Guest: Dr. Sherrell J. Aston, Renowned Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon & Educator

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this insightful episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis engage with Dr. Sherrell Aston, one of the most influential figures in aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Aston shares his journey from humble beginnings in rural Virginia to becoming an internationally recognized expert in facelifts and aesthetic innovation. His storied career includes training at esteemed institutions like UVA, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and NYU, where he significantly advanced the field of facial plastic surgery.

Dr. Aston candidly discusses the evolution of facelift techniques, from early innovations in SMAS and platysmal approaches to contemporary deep-plane and composite facelifts. He also offers personal anecdotes about balancing academic rigor with private practice, his philosophies on mentorship, patient care, and lifelong learning.

Whether you're a surgical trainee, an established plastic surgeon, or simply fascinated by the world of aesthetic surgery, this episode offers rare insights from a pioneer whose work has shaped generations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

●      Dr. Aston’s pioneering journey through general and plastic surgery residencies

●      The history and evolution of the facelift, including SMAS and deep-plane techniques

●      His early career challenges and how he integrated private practice with academic surgery

●      Reflections on mentorship and his impactful training legacy at NYU

●      Dr. Aston’s unique insights into patient care and surgical innovation

●      The importance of maintaining physical fitness and balance as a surgeon

Quotable Moments:

●      "Every facelift I do is a '10' until the bandage is on."

●      "Pursue what your heart tells you, otherwise you won't be truly happy."

●      "You learn from everyone—you must leave every meeting knowing something new."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): Sherrell Aston podcast, facelift pioneer, aesthetic plastic surgery, SMAS facelift, deep-plane facelift, aesthetic surgery education, plastic surgery mentorship, surgical innovation, NYU plastic surgery, The DIEP End podcast, UVA medicine, Johns Hopkins plastic surgery

Follow The DIEP End:

●      Instagram & YouTube: @thedeependpodcast

●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

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Guest: Dr. Paul Nassif, Celebrity Facial Plastic Surgeon & TV Personality

Podcast: the DIEP end

Episode Summary:

In this lively episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Hank Davis sit down with Dr. Paul Nassif, a renowned facial plastic surgeon widely recognized from his roles on popular TV shows like Botched and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Dr. Nassif takes listeners behind the scenes of his extraordinary life, sharing how his Lebanese upbringing, early business ventures, and celebrity encounters shaped his journey into becoming one of the world’s most respected facial plastic surgeons.

From stories about running a bustling Hollywood restaurant while waiting for medical school acceptance to reflections on the personal and professional challenges of practicing high-stakes revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Nassif offers valuable insights into resilience, innovation, and the realities of life in the public eye. This conversation is perfect for aspiring surgeons, medical enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the intersection of medicine, media, and entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

●      How Dr. Nassif leveraged his restaurant business skills into his surgical practice

●      Behind-the-scenes insights from the hit show Botched

●      Dr. Nassif’s path from ENT residency to becoming a leader in facial aesthetics

●      Why mentorship and hands-on experience are critical to surgical success

●      The challenges and rewards of public-facing medicine

●      Advice for patients seeking complex revision surgery

●      The influence of Dr. Nassif’s Lebanese-American heritage on his career

Quotable Moments:

●      "I opened a restaurant, and the day I opened, I got accepted into medical school."

●      "Botched took my technical skills to a whole new level."

●      "Don't take shortcuts; they always come back to bite you."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): Paul Nassif podcast, celebrity plastic surgeon, Botched behind-the-scenes, revision rhinoplasty expert, Real Housewives surgeon, Lebanese-American plastic surgeon, facial aesthetic surgery, mentorship in surgery, patient care, plastic surgery innovation, DIEP End podcast, entrepreneurship in medicine

Follow Dr. Nassif:

●      Instagram: @drpaulnassif

●      Website: drpaulnassif.com

Follow The DIEP End:

●      Instagram & YouTube: @thedeependpodcast

●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

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Episode Title: Microsurgery Maestro, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (#28)

Guest: Professor Fu-Chan Wei, MD; Microsurgeon | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan

Podcast: the DIEP end

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of the DIEP end, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis sit down with Professor Fu-Chan Wei, a pioneering figure whose contributions have fundamentally shaped reconstructive microsurgery. Known internationally for refining the vascularized fibula flap technique for jaw reconstruction and his leadership in head and neck microsurgery, Professor Wei offers personal insights into his extraordinary journey—from early mentorship under Dr. Samuel Noordhoff to becoming an influential global figure in reconstructive surgery.

Listeners will gain rare insights into Professor Wei’s unique philosophy of patient care, surgical education, and innovation. This episode explores how he built Chang Gung Memorial Hospital into a world-renowned microsurgical center, emphasizing meticulous preoperative planning, robust resident and fellow training programs, and commitment to surgical excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

●      How Professor Wei unexpectedly made microsurgery the central focus of his career

●      The origins and global impact of vascularized fibula flap techniques for jaw reconstruction

●      Why rigorous preoperative planning and literature review are essential for patient safety

●      Insights into building one of the world's premier microsurgery training programs

●      The critical role Taiwan’s healthcare evolution played in microsurgery’s growth

●      Key lessons for surgical trainees on innovation, humility, and continuous learning

Quotable Moments:

"Innovation requires deep mastery. You can't innovate without truly understanding the basics."

"Quantity is the mother of quality—volume and specialization lead to surgical excellence."

"Microsurgery is not just about technical skills; it's a meticulous process starting long before the operating room."

SEO Keywords: Fu-Chan Wei podcast, microsurgery pioneer, vascularized fibula flap, jaw reconstruction, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, microsurgical training, reconstructive surgery innovations, surgical education, patient safety in surgery, DIEP End podcast, Taiwanese plastic surgery

Follow Professor Fu-Chan Wei:

●      Learn more: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

Follow The DIEP End:

●      Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast

●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

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Episode Title: From Flaps to Facelifts – Dr. David Hidalgo: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Former Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering (#27)

Guest: Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering | Aesthetic Innovator, New York City

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of The DIEP End, hosts Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis welcome Dr. David Hidalgo, an internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon celebrated for groundbreaking reconstructive techniques and aesthetic innovations. Dr. Hidalgo shares his unique journey, detailing his pioneering contributions to reconstructive microsurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and his subsequent transition to aesthetic surgery in his New York City private practice.

Listeners will discover how Dr. Hidalgo’s blend of surgical precision, academic rigor, and artistic sensibility have defined his career. He discusses his groundbreaking work with the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction and provides insights into maintaining excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical realms.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

●      How Dr. Hidalgo transitioned from pioneering reconstructive surgery to leading high-end aesthetic surgery

●      Behind-the-scenes insights into developing the fibula free flap technique for jaw reconstruction

●      The critical role artistic sensibility plays in achieving exceptional surgical outcomes

●      Strategies for navigating career transitions from academia to private practice

●      Key lessons in balancing technical mastery with aesthetic harmony and proportion

●      Why persistence and disciplined innovation are essential for sustained surgical excellence

Quotable Moments:

"Persistence and perfectionism are key—you keep going until it's exactly right."

"Plastic surgery is fundamentally visual; artistic skills significantly enhance your surgical outcomes."

"There's no shortcut to surgical excellence—it’s about being meticulous every time."

SEO Keywords: David Hidalgo podcast, plastic surgery, fibula free flap, microsurgery pioneer, Memorial Sloan Kettering plastic surgery, aesthetic surgery New York, Manhattan plastic surgeon, surgical innovation, artistic plastic surgery, DIEP End podcast, reconstructive to aesthetic surgery transition.

Follow Dr. David Hidalgo:

Instagram: @drdavidhidalgo

Learn more: Dr. Hidalgo’s Practice

Follow The DIEP End:

Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast 

Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

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Hosted by passionate trainees exploring the future of plastic surgery—one story at a time.

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Guest: Dr. Kevin Chung, Professor and Hand Surgeon at University of Michigan | Editor-in-Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Editor, Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Said Azoury sits down with Dr. Kevin Chung, a world-renowned hand surgeon, outcomes researcher, and editorial leader. Dr. Chung discusses his journey from clinical excellence to academic leadership, shaped by a Master’s in Health Services Research and a career of combining surgical mastery with innovation.

As Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Editor of Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chung reveals his vision for academic publishing that’s inclusive, rigorous, and globally impactful. This is a must-listen for aspiring academic surgeons, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of plastic surgery.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

●      The mindset of a successful surgeon-scientist

●      How to balance editorial leadership with clinical excellence

●      What mentorship really looks like in academic medicine

●      The difference between innovation and evidence

●      How Dr. Chung is shaping the future of PRS and global plastic surgery

Quotable Moments:

●      "Curiosity is the most important trait of a great surgeon."

●      "Your job as a mentor is to build people up—then get out of their way."

●      "The journal is not mine—it belongs to the specialty. My job is to guide it with clarity and purpose."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): plastic surgery podcast, Kevin Chung PRS, academic plastic surgery, surgical mentorship, PRS journal editor, Grabb and Smith editor, DIEP flap, Said Azoury podcast, plastic surgery innovation, evidence-based surgery, publishing in PRS, global plastic surgery leadership, Dr. Kevin Chung interview

Follow Dr. Chung:

●      Learn more: PRSJournal.com

Follow The DIEP End:

●      Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast

●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

Leave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.

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Episode Title: Breaking Barriers in Surgery & Leadership with Dr. Julie Freischlag

Guest: Dr. Julie Freischlag, Vascular Surgeon & CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of The DIEP End, we’re joined by trailblazing vascular surgeon and healthcare leader Dr. Julie Freischlag. From growing up in a working-class family in Illinois to becoming the first female chief of vascular surgery at UCLA and eventually the CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Dr. Freischlag shares a powerful story of grit, leadership, and innovation.

She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the barriers she broke through as a woman in surgery, and how she’s shaped institutions like Johns Hopkins and Wake Forest. With humor and heart, Dr. Freischlag gives listeners a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and leading with purpose in academic medicine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How early encouragement from family fueled her confidence and career
• The pivotal moments that led her to vascular surgery
• Behind-the-scenes stories of becoming chair of surgery at Johns Hopkins
• Advice for navigating leadership as a woman in medicine
• The power of mentorship and opening doors for others
• How she’s transformed academic institutions through inclusion and innovation
• What it means to build a legacy beyond the operating room

Quotable Moments:

• "When a door closes, you’re not supposed to beat it down. Just find another door."
• "You can’t do any of it unless you’re a good surgeon first."
• "It doesn’t take much to make someone feel seen—and that can change everything."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): surgical leadership podcast, Dr. Julie Freischlag, women in surgery, vascular surgeon CEO, Wake Forest Baptist, Johns Hopkins surgery, academic medicine trailblazer, mentorship in medicine, female medical leaders, surgical innovation, the DIEP End podcast, DEI in surgery, American College of Surgeons president, National Academy of Medicine, thoracic outlet syndrome expert

Follow Dr. Freischlag:

• Wake Forest Baptist Profile: www.wakehealth.edu

Follow The DIEP End:

• Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

Leave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights

(Recorded on February 26, 2025)

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Episode Title: Mastering the Art & Science of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Ashkan Ghavami

Guest: Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, MD, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The DIEP End, we take a deep dive into the world of high-end plastic surgery with internationally acclaimed surgeon Dr. Ashkan Ghavami. Known for his pioneering techniques in rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and the signature "S-Curve" butt lift, Dr. Ghavami shares the story of his rise from humble beginnings in Tehran to becoming a go-to surgeon for celebrities in Beverly Hills.

We cover everything from artistic influences and medical training to the pressures of fame, social media ethics in medicine, and the secrets behind running a successful esthetic surgery practice. Whether you're a budding plastic surgeon, a curious patient, or a fan of medical innovation, this episode is packed with wisdom, candor, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the industry's leading minds.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Dr. Ghavami blended art, science, and entrepreneurship to redefine esthetic surgery
• Insights into his training at UT Southwestern and mentorship under icons like Rod Rohrich
• Why adversity is crucial to mastering any craft
• Building a celebrity clientele and maintaining discretion
• How he pioneered early use of Instagram in plastic surgery
• The evolution and importance of global/ethnic rhinoplasty
• Advice for trainees and how to stand out in esthetic fellowships
• Balancing clinical excellence, innovation, and wellness

Quotable Moments:

• "Every expert, whether a plastic surgeon or a Buddhist monk, goes through adversity to become a master."
• "Instagram was my digital waiting room long before it was popular."
• "You can’t fake consistency—great work speaks for itself."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): plastic surgery podcast, Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, celebrity plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty expert, S-Curve BBL, esthetic surgery education, cosmetic surgery fellowship, UT Southwestern plastics, social media and surgery, global rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, plastic surgeon to the stars, plastic surgery insights, the DIEP End podcast

Follow Dr. Ghavami:

• Instagram: @drghavami
• Website: www.ghavamiplasticsurgery.com

Follow The DIEP End:

• Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast
• Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

Leave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.

(Recorded on February 22, 2025)

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