MEET DOC - The Prescription for a Better Florida
Dr. Eric “Doc” Stelnicki is a husband, father, grandfather, surgeon, business owner, and community advocate dedicated to making a difference. He has spent his career improving the lives of children and families, not only through his groundbreaking work in pediatric plastic and craniofacial surgery but also as a leader in business and healthcare.
Now, he is ready to bring his leadership, expertise, and passion for service to the community in a new way. With a track record of solving complex problems, advocating for families, and building innovative solutions, Dr. Eric Stelnicki is committed to making a meaningful impact for the people he serves.
A graduate of the University of Florida with high honors, Dr. Stelnicki went on to train at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country, including Washington University School of Medicine, the University of California San Francisco, and NYU Medical Center. As a board-certified Plastic, Pediatric Plastic, and Craniofacial Surgeon, he founded and established the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Cleft and Craniofacial Center—one of only four state-designated centers of excellence in Florida for the care of children with cleft lip, palate, and other complex craniofacial disorders. He is also the founder of his current practice, Children’s Plastic Surgery Institute of Florida, LLC. His leadership extends beyond the operating room—he has built one of the largest pediatric plastic surgery practices in the Southeast and served as a national leader in pediatric surgical specialties.
Dr. Stelnicki is also a major contributor to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and the Memorial Foundation. Last year alone, he helped raise over $50,000 in support of their vital mission.
Dr. Stelnicki is a dedicated philanthropist, serving as the Founder and Chairman of the Facing It Together Foundation and leading humanitarian medical missions through Operation Smile, Interplast South, and the Yucatan Crippled Children’s Project. His commitment to serving others extends beyond medicine—he understands the challenges of running a business, managing healthcare systems, and leading organizations to success.
Doc and his wife, Melissa Stelnicki, RN MSN, share a deep commitment to service and family. Together, they have five wonderful daughters: Marisa Levin (30), her husband Dylan and their daughter India; Kaitlyn Stelnicki (26); Ella Stelnicki (10); Ava Stelnicki (9); and Caroline Stelnicki (6).