Harlan Ira Wald

HARLAN I. WALD, M.D., J.D.

"I AM THRILLED TO USE MY MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE TOGETHER WITH MY LEGAL EXPERIENCE TO HELP VICTIMS OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ACHIEVE JUSTICE"

Early Education & Experience

Harlan I. Wald was born in New York City. He graduated from Duke University, and thereafter obtained his Medical Degree from the Duke University School of Medicine in 1968. Harlan then proceeded into a Surgical Internship and Residency at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. He was also awarded and completed a Fellowship in Hand Surgery at the University of Louisville School Of Medicine, in Kentucky. He continued his training and completed his Residency in General Surgery and served as Chief Resident in General Surgery at New York University Medical Center/Bellevue Medical Center in New York City. Following completion of his Residency in General Surgery, Harlan proceeded with further surgical specialty training and completed the Residency Program in Plastic Surgery at the University of California in 1975. Harlan has been awarded licenses to practice medicine in the states of North Carolina, Ohio, New York, Florida, and California, and still maintains a current license in Florida. He has been Board Certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery since 1974. Additionally, Harlan has been Board Certified in Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1977, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Medical Career

Harlan was in the private practice of medicine as a Plastic Surgeon in Hollywood, Florida for over 25 years. During that time he served as Chief of Surgery at Hollywood Medical Center, as well as Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery. Harlan also served as the Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Memorial Regional Hospital from 1994 to 2001. During his professional medical career, Harlan received numerous awards and honors including being named by Miami Metro Magazine in 1998 as one of the “Best Doctors in South Florida,” and was listed in the publication, “Guide to Top Doctors,” as one of the top Surgeons in his specialty. In 1987, Harlan was elected President of the Broward County Plastic Surgery Society. Harlan also was extensively involved in medical peer review for the State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, and served as a medical expert witness for both plaintiffs and physicians.

Medicine to Law

In 1990, while still actively practicing his surgical specialty, Harlan decided to obtain a Law Degree and pursue a new career in the legal profession, where he would be able to draw upon his medical knowledge and background. In 1995 Harlan graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Miami School of Law. He was also awarded membership in the “Order of the Coif” scholastic honor society. After passing the Florida Bar in 1996, he continued his surgical practice until 2001 when he retired from medicine to pursue the practice of law. Harlan had a longstanding desire to help the injured which stemmed from his years of medical practice. In 2006, after gaining experience in personal injury litigation, he joined a firm specializing in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death, Motor Vehicle Accident, Medical Malpractice, Aviation and Product Liability cases throughout Florida and nationally.

Unique Understanding

With his extensive medical training and experience, Harlan contributes to Kelley/Uustal by maximizing our clients' personal injury damages in all cases, as well as in the representation of clients who have suffered injuries or death as a result of the negligence of health care providers. Harlan is also a Licensed Aircraft Pilot with a Commercial Multi-Engine Instrument Rating and holds a Coast Guard 50 ton Master License, both of which provide him with a unique understanding of cases focusing on aviation, boating and watercraft accidents.

Membership and Community

He is a member of the Florida Justice Association, the American Association for Justice, the Broward County Justice Association, and the Palm Beach County Justice Association. He has been active within the community and served for many years as a board member of Temple Bat Yam and has also served as a member of the board of C.A.J.E., the Central Agency for Jewish Education of Broward County. He has also served as an active leader with the Boy Scouts of America. He also has been an invited presenter of Grand Rounds for the Plastic Surgery Division of Cleveland Clinic, Florida, as well as for both the Plastic Surgery Division and the General Surgery Division of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Harlan and his wife Karen have three adult children, and have resided in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for over thirty years.