PRS Global Open Deep Cuts

In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Moreira, renowned plastic surgeon, breast reconstruction expert, and global health advocate, to explore the remarkable journey behind her career and the wisdom she's gained along the way.

Dr. Moreira shares the personal story behind why she chose medicine, what it was like training at the University of Pará in Brazil, and the emotional and professional challenges of repeating medical school after moving to the United States. She walks us through the differences she observed between residency training in Brazil and the U.S., her path through two residencies at the Cleveland Clinic, and her progression into leadership roles at major institutions including the Cleveland Clinic and UPMC, where she now serves as Director of Innovation for Breast Reconstruction Services and Chief of Plastic Surgery at Magee Women's Hospital.

We dive into her cutting-edge work in robotic-assisted microsurgery, breast neurotization, and direct-to-implant reconstruction, as well as her experiences in research, teaching, and global health missions. Dr. Moreira also opens up about the mentors who shaped her career, how she and her husband navigate life as a dual-physician couple, and how trainees can identify the right program or environment for their stage of development.

Whether you're a medical student, resident, or aspiring plastic surgeon, Dr. Moreira offers thoughtful advice on when, and how, to get involved, the value of microsurgery training, and what she wishes more young surgeons knew.

A candid, inspiring conversation with one of the field's most forward-thinking leaders.

Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Moreira and co-authors, "Learning Curve Analysis for Robotic-assisted Harvest of Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap": https://bit.ly/Robotic_DIEP_GOX

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Babak Mehrara, an internationally recognized leader in oncologic reconstruction and Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mehrara shares the remarkable journey that shaped his career, beginning with his move from Iran to the United States and the path that led him into medicine.

We explore how Dr. Mehrara chose his medical school, the mentors who influenced his development, and the pivotal moments that guided him toward plastic surgery. Dr. Mehrara offers a candid look at the personalities within different surgical subspecialties, how he thinks about broadening or narrowing a practice, and why he believes plastic surgery holds unique value within the field of medicine.

Dr. Mehrara opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of the operating room, and he discusses the "buddy system" he pioneered to foster healthier, more effective teamwork in high-stakes clinical environments.

With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles at MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College, and the NIH-funded Lymphatic Biology Lab, as well as his current service as President of The Plastic Surgery Foundation (2025–2026), Dr. Mehrara brings a rare blend of clinical and scientific insight to this conversation—offering inspiration and guidance for trainees, surgeons, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of reconstructive care.

Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Mehrara and co-authors, "Thigh-based Breast Reconstruction: A Decade of Experience With the Diagonal Upper Gracilis Flap": bit.ly/DUG_Flap_10_Yrs_Mehrara

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Devinder Singh talked about balancing the role of being a surgeon and a Division Chief, how he went about growing and rejuvenating the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, the differences between a community hospital and academic hospital setting, why he enjoys doing the job of a circulating nurse, his unique experience being the chair of the Maryland State Medical Board, his approach to pre-pectoral implant based breast reconstruction, why he thinks negative pressure therapy is helpful in reducing complications, how he salvages infected implant based reconstruction, why chief residents need more time in the clinic rather than the OR, and the special quality assurance conference format he has instituted at Miami.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Dr. Singh reports consulting relationships with Solventum and IC Surgical; several products from these companies were discussed in this episode.

Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Singh and co-authors, "The Efficacy of Single-Application NPWTi-d for the Salvage of Infected Breast Prostheses: A Multi-Center Study": https://bit.ly/npwti-d-salvage

Dr. Devinder Singh is the Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami Health System and a professor of surgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Previously he was the Chief and Medical Director of Plastic Surgery at the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis and a faculty member at the University of Maryland School of medicine and Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Singh completed medical school at Columbia University, and a combined plastic surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital. He has previously served as the Chair of the Board of Physicians of the State of Maryland. He has also served as chair of the ASPS legislative advocacy committee, and on the board of governors for PlastyPac, and the ASPS judicial council.

Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, we sat down Dr. Kevin C. Chung, one of the most influential figures in modern plastic and hand surgery. Dr. Chung is the William C. Grabb Distinguished University Professor of Surgery and the Charles B. G. De Nancrede Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan. A globally respected surgeon-scientist, he has authored more than 850 peer-reviewed papers, 600 book chapters, and 41 textbooks, and served as the 7th Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His leadership roles span the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and the Plastic Surgery Foundation, among many others.

We explore Dr. Chung's personal journey into medicine, beginning with whether he always envisioned becoming a doctor and what alternate career paths he once considered. He reflects on the mentors who guided him toward plastic surgery and shares how his training experiences: from general surgery in Texas, to plastic surgery at the University of Michigan, to hand surgery at the renowned Curtis National Hand Center, shaped his philosophy as a surgeon and educator.

Dr. Chung shares thoughtful reflections on the contrasts he has observed between practicing medicine in America moving from Singapore, and he discusses the pivotal moment that led him to specialize in hand surgery. He also talks about how surgeons can recognize when it may be appropriate to narrow or refine their scope of practice. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Chung opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of medicine and the philosophy he follows to prevent burnout throughout a demanding and highly productive career. Tune in for rare insight and invaluable perspective from one of plastic surgery's most accomplished leaders.

Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chung and co-authors, "Out-of-pocket Costs and Total Payments for Common Congenital Hand Difference Procedures": https://bit.ly/Congenital-Hand-Costs-Chung

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Tormod Westvik talked about his diverse journey through the world of plastic surgery—from navigating residency training programs in America, Norway, and Australia to balancing algorithmic decision-making with highly individualized patient care. He shares why returning to first principles is essential in every clinical encounter, how serving as Section Editor for Case Reports in PRS Global Open has reshaped his surgical thinking, and the leadership lessons he carries forward from his mentors. Dr. Westvik also offers a memorable glimpse into his life outside the OR—including the surprising tool he uses to slice pizzas.

Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chuang and co-authors, "The Value of Case Reports in Plastic Surgery: An Analysis of 68,444 Articles across Six Major Plastic Surgery Journals": https://bit.ly/Value_of_PS_Case_Reports

Dr. Tormod Westvik is a board-certified plastic surgeon and an Associate Professor in the department of plastic surgery at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. He completed medical school at the University of Oslo in 2001, followed by general surgery residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, and a plastic surgery residency at Harvard University. He returned to Norway where he became the Chief of Plastic Surgery and Program Director of the plastic surgery training program at Telemark Hospital Health Trust. After 12 years practicing in Norway, he spent a year in Queensland, Australia, returning to Yale in April 2025. He is the past president of the Norwegian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the past vice president of the Norwegian Association for Plastic Surgeons, the Norwegian representative to the ASPS Global Leadership Forum, the Section Editor for case reports at Plastic Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, and a member of multiple committees within ASPS. Dr. Westvik has a broad plastic surgery practice including breast reconstruction, hand surgery, body contouring and facial aesthetic surgery, and general reconstruction. He is also leading the storied melanoma program at Yale, founded in 1976 by Dr. Stephan Ariyan.

Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Professor Venkat Ramakrishnan, a globally respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over four decades of experience.

Known for his pioneering work in microsurgical breast reconstruction, Prof. Ramakrishnan has performed more than 1,500 DIEP and TUG flap procedures and currently leads the Breast Reconstruction Service at the renowned St. Andrew's Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns in Chelmsford, UK. His private practice spans Brentwood and Southend-on-Sea, and he continues to be a leading figure in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, as well as a mentor through his fellowship program and professorship at Anglia Ruskin University.

In this conversation, Prof. Ramakrishnan shares the personal and professional journey that led him into plastic surgery, including his decision to train in Australia to build an independent career, rather than follow in the footsteps of his father, a prominent plastic surgeon in India. We explore his international training experience across India, Australia, and the United States, and how these shaped his unique surgical perspective and relentless focus on efficiency in the operating room. He also offers insight into managing work-life balance, a topic particularly resonant for younger surgeons navigating demanding careers.

We round out the discussion with Prof. Ramakrishnan's views on the role of AI in plastic surgery—where he sees both promise and limitations—and reflections on the moment he considers his proudest professional achievement. With warmth, honesty, and a wealth of experience, Prof. Ramakrishnan offers invaluable lessons for surgeons at every stage of their careers.

Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Ramakrishnan and co-authors, "The "Needle-splint" Technique: A Method of Accurate Apposition and Eversion during Microvascular Anastomosis": https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2020/01000/the__needle_splint__technique__a_method_of.29.aspx

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. David Chwei-Chin Chuang discussed his career in nerve surgery, the importance of accurate diagnosis in brachial plexus reconstruction, and how he goes about documenting his evaluations and his surgeries, how he treats patients with aberrant motor reinnervation and synkinesis in the face and upper extremity, his approach to counseling patients before these complex surgeries, how to prevent burnout, and the future of nerve surgery. Dr. Chuang was joined by his nerve fellow Dr. Jing Tay, who provided insights into his experience working with Dr. Chuang, and the differences in the training models he has experienced in Taiwan and England.

Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chuang and co-authors, "Postparalysis Facial Synkinesis Clinical Classification and Surgical Strategies": https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2015/03000/postparalysis_facial_synkinesis__clinical.7.aspx

Dr. Chuang is a Professor of Surgery at Wan Fang Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. He earned his medical degree from Kaohsiung Medical College in Taiwan and completed his internship and general surgery residency at the Veterans General Hospital in Taipei. He did a plastic surgery residency under Dr. Samuel Noordhoff at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei, followed by extensive fellowship training with Dr. Terzis in Virginia, Dr. Narakas in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dr. Millesi in Vienna, Austria, and Dr. Kondo in Taiwan. He worked at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taipei as a Professor of Surgery until 2024, and then joined the Wan Fang Hospital.

Dr. Jing Tay is a nerve reconstruction fellow working with Professor David Chuang at Wan Fang Hospital. He trained in plastic surgery in Oxford, England, and holds a PhD in Biomedical sciences and an executive MBA. He is the current Chair of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons International Residents Forum and serves as the UK's national trainee lead for the lymphedema special interest group.

Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steven Williams for an inspiring and candid conversation that goes beyond the surface of success. We dive into the moments that shaped his journey — from battling imposter syndrome to finding his calling in plastic surgery, and from his experiences at Yale University to building a technology company while still in residency. Dr. Williams reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the influences that guided him, what it means to lead as president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and his vision for breaking barriers and expanding access to care in the communities he serves.

Dr. Williams is a board-certified plastic surgeon, founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, California, and the 2023-2024 president of the ASPS, the world's largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons. He earned his undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and went on to complete medical school and residency at Yale University, where he made history as the first African American to graduate from Yale's plastic surgery program. His career is marked by a dedication to excellence, education, and representation in medicine.

As the first African American president of ASPS, Dr. Williams has focused his leadership on technology, innovation, and diversity — ensuring that plastic surgery continues to advance while remaining inclusive and accessible. His story is one of perseverance and purpose, illustrating how leadership, vision, and compassion can shape not only a career but an entire specialty.

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jesse Selber, a trailblazer in plastic surgery and a bold leader shaping the future of healthcare. With a career that spans cutting-edge clinical innovation, high-impact leadership, and groundbreaking surgical achievements, including the world's first robotic plastic surgery program and a historic multi-organ transplant. Dr. Selber offers a rare perspective at the intersection of medicine, technology, and strategy.

Currently serving as Interim Chief Medical Officer and Chief of Surgical Services at Corewell Health East, Dr. Selber shares his journey into plastic surgery, his thoughts on the evolving relationship between reconstructive and aesthetic work, and what it means to be an "intuitive surgeon."

We also dive deep into his leadership philosophy: the mentors who shaped him, how he adapts his leadership style across roles, and what it takes to unify teams behind ambitious goals. From robotics to AI, from building surgical programs to transforming entire health systems, Dr. Selber reflects on the innovations he's championed, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Whether you're a surgeon, healthcare leader, or someone curious about the future of medicine, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. Tune in for a powerful conversation with one of the most visionary minds in modern surgery.

Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Selber and co-authors, "An Updated Classification: Important Branching and Perforator Patterns in Robotic-assisted Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator Flaps": https://bit.ly/GOX_Robotic-DIEP_Selber

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Hari Venkatramani, one of India's foremost plastic and reconstructive surgeons, uncovers the human story behind the scalpel. From growing up in various cities due to his father's career as an air marshal, to the formative lessons that shaped his resilience and adaptability, Dr. Venkatramani reflects on how early experiences have guided his professional journey. He opens up about what initially drew him to the intricate world of plastic surgery, the personal joys he finds in the operating room, and the fulfillment that comes from changing lives -- often in the most critical of moments.

We also explore the personal side of his story -- how he met his wife, how he balances intense professional demands with life outside the hospital, and what he believes is his most meaningful contribution to the specialty. It's an honest, engaging, and inspiring conversation that offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a world-renowned surgeon. Whether you're in medicine, leadership, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insight and humanity.

Read a classic PRS Global Open case report by Dr. Venkatramani, "Reconstruction of a Monodactylous Hand with Microsurgical Free Foot-to-Hand Transfer in Split-Hand/Split-Foot Malformation with Tibial Aplasia": https://bit.ly/GOX20_Monodactylous_Hand

Dr. Hari Venkatramani, MBBS, MS, MCh, DNB, EDHS, is a Senior Consultant in Plastic and Trauma Reconstructive Surgery at the internationally acclaimed Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore. A pioneering figure in reconstructive microsurgery and nerve surgery, he currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI), President-Elect of the Indian Society for Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and Secretary of both the Indian Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the Brachial Plexus Surgery Group of India.

His academic and clinical contributions span over 200 national and international presentations, numerous awards including the prestigious Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy Leadership Award and multiple best paper prizes, and visiting professorships at institutions like NYU and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Venkatramani's areas of expertise include complex limb trauma, brachial plexus injuries, congenital hand reconstruction, and lymphedema surgery. His innovation in microsurgery, coupled with a deep commitment to teaching and research, has left a significant impact on the field -- not just in India, but globally.

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 3 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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