Alison Carter, RN

Meet Alison, Your Dedicated Registered Nurse

Featured on tlc,HBO Max, and Discovery Channel
As a dedicated Registered Nurse at Gruber Plastic Surgery, my mission is to ensure each patient's journey is smooth, safe, and supportive. With a focus on personalized care, I am committed to understanding your unique goals and providing encouragement and reassurance throughout the surgical process. I aim to contribute to your successful transformation by combining medical expertise with compassionate care, ensuring your health, happiness, and confidence are our top priorities.
Alison Carter, RN
Registered Nurse

My story

Hi! My name is Alison, and I am a Registered Nurse. I have the privilege of working with Dr. Gruber's Team on the medical side as we prepare you for a safe and successful surgery.

Originally an Oregon native, I achieved a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Portland and have ten years of experience working in the nursing profession.

My background is in Emergency Medicine, and while I love the intensity of the ER, Plastic Surgery offers a fascinating combination of medicine and artistry that is rewarding to take part in. Working as Dr. Gruber's Nurse allows me to connect more deeply with patients, understand each person's unique and exciting goals, help reassure and inform patients, and encourage you as we move towards a life-changing transformation! Our team is committed to excellence, and your happiness is our most outstanding achievement.

Awards & certifications
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Portland
Awards
  • 2024
  • Newsweek Top Doctor - Plastic Surgery
  • 2024
  • Castle-Connolly Top Doctor - Plastic Surgery
  • 2023
  • RealSelf Top100 Doctor
  • ReaSelf Verified Doctor
  • 2017 -2024
  • RealSelf Top Docs
  • 2020
  • American Registry - America’s Most Honored Doctors
  • 2014
  • VitalsTop Ten Doctor in the State - Plastic Surgeon Specialist
  • 2012-2017
  • American Registry - Most Compassionate Doctor
  • 2011-2017
  • American Registry - Patient Choice Award
  • 1992 -2000
  • Carle Cancer Center Research Grant
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • 1998
  • Chrysalis Program
    American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
  • 1996
  • Outstanding Speaker Award        
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • 1995
  • Monsanto Research Award
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • 1995
  • Graduate College Conference Award
    University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
  • 1992
  • Graduation with Honors  
    University of California at Berkeley
Publications and Presentations
  • DonaldH. Lalonde, Meegan Gruber, et al. (2024)
  • “New Frontiers in Wide Awake Surgery.” Plast. Recon.Surg. V153, N6
  • Meegan M.Gruber and Thomas T. Tung (2005)
  • Anatomic Variability and Internal Topography of the Human Tibial Nerve
  • Meegan M.Gruber and Christine J. Cheng (2004)
  • Characteristics of Metacarpal Fractures that Result in Extensor Lag
  • Thomas C.Manning, Laurie A. Rund, Meegan M. Gruber, Francesca Fallarino, Thomas F.Gajewski,and David M. Kranz (1997)
  • Antigen Recognition and Allogeneic Tutor Rejection in CD8+TCR Transgenic/RAG-/-Mice
  • Meegan M.Gruber and David M. Kranz (1996)
  • Bispecific Single Chain Antibodies in Breast Cancer Immunotherapy
  • David M. Kranz,Meegan Gruber, and Erik R.Wilson (1995)
  • Properties of Bispecifc Single Chain Antibodies Expressed in Escherichia coli
  • Meegan M.Gruber and David M. Kranz (1995)
  • Susceptibility of Breast Cancer Cells to Lysis Mediated by a Bispecific Single Chain Antibody and Cytotoxic T Cells
  • Meegan Gruber, Beth A. Schodin, Erik R. Wilson, and David M. Kranz (1994)
  • Efficient Tumor Cell Lysis Mediated by a Bispecifc Single Chain Antibody Expressed in Escherichia coli
Lectures
  • 2024 American Society of Plastic Surgeons - National Meeting
  • ”ABC’s of Anesthesia in Body Contouring - How far can we go with as little as possible."
    ”Tips and Tricks of Expert Fat Grafting in Breast Reconstruction”
    ”What is Lipedema?”
  • 2023 American Society of Plastic Surgeons - National Meeting
  • ”ABC’s of Anesthesia and Body Contouring”
  • 2022 American Society of Plastic Surgeons - National Meeting
  • ” New Trends in Abdominoplasty”
  • 2022 American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Spring Meeting
  • “Advances in Awake Liposuction”
  • 2021 American Society of Plastic Surgeons - National Meeting Boston, MA
  • “Advances in BBL techniques”
    “Advances in Liposuction”
    “Extreme Abdominal Lipo”
  • 2021 American Society of Plastic Surgeons Spring Meeting
  • “Awake Surgery”
  • 2020 Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • “Awake Liposuction”
  • 2019 WPS Retreat Nashville, TN
  • “Advances in Awake Liposuction”
Professional Memberships
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
  • Tampa Bay Area Plastic Surgeons

Education
  • 2000 - 2005
  • Residency- Washington University / Barnes-Jewish Hospital - Combined
    Program in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
    Program Director – Keith Brandt, MD
  • 1992 - 2000
  • MD/PhD -University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Medical Scholars Program
    College of Medicine/Department of Biochemistry
    Thesis Title: “Development of a Novel Antibody Molecule for Redirected T Cell Immunity to Tumor Cells: The Bispecific Single Chain Antibody.”
    Principal Investigator – David M. Kranz, PhD
  • 1997
  • Postdoctoral Research - Stanford University
    Principal Investigator – Alan Krensky, MD
    Division of Immunology and Transplant Biology, Department of Pediatrics
  • 1988 - 1992
  • Undergraduate -University of California at Berkeley
    BA - Department of Molecular and Cell Biology
    BA - Department of Ethnic Studies
Board Certifications
  • 2016
  • American Board of Plastic Surgery 10 year Re-certification
  • 2006
  • American Board of Plastic Surgery
Medical Licenses
  • 2017 - present
  • State of Florida
  • 2005 - 2017
  • State of Oregon
  • 2000 - 2005
  • State of Missouri
Active Status
  • 2021- Present
  • Owner / Plastic Surgeon
    Gruber Plastic Surgery Tampa, FL
Previous Positions
  • 2017 - 2021
  • Plastic Surgeon
    Artistic Liposuction and Plastic Surgery
    Tampa, FL
  • 2016 - 2017
  • Medical Director, Plastic Surgeon
    Athenix Medical Group
    Portland, OR
  • 2008 - 2015
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
    Providence Medical Group
    Portland, OR
  • 2005 - 2008
  • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
    Silverton Hospital
    Silverton, OR
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