American insurance; recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups in medicine; the education of gender-affirming care in medicine; implementation of dissection education in community college; public health impacts in social media.
Leadership
Chair, Interdisciplinary Research Club, UDC, 2024-Present Director of Stueber Scholarship, School of Medicine, The University of Maryland, 2020-23 Facilitator, Royal College of Nursing, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, 2020 Representative of Medicine/Doctors, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, 2019-20 Diversity and LGBT+ Officer, Samuel Butler Room Committee, University of Cambridge, 2016-18 Graduate Ambassador, University of Cambridge Access and Outreach, 2016-17 CAMbassador, University of Cambridge Access and Outreach, 2013-14
Impact
Selected Publications
Ha, M., Ngaage, L.M., Finkelstein, E.R., Simon, C., Hricz, N., Zhu, K., Yoon, J., Liang, F., Berli, J., & Rasko, Y.M. (2023). Gender-affirmation surgery training in United States academic plastic surgery residency programs. Transgender Health, 10(1).
Ha, M., Ngaage, L. M., Smith, R. D., Izac, J. R., Kim, P. C., Singh, D., Slezak, S., Ernst, R. K., Harro, J., & Rasko, Y. M. (2022). An in vitro model of the efficacy of breast implant irrigant solutions against gram-negative infections. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 89(6), 679–683.
Ha, M., Ngaage, L. M., Finkelstein, E. R., Klein, M., Yanga, A., Colohan, S. M., Nurudeen, S. M., Terhune, J. H., Slezak, S., & Rasko, Y. M. (2023). Insurance coverage of prophylactic mastectomies: A national review of the United States. Clinical Breast Cancer, 23(2), 211–218.
Ha, M., Ngaage, L. M., Zhu, K., Hricz, N., Slezak, S., & Rasko, Y. M. (2021). Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL): Are you covered?. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 41(12), NP1943–NP1949.
Ha, M., French, J., & Ahmed, Z. (2020). Improving clinical handovers: A pilot interdisciplinary undergraduate teaching scheme in a district general hospital. Proceedings of the European Conference on Education,
Selected Presentations
Ha, M., Abdulrahman, L., Barnes, C., Hricz, N., & Rasko, Y.M. (2021). The Brazilian butt lift (BBL) in malpractice litigation: A nationwide analysis of legal documentation & consequences.The Aesthetics Meeting, Miami, Florida.
Ha, M., Ngaage, L.M., Kim, P.C., Smith, R.D., Izac, J.R, Slezak, S., Ernst, R.K, Harro, J., & Rasko, Y.M. (2023). The ideal degree of dilution for povidone-iodine as a breast implant irrigant solution: An in-vitro model. Plastic Surgery Research Council, Cleveland, Ohio.
Ha, M., Finkelstein, E., Hricz, N., Zhu, K., Simon, C., Qadri, A., Bluebond-Langner, R., Berli, J.U. & Rasko, Y.M. (2022). The demographic of academic surgeouns in the United States practicing gender-affirming surgery. Plastic Surgery The Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts.
Recognitions
Best Course Design and Best Syllabus, Faculty and Staff Awards, UDC Community College, 2026 Nominee, Annual Award for Excellence in Teaching, UDC, 2024 Postdoctoral Professional Development Award, The University of Maryland, 2022 Certificate of Appreciation, The Aesthetics Meeting, The Aesthetics Society, 2022 Winter Meeting Scholarship, American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, 2022 Best Oral Presentation: Breast, The American Society of Plastic Surgery, 2021
