Dr. Howland has distinguished himself in plastic and reconstructive surgery through extensive scientific and clinical research. His academic excellence placed him among the elite, enabling his acceptance into the prestigious six-year integrated plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, TX, a program reserved for the nation's most promising medical students. Throughout his residency, Dr. Howland was dedicated to expanding his knowledge in plastic surgery, contributing significantly to the field through presentations at over 20 local and national conferences, along with numerous publications in journals and contributions to book chapters.

His quest for knowledge and excellence took him through rotations at some of the world's foremost medical institutions, which allowed him to train alongside globally renowned plastic surgeons at institutions, such as the John Sealy Hospital, Shriners Burn Hospital for Children, MD Anderson Cancer Center, St. Joseph Medical Center, The Cronin-Brauer Cleft Lip and Palate Clinic at Shriners Hospital, and Houston Methodist St. John Hospital. With his diverse and rich training background, Dr. Howland holds a unique perspective on plastic and reconstructive surgery, positioning him as a leading specialist in his field.