Jessica Billig, M.D.

Jessica Billig, M.D.

  • Plastic Surgery
  • Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
  • Microsurgery

Biography

Jessica I. Billig, M.D., M.Sc., is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery and microsurgery.

Dr. Billig earned her medical degree at New York University. She completed an integrated plastic surgery residency at the University of Michigan Hospital, where she was named Administrative Chief Resident. She gained advanced training through a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University in St. Louis in the department of orthopaedic surgery. She also completed a fellowship in health services research through the National Clinician Scholars Program at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation. She earned a master’s degree in health and health care research from the University of Michigan.

She joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2023.

Dr. Billig’s research interests include health services, financial toxicity for hand and upper extremity care, and outcome analyses. She has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed articles and abstracts in her areas of expertise.

She belongs to multiple professional societies, including the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, and the American Association for Hand Surgery.

Personal Note

When she’s not at work, Dr. Billig enjoys running, cycling, traveling, and spending time with her family and dog.

Meet Dr. Billig

Dr. Jessica Billig is a skilled physician and researcher at UT Southwestern Medical Center, specializing in hand and upper extremity reconstruction and focusing her research on health policy. Trained in plastic and orthopedic surgery, she brings a unique blend of expertise to Parkland Memorial Hospital’s plastic surgery team.

Hand Reconstruction Surgery in Dallas, Texas

Dr. Billig's passion for hand reconstruction stems from the intricate complexity of the hand's anatomy, the biomechanical connections, and the fundamental role hands play in daily life.

"Patients don't realize how important their hands are until they have a problem," she says. "It's rewarding to be able to impact a person's life by restoring function to the hand."

As a plastic surgeon with a fellowship in orthopedic hand surgery, Dr. Billig possesses a comprehensive understanding of both soft tissue and peripheral nerve surgery, as well as bone reconstruction. This dual expertise positions her to tackle various hand and wrist issues, from general hand concerns to advanced procedures.

At Parkland Hospital, Dr. Billig has the opportunity to work with a diverse patient population. She is well-versed in treating sports-related injuries, chronic wrist pain, arthritis, and Dupuytren's contracture, using minimally invasive treatments such as arthroscopy.

"Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses a camera to look at, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint," Dr. Billig says. "This procedure significantly decreases downtime so patients can quickly return to everyday life."

Using the Latest Technology and Treatments in Hand Reconstruction in Dallas, Texas

UT Southwestern offers a comprehensive approach to patient care, allowing patients to manage all their health care needs in one place.

"At Parkland's hand clinic, the specialists work together to provide the best functional outcome for the patient using the latest technology and treatments to resolve a range of issues," Dr. Billig says. "The physicians are evidence-based, knowledgeable about what is new and exciting in the field, and patient-centric in their care."

Dr. Billig delivers a tailored approach for her patients.

"Everyone is unique, and I take this into consideration when treating patients," she says. "I strive to build a foundation of trust by partnering with my patient and creating an environment where shared decision-making is welcome. I don't want to dictate treatment. I aim to ensure a personalized and compassionate approach to help patients achieve their full potential."

Health Policy Enthusiast: Dr. Billig's Research Passion at Parkland Memorial Hospital

Dr. Billig devotes 50 percent of her time at Parkland to research, and she has a keen interest in health policy. Her two-year fellowship in health services research through the National Clinician Scholars Program at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation equips her with the tools to explore policy evaluation, insurance design, and the impact of health care systems on patients' financial well-being.

"One of the main reasons I joined Parkland was for the ability to continue my research on health policy," she says.

Whether Dr. Billig is treating a patient or focusing on health services research, she’s committed to improving the lives of patients through her expertise in hand and extremity reconstruction and her in-depth knowledge and continued dedication to health policy.

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Education & Training
  • Medical School - New York University School of Medicine (2010-2014)
  • Other Post Graduate Training - University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School (2018-2019), Health Services Research
  • Residency - University of Michigan (2014-2022), Plastic Surgery
  • Fellowship - Washington University in St. Louis (2022-2023), Hand & Upper Extremity
Professional Associations & Affiliations
  • American Association for Hand Surgery
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
Honors & Awards
  • Dean’s Scholar in Clinical Research 2023, UT Southwestern
  • COVID-19 Pandemic Meritorious Service Award 2020, University of Michigan Department of Surgery
  • Reed O. Dingman Research Day Best Clinical Research Presentation Award 2019, University of Michigan Section of Plastic Surgery
Books & Publications
  • Books
    • Flexor tendon repair and reconstruction in Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery (9th edition)
      Billig JI, Chung KC (2023), Philadelphia, PA, Wolter Kluwer
    • Rheumatoid hand in Reconstructive Plastic Surgery: An Atlas of Essential Procedures (1st edition)
      Billig JI, Rahgozar P, Chung KC (2021), New York, NY, Thieme Medical Publishers
    • Mutilating upper extremity injuries in Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery (8th edition)
      Billig JI, Chung KC (2020), Philadelphia, PA, Wolters Kluwer
Research
  • Health services research
  • Financial toxicity for hand and upper extremity care
  • Outcome analyses
  • Quality improvement in hand surgery

Clinical Focus

  • Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
  • Microsurgery

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