One of the most satisfying parts of my career is teaching medical students and residents, and helping colleagues keep pace within this evolving field. While maintaining my plastic surgery practice in Chicago, I’ve enjoyed a 22-year affiliation with Northwestern University as professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery.
Of course, training future plastic surgeons requires me to keep my own skills sharp and to stay abreast of the latest developments. I’ve engaged in research throughout my career, including studies that have advanced the specific area of wound healing. Additionally, I’ve served on the editorial boards of peer-reviewed journals, including Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the Journal of the American College of Surgery, and Wound Repair and Regeneration.
One of the benefits of these academic endeavors was the ability to learn from others, even as I was teaching. Plastic surgery is such a dynamic field that doctors are continuously pursuing ways to make procedures even better. Reviewing others’ research and participating in educational symposiums is invaluable for surgeons as part of their continuing education.
Ultimately, these aren’t just theoretical exercises. Patients benefit when surgeons receive training in the latest techniques, which often will lead to improved results with less invasive procedures, along with shorter recovery times.
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