Jennifer Kargel, M.D.

Jennifer Kargel, M.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. As the Section Chief of Plastic Surgery and Director of Hand Surgery at the VA North Texas Health Care System, she performs hand surgery and reconstructive plastic surgery for veterans and active military personnel. Through Children’s Health, she provides treatment for pediatric and congenital hand conditions, as well as brachial plexus and peripheral nerve pathology, with clinics at both Dallas and Plano campuses.

Dr. Kargel earned her medical degree and completed a residency in plastic surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. She received advanced training in hand surgery and microsurgery through a fellowship at UT Southwestern Medical School.

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in both plastic surgery and hand surgery, she joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2014. Medical education is one of her passions, and she serves as an associate program director for the integrated and independent plastic surgery residency programs at UT Southwestern, helping to shape the academic experience for trainees in the plastic surgery residency and hand fellowship programs through lectures, one on one teaching, and program reform.

Dr. Kargel is an active member in local, regional, and national professional organizations such as the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Texas Medical Association, the Dallas County Medical Society, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, and the American association of Hand Surgery. She serves on multiple local committees that focus on faculty diversity, inclusion, wellness, and development, and serves as the chair of the Young Plastic Surgeons Committee of Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons.

She has delivered numerous presentations locally, regionally, and nationally, and has published several academic articles.

Personal Note

Born and raised in Texas, Dr. Kargel lives in the Dallas area with her husband, daughter, and collection of family pets. Her interests outside of medicine are varied and include cooking, baking, gardening, reading, watching movies, painting, and drawing.