Dr. Winnie W. Lee, MD

Dr. Winnie W. Lee, MD, is a double board-certified surgeon in General Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery and is board-eligible in Cosmetic Surgery. She is widely recognized for her expertise in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures, blending her extensive surgical background with a passion for artistry and wellness. After earning national recognition with multiple Top Doctor Awards and becoming one of the youngest Chiefs of Thoracic Surgery in the United States, Dr. Lee transitioned into aesthetic medicine, founding her own medical surgical spa in Los Angeles. Her practice, fringe iQ, gained acclaim as one of LA’s premier medical spas and was featured on Destination LA, which named it among the best in the city. Today, Dr. Lee brings this unique blend of skill and innovation to Sarasota Surgical Arts, where she unites beauty and wellness through science-based care. Dr. Lee’s academic journey began at Cornell University, where she was a Howard Hughes Scholar. She earned her medical degree from West Virginia University School of Medicine, followed by a general surgery residency at Tufts–New England Medical Center. She then completed a prestigious residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which included advanced training in congenital heart surgery at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children. Pursuing her lifelong passion for aesthetic medicine, she completed a fellowship in cosmetic surgery under the mentorship of Dr. Alberico J. Sessa in Sarasota, Florida. Inspired by the vibrant community, she relocated her practice to Sarasota, where she now provides comprehensive surgical and non-surgical cosmetic services. Outside of her surgical career, Dr. Lee is a concert violinist who has performed at renowned venues such as Lincoln Hall and Alice Tully Hall in New York City and has taught violin using the Suzuki Method to children. A dedicated adventurer and athlete, she has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kinabalu, completed marathons and triathlons—including a Half Ironman—and continues to enjoy nature hikes, global travel, and the arts. She is currently writing an interactive children’s e-book, further reflecting her creativity and dedication to inspiring others.