An inside interview with LocateADoc.com
Describe the most rewarding experience that you have had working with a patient?
My most rewarding experience with a patient is when, after their surgery, they refer their family and friends to my care. To me this is the ultimate compliment: when a patient trusts you to deliver the same unparalleled results and care for their loved ones as they received.
What is your charity organization of choice and why?
Since I spent 10 years in the USAF, I'm partial to the men and women in uniform. I support the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
What does living in the Bellevue community mean to you?
We've lived in this community for over 12 years. Bellevue has undergone tremendous growth during this period and there's no slow down in sight. Although it's very urban, it is very close to a lot of rural areas. Within 15-30 minutes you can enjoy numerous outdoor activities, with hiking and biking on the many trails.
What makes your specialties the right fields of medicine for you?
I'm very fortunate to be a plastic surgeon at this time. In the last decade there were major advances in medicine and surgery that have made it possible for me to offer mutliple options to my patients. With improved surgical techniques, advances in anesthesia and instrumentation, I can do major surgery as an outpatient as opposed to 4-5 days stay in the hospital, which was the case even a few years ago. This decreases the risk of complications, infections and medication mixups that you hear so much about in the news lately.
Finish this sentence: If I weren't a doctor I would be___.
If I weren't a doctor I would be a sculptor. I love creating with my hands. When I examine let's say, a massive weight loss patient, in my mind I know what I want and what is possible to create, to return that person to a "normal" body contour.
When (your age) did you first realize you wanted to become a surgeon? And did you experience anything in particular to motivate you to achieve this prestigious goal?
At age 7 I decided I wanted to be a surgeon. A friend of the family was a very talented surgeon. I wanted to emulate him and the amazing work he accomplished.
Can you tell us in your own words what you consider a perfect outcome of a surgical procedure?
A perfect outcome of a surgical procedure is when the patient is happy with the results. As a surgeon, I tend to be too critical. That is one reason why I take preop and postop photos, to learn from them and aim to do better with the next patient. I also tell patients that I only have the material to work with that they bring me (i.e. their tissues), and I have to use my surgical judgement and experience to give them the best results.
What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?
Eight years ago I started doing a short scar breast reduction/lift procedure. It's been a tremendous boost to my breast surgery practice. No woman wants a long scar on her chest or cleavage, this would limit her choice in clothing and swimwear. My favorite procedure is an abdominoplasty with liposuction of the back, hips and buttocks in combination with a short scar breast lift/reduction or augmentation. It is very powerful, and truly makes one feel like a sculptor.
What procedure would you like to do more of and why?
I like body/breast/extremity contouring procedures. With the exponential increase in the number of bariatric surgical patients, I see an increased case load of patients seeking body contouring after their massive weight loss.This surgery is difficult, but extremely rewarding for both the patient and surgeon. The newly found self confidence, increased physical activity, stripped away shyness and embarrasment about their looks, not to mention the multitude of arrested or reversed medical conditions, makes me want to do more.I also get great satisfaction from facial rejuvenation. Now, with multiple techniques I can create a very natural look. Patients are always concerned about being "overdone" or might end up looking different, but not younger or more rested. With the newer techniques the healing time ishorter as well.
In a perfect world, when would you like to retire, where would you go and what would you do?
Never. I love surgery. This is a specialty which delivers results. Unfortunately, I do have to think about retirement at some point. I'm in excellent health though, and hope to practice for at least another 15 years.
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