Dr. Maroon received an athletic scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana where as an undergraduate, he was named a Scholastic All-American in football. Dr. Maroon has successfully maintained his personal athletic interests through participation in 9 marathons and more than 72 Olympic-distance triathlon events. However, his greatest athletic accomplishment is his participation in 8 Ironman triathlons (Hawaii – 1993, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2013; Canada – 1995; New Zealand – 1997; Germany – 2000), where he usually finishes in the top 10 of his age group. Recently, in July 2012 and 2013, he finished second and third, respectively, in his age group in the Muncie, Indiana half Ironman triathlon. In October 2013 he completed his 5th World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii.Dr. Joseph Maroon lecturer at the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS)
Pictured: Dr Maroon and Dr. J. Peter Rubin (past president of IFATS and Endowed Professor and Chair of Plastic Surgery at UPMC)
Oct 1, 2026 Dr. Joseph Maroon was the invited guest lecturer at the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) on October 11, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. IFATS is a scientific society founded in 2002 that serves as the world’s only interdisciplinary organization focused on adipose (fat) tissue biology and applied technology. Its mission is to advance the understanding of adipose biology; unite science, medical and industrial professionals; and translate research into
therapeutic applications for regenerative medicine.
Senior plastic and reconstructive surgeons from Sweden, France and the United States presented their innovative work on the use of adipose derived stem cells for reconstructive surgery, gene therapy and the use of exosomes for tissue regeneration during the two-day symposium. at the University Club in Pittsburgh.
Dr. Maroon, Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at UPMC, spoke on “Epigenetic Research Supporting the Six Pillars of Healthy Aging.” His presentation was complimented by Dr. Toren Finkel, director of the University of Pittsburgh Aging Institute who spoke on “Breaking Barriers to Longevity: Developing New Therapies in Aging and Age-Related Diseases,” and Dr. Chandan Sen, director of the McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh who spoke on “Gene Therapy for Tissue Regeneration: The Future is Here.”
International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science (IFATS) is the official leading source for information regarding adipose biology and related technology. IFATS is a non-profit scientific society that promotes the exchange of information among researchers. The Society does not endorse, certify, or otherwise provide recommendations about any specific treatments or practitioners. Membership in the Society does not involve a review of treatments offered by the member.
Objectives
- To bring together as members, professionals of the science, medical and industry areas for productive collaborations around the adipose tissue research in all its possible fields.
- To create a platform where our members can collaborate actively, discuss, comment and share information which may be directly translated to therapeutic applications.
- IFATS is currently the world’s only interdisciplinary fat tissue society. We are committed to serve as the premier global incubator in the field of fat applied technology.
Our Areas of Interest
IFATS current scientific areas of interest relate to facilitating the development of treatments for excess body fat, the generation of new fat tissue for reconstruction after cancer or birth-related defects and the use of adipose tissue as a source of mesenchymal stem cells that have the potential to regenerate and repair different body tissues.