Matt Rontal, M.D., is an ENT surgeon specializing in cleft and reconstructive surgery of the craniofacial skeleton, the face, and the head and neck.  Dr. Rontal studied from 1989-1997 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Russian and American History and then his M.D. Dr. Rontal spent the next 3 years in Philadelphia where he completed an internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center and two years of research studying developmental neurobiology of the inner ear at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. From 2000-2005, Dr. Rontal returned to the University of Michigan to complete his residency in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, during which time he concentrated on anterior skull base and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Rontal then completed a Fellowship in cleft and craniofacial surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY. During this time, he worked with Dr. Shprintzen and was introduced to velo-cardio-facial syndrome and its treatment. In 2006, Dr. Rontal joined the practice of the renowned Ian T. Jackson at the Craniofacial Institute in Southfield, Michigan. During the next three years, Dr. Rontal worked closely with Dr. Jackson, built on his training, and developed a practice in cleft and craniofacial surgery. Since 2009, Dr. Rontal has been in private practice at the Rontal-Akervall Clinic in Farmington Hills, Michigan. His practice remains devoted entirely to facial, craniofacial, and head and neck reconstruction.  He has also performed complex pediatric craniofacial surgery during two surgical missions to Davao, Phillipines and is planning a mission to perform and teach cleft surgery in Kakamega, Kenya. Dr. Rontal is an active member of the Ian Jackson Craniofacial Institute at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan where he is fortunate to work closely with Dr. Ysunza, also a member of the Virtual Center’s team of experts. Dr. Rontal has presented at local, state, regional and national meetings on novel techniques in craniofacial reconstruction and surgery.