In memoriam: Dr. David G. Genecov
Dr. David G. Genecov
Dr. David G. Genecov, 59, adjunct associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University School of Dentistry, passed away Nov. 12, 2022.
“Dr. Genecov was a longtime, significant collaborator within our department,” said Dr. Bruno Ruest, associate professor and acting department head of biomedical sciences. “He will be missed by all who worked with him.”
Genecov, who joined the School of Dentistry faculty in 2001, was an internationally recognized expert in craniofacial surgery, specializing in craniomaxillofacial surgery for children and adults with congenital and acquired malformations.
He was the director of the International Craniofacial Institute and also worked with the Children’s Craniofacial Foundation and Smile Train, which helped children from all over the world. Genecov served as medical director of the Craniofacial Program at Medical City Children’s Hospital in Plano.
On the International Craniofacial Institute’s website, Genecov shared his philosophy. “Patients are, first and foremost, people. So that’s where my work begins: I treat every person with individual consideration to get a clear understanding of their specific circumstances. Once we’ve determined the appropriate treatment goals and methods, I apply my skills and experience to create both functional and aesthetic restoration. And as the field advances, I’m committed to ongoing improvement of my own skills as well, so that I can do whatever it takes to improve my patients’ quality of life.”
In 2003, Genecov was part of the team that separated the Egyptian twin boys who were conjoined at the head when he was on staff at Medical City Dallas. Once the twins were separated at Children’s Medical Center, they were transferred to Medical City Dallas, where Genecov was part of the team that reconstructed their heads.
He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Texas and completed his medical training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He completed general surgery residency at West Virginia University and his plastic surgery residency at Wake Forest University-Bowman Gray School of Medicine. Genecov completed a fellowship at the International Craniofacial Institute and later became the director, taking over for the institute’s founder, Dr. Kenneth Salyer.
He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Academy of Pediatrics. He was a member of the Dallas County Medical Society, the Texas Medical Association, the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons and the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons.
His father, the late Dr. Edward Genecov, graduated from the School of Dentistry in 1956 and served on the orthodontic faculty until 2009. His brother, Dr. Jeff Genecov graduated from the dental school in 1985 and earned a graduate degree in 1987. He currently serves on the Department of Orthodontic faculty.
Funeral services were Nov. 15 in Dallas. Dr. Genecov is survived by his wife, Lisa; his sons, Michael, Max and Matthew; his daughter, Meghan; and one grandchild, Liliana.
