Choosing whether to pursue a fellowship is one of the biggest career decisions a young surgeon can make. In this episode, Dr. Arshad Kaleem breaks down the three key elements that shaped his own path: passion, finances, and quality of life. From his training at the University of Pennsylvania to fellowships in head and neck and microvascular reconstructive surgery, he shares how clear priorities guided his journey to a thriving full-scope practice in El Paso, Texas. He also reflects on his humanitarian work in Pakistan and Palestine, where he performs complex surgeries with limited resources. Through his story, Dr. Kaleem offers thoughtful advice for young surgeons on finding purpose, balance, and growth in their careers. Listen to the full conversation for a candid guide to building both skill and purpose in oral surgery!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Kaleem’s path from UPenn to head and neck and microvascular fellowships.
• Establishing a full-scope private practice serving El Paso and beyond.
• Details of his mission trips to Pakistan, the West Bank, and Gaza.
• Performing and planning for complex surgeries abroad with limited resources.
• Advances in virtual surgical planning and custom implants in reconstructive surgery.
• The rise of subspecialty training within oral and maxillofacial surgery.
• How technology has reduced surgery time while improving precision and planning accuracy.
• Making head and neck surgery work within private practice.
• Honest advice for residents deciding on their next step, including pursuing a fellowship.
• Key factors to weigh when considering a fellowship: passion, finances, and quality of life.
• Rapid-fire questions on hobbies, favorite shows, and more.
• Reflections on the lasting fulfillment of helping others through surgical skill.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Arshad Kaleem — https://www.aboms.org/news/dr-arshad-kaleem-head-neck-oncologic-surgeon

Dr. Arshad Kaleem on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/akmaxfaxsurgeon/

Dr. Arshad Kaleem email — [email protected]

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery — https://www.hdofs.com/

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery | Dr. Arshad Kaleem — https://www.hdofs.com/meet-us/meet-dr-kaleem/

High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/HDOFS/

Yellowstone — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4236770/

Horizon — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17505010/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — [email protected]

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059