Enhance Your Practice Podcast

Hosted by ASPS Education Network

Business Management Health Fitness Education

Website RSS feed

Episodes

109

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

ASPS Enhance Your Practice Podcast series serves as an educational appetizer for Plastic Surgeons and Office Professionals looking for practice management information on-the-go. It covers next steps early in a career; financial planning; staffing; med spas; starting a private practice; and much more. NEW! The Limitless Leaders Podcast is now a part of Enhance Your Practice! The Limitless Leaders podcast series is brought to you by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The Aesthetic Society and the American Hernia Society with the generous support of Allergan Aesthetics. This podcast series provides you with real-life stories of women in surgery who are tackling gender-related hurdles, large and small. The stories and topics covered will be as diverse as this group of women we represent. Listen as we discuss the demands of our careers as surgeons, our roles as mothers, and the fulfillment we need in our personal lives.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 29, 2026Episode 10758 min

The Leap into Ownership | Rise Up! YPS Edition: S20 Ep107

Building a successful private practice takes more than surgical expertise—it requires a clear vision, the right people, and a willingness to think like a business owner. Drs. Andrew McGregor and Utku Dolen are joined by Jerry Chidester, MD, and Brian Pyfer, MD, to explore what it takes to build and scale a modern plastic surgery practice. Drawing from their experience growing a multi-surgeon practice and ambulatory surgery center, they discuss choosing the right practice model, building a strong culture, developing partnership tracks, managing finances, and expanding services without losing sight of the patient experience. The conversation offers young plastic surgeons a candid look at the business decisions that training may not prepare them to make—from understanding their value and generating patients to managing overhead, developing teams, and balancing ambitious professional goals with life outside the practice. Topics Discussed Choosing the right private practice model Building a shared vision and strong culture Compensation and partnership structures Financing and scaling a practice Building a patient base and personal brand Adding ancillary services strategically Creating an exceptional patient experience Hiring, developing, and retaining a strong team Balancing practice growth with family life Key Takeaways Build around a clear vision. Knowing what you want professionally and personally helps guide decisions about practice structure, partners, and growth. Culture matters as much as performance. Shared values, work ethic, leadership, and contribution are essential when choosing colleagues and future partners. Growth should be intentional. Establish a strong surgical practice before adding services that complement the core patient experience. Patients remain the priority. Financial success and practice growth should follow excellent care, sound ethics, and attention to every stage of the patient journey. Invest in your people. Thoughtful hiring, training, and leadership can create a team that grows alongside the practice. Bonus Resources ASPS EdNet Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-Wright About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

September 29, 2026Episode 10635 min

Leadership, Legacy and What Comes Next | WPS Remix Edition: S20 Ep106

What began as a small gathering of women plastic surgeons has grown into a thriving community shaping leadership, mentorship, education, and representation across the specialty. Dr. Ashley Amalfi is joined by Paige Myers, MD, and Patricia Mars, MD, for a look at the evolution of the ASPS Women Plastic Surgeons (WPS) Forum and the community that has fueled its growth. From early retreats centered on candid conversation and connection to today's robust scientific symposium, they reflect on the people, programs, and leadership structures that have expanded WPS while preserving the sense of belonging at its core. The conversation also looks ahead to the 2027 WPS Symposium , taking place January 29–31, 2027 in New York City. The speakers preview new clinical and practice management programming, interactive case discussions, keynote speakers, and opportunities to connect, while sharing their vision for the next chapter of WPS and its continued work to support women throughout their careers. Topics Discussed The evolution of WPS and its annual symposium Mentorship, community, and professional connection Expanding leadership and opportunities within WPS Engaging residents through research and mentorship Advancing representation in plastic surgery The future vision for WPS Highlights of the 2027 WPS Symposium Key Takeaways Community remains at the heart of WPS. Growth has expanded its reach while preserving the connection and support that define the forum. Mentorship develops future leaders. Early engagement and meaningful opportunities can shape careers and encourage continued involvement. Shared leadership supports growth. Expanding leadership has brought more perspectives, expertise, and opportunities to WPS. Representation still requires intentional effort. Progress among trainees has not eliminated disparities in leadership, compensation, and some subspecialties. The 2027 Symposium builds on the WPS experience. Clinical education, leadership, practice management, and networking come together in New York City. Bonus Resources 2027 WPS Symposium — January 29–31, 2027, New York City WPS Forum WPS Resident Scholarships International Women Plastic Surgeons (IWPS) ASPS EdNet About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

September 23, 2026Episode 10556 min

Rising After Setbacks | LIMITLESS Leaders Edition: S20 Ep105

Resilience is not about avoiding setbacks—it is about finding your way forward with the support of the people around you. Dr. Anne Peled is joined by Katerina Gallus, MD, and Janelle Sousa, MD, for a candid conversation about navigating unexpected health challenges, career disruptions, family responsibilities, and moments when life no longer follows the plan. Drawing from experiences with serious illness, military deployment, practice upheaval, and recovery, they explore what helped them adapt when circumstances felt beyond their control. Together, they reflect on accepting help, leaning on professional and personal communities, finding perspective through difficult experiences, and becoming more intentional about the lives and careers they want to build. Their stories offer a reminder that resilience does not have to happen alone—and that setbacks can reshape how surgeons care for their patients, colleagues, families, and themselves. Topics Discussed Navigating unexpected health and career challenges Accepting help during difficult periods Balancing family and professional responsibilities Leaning on colleagues and professional communities Returning to practice after major setbacks Finding perspective through personal adversity Building resilience through connection and support Key Takeaways Resilience does not require going it alone. Trusted colleagues, friends, family, and professional communities can provide essential support. Accepting help is part of moving forward. Allowing others to step in can make difficult circumstances more manageable. Setbacks can change your perspective. Personal adversity can deepen empathy and reshape how you approach patients, relationships, and work. You still have choices when circumstances feel uncontrollable. How you respond and what you prioritize can become an important source of agency. There is another side to difficult seasons. Recovery may take time, but today's challenge does not have to define what comes next. Bonus Resources Women Plastic Surgeons Symposium ASPS EdNet The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

August 28, 2026Episode 10447 min

Confidence & Conflict | Limitless Leaders Edition: S20 Ep104

Confidence grows through experience, but resilience is built by confronting challenges, learning from setbacks, and knowing when to seek support. Surgical careers bring moments of uncertainty, difficult decisions, and professional conflict that can test even the most experienced physicians. For women in surgery, navigating expectations, overcoming self-doubt, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities can add additional complexity. Developing confidence requires more than technical skill; it also involves humility, honest self-reflection, supportive relationships, and the ability to approach challenges constructively. Host Courtney Collins, MD, an abdominal wall surgeon at The Ohio State University, welcomes plastic surgeons Danielle LeBlanc, MD, Melinda Kimbrel, MD, Mindy Haws, MD, and Caroline Glicksman, MD, for a candid conversation about confidence, conflict, and resilience throughout a surgical career. Drawing on decades of experience in private practice, mentorship, research, and professional society leadership, the panelists reflect on the distinction between confidence and arrogance, the emotional challenges of surgical complications, and the importance of learning from difficult experiences. They also discuss navigating workplace conflict, establishing realistic expectations, managing family responsibilities, and recognizing that leadership and professional success can take many forms. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the value of trusted colleagues, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of surgeons. Topics Discussed Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome Navigating gender expectations and professional bias in surgery Understanding the difference between confidence and arrogance Managing surgical complications with honesty and accountability Developing resilience through setbacks and difficult experiences Building trusted professional support networks Navigating workplace conflict and communicating expectations Balancing career development, family responsibilities, and personal well-being Recognizing different pathways and timelines for professional success Developing leadership through mentorship and everyday opportunities Key Takeaways Build confidence through experience. Develop trust in your abilities while remaining open to feedback, continued learning, and professional growth. Lead with humility. Recognize that acknowledging mistakes, discussing complications, and seeking advice demonstrate accountability rather than weakness. Address complications directly. Maintain communication with patients, remain engaged in their care, and evaluate difficult outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement. Strengthen your support network. Cultivate relationships with trusted colleagues who can offer clinical perspectives, emotional support, and honest feedback during challenging situations. Approach conflict as an opportunity for growth. Examine underlying expectations, communicate clearly, and work toward solutions rather than avoiding difficult conversations. Recognize that careers evolve. Understand that family responsibilities, personal priorities, and professional ambitions may require different levels of attention throughout your career. Give yourself room to grow. Avoid measuring success against someone else's timeline or feeling pressured to pursue every opportunity early in your career. Recognize everyday leadership. Make a difference by supporting colleagues, mentoring trainees, contributing to committees, and leading within your own practice. Invest in the next generation. Share your experiences, encourage emerging leaders, and create opportunities for others to develop confidence and pursue meaningful professional roles. The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

July 23, 2026Episode 10357 min

Leading Teams, Big & Small | Limitless Leaders Edition: S20 Ep103

Effective leadership begins with understanding people, building trust, and creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive. Leading a surgical team requires more than clinical expertise or professional authority. From navigating difficult conversations to developing future leaders, successful leadership depends on adaptability, collaboration, and the ability to balance individual needs with organizational priorities. Whether managing a small clinical team or an entire department, understanding how to motivate, support, and empower others is essential to building a strong workplace culture. Host Donna Tepper, MD, welcomes Andrea Pusic, MD, Amy Moore, MD, and Vedra Augenstein, MD, for a LIMITLESS Leaders discussion exploring the practical foundations of effective leadership. Drawing on their experiences leading academic departments, surgical teams, research initiatives, and professional societies, the panelists share how their leadership styles have evolved throughout their careers. They examine strategies for hiring and developing strong teams, encouraging honest feedback, navigating difficult conversations, and maintaining professional boundaries. The conversation also explores mentorship, recognizing burnout, balancing institutional expectations with individual aspirations, and creating a culture where team members feel valued and supported. Topics Discussed Developing an authentic and adaptable leadership style Navigating leadership opportunities and overcoming professional barriers Building collaborative, high-performing surgical teams Hiring individuals who align with organizational values Encouraging honest feedback and psychological safety Managing difficult conversations and maintaining professional boundaries Supporting mentorship and developing future leaders Balancing clinical responsibilities, administrative demands, and personal priorities Recognizing burnout and fostering a supportive workplace culture Leading with purpose while maintaining accountability Key Takeaways Develop your leadership style. Recognize that effective leadership evolves through experience, feedback, mentorship, and adapting to different situations. Build a culture of collaboration. Surround yourself with individuals who bring different perspectives, contribute meaningful ideas, and share a commitment to organizational success. Hire with intention. Look beyond credentials to understand candidates' motivations, professional values, and ability to contribute to a supportive, high-performing team. Seek honest feedback. Establish trusted relationships where colleagues feel comfortable sharing constructive observations, concerns, and opportunities for improvement. Approach difficult conversations with curiosity. Address challenges directly while remaining respectful, considering different perspectives, and focusing on solutions rather than confrontation. Balance approachability with professionalism. Create meaningful connections with team members while maintaining appropriate boundaries, fairness, and accountability. Invest in future leaders. Identify promising colleagues, provide opportunities for professional growth, and share the knowledge gained through your own leadership experiences. Recognize signs of burnout. Pay attention to changes in engagement, productivity, and workload, and provide individualized support before challenges become more difficult to manage. Lead with purpose. Help team members pursue meaningful professional goals while managing institutional expectations and supporting excellent patient care. View balance over time. Recognize that personal and professional priorities evolve, and establish boundaries that support long-term fulfillment rather than expecting perfect balance every day. Bonus Resources I Love It Here: How Great Leaders Create Organizations Their People Never Want to Leave by Clint Pulver – Recommended by Dr. Moore as a resource for building positive workplace cultures and strengthening team engagement. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink – Discussed by Dr. Pusic in connection with motivation, purpose, and understanding what drives professional fulfillment. Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies by Ranjay Gulati – Recommended by Dr. Pusic for its exploration of purpose-driven leadership and organizational success. The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. Allergan Aesthetics Advancing aesthetic medicine. Empowering confidence. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

May 13, 2026Episode 1021 hr 4 min

Early Career Plastic Surgery | YPS Edition: S19 Ep102

Building a successful career in plastic surgery requires more than surgical expertise—it takes self-awareness, adaptability, mentorship, and the confidence to define your own path. The transition from residency to independent practice brings important decisions about career direction, professional autonomy, and personal fulfillment. Understanding the differences between academic medicine, solo private practice, and group practice can help young plastic surgeons navigate these choices while building a career that aligns with their evolving priorities. Hosts Omar Beidas, MD, and Said Azoury, MD, welcome Ashley Amalfi, MD, and Smita Ramanadham, MD, for a Young Plastic Surgeons (YPS) discussion about navigating the early years of a plastic surgery career. Drawing on their experiences transitioning from academic medicine to private practice, Drs. Amalfi and Ramanadham explore the challenges of establishing a practice, developing professional confidence, and maintaining meaningful mentorship relationships. They share contrasting perspectives on joining an established group versus building a solo practice, including the responsibilities, flexibility, and opportunities associated with each model. The conversation also examines personal branding, social media, patient education, and the importance of creating a career that supports both professional growth and life outside medicine. Topics Discussed Transitioning from residency to independent practice Comparing academic medicine and private practice Recognizing when it is time for a career change Choosing between solo and group practice Building professional confidence and clinical independence Maintaining mentorship and teaching opportunities outside academia Establishing a practice identity and patient experience Using social media and personal branding to support practice growth Balancing professional responsibilities and personal priorities Navigating evolving practice models and career opportunities Key Takeaways Explore different career paths. Gain exposure to academic, employed, solo, and group practice settings before deciding which environment best supports your goals. Recognize the value of early mentorship. Build relationships with experienced colleagues who can provide clinical guidance, professional perspective, and support during the transition to independent practice. Choose a practice model that fits your priorities. Consider your preferred level of autonomy, business responsibilities, professional collaboration, and lifestyle when evaluating opportunities. Prepare for the business of medicine. Develop an understanding of practice operations, staffing, financial management, and patient experience before taking on ownership responsibilities. Build a consistent professional identity. Establish a practice philosophy and brand that reflect your values, clinical expertise, and approach to patient care. Use social media responsibly. Create authentic educational content while maintaining professionalism, protecting patient privacy, and obtaining appropriate consent. Continue teaching and learning. Pursue mentorship, educational involvement, and professional collaboration regardless of whether you practice in an academic or private setting. Protect your personal priorities. Establish boundaries, build reliable professional support, and make time for family, personal interests, and activities outside medicine. Give yourself permission to evolve. Recognize that your first position does not have to define your entire career and that changing direction can be an important part of professional growth. Bonus Resources Lipstick and Lipo Podcast – Hosted by Drs. Ashley Amalfi and Smita Ramanadham, this podcast offers candid conversations about plastic surgery, patient education, and navigating aesthetic procedures. ASPS Young Plastic Surgeons (YPS) Forum – Professional networking, mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities for young plastic surgeons. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

January 6, 2026Episode 10153 min

Money Diaries | Limitless Leaders Edition: S19 Ep101

Financial confidence isn't just about how much you earn—it's about understanding your money, making intentional decisions, and creating opportunities for growth. From managing practice expenses and paying down debt to investing and exploring new income streams, financial decisions shape both professional independence and personal fulfillment. For women in surgery, developing financial knowledge and sharing experiences can help build confidence, challenge expectations, and open doors to new opportunities. Special guest host Noopur Gangopadhyay, MD, a pediatric plastic surgeon in Chicago, welcomes Emily Hu, MD, a plastic surgeon in solo private practice near Portland, Oregon, and Cynthia Diehl, MD, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and practice owner in Raleigh, North Carolina. Through candid conversations about their spending habits, business investments, and personal financial journeys, Drs. Hu and Diehl share how their approaches to money have evolved throughout their careers. They explore the realities of starting a practice, managing overhead, eliminating debt, and balancing financial security with opportunities for growth. The discussion also examines investment strategies, the pressures of maintaining a professional image, and the value of expanding beyond clinical practice through consulting, entrepreneurship, and other professional interests. Topics Discussed Managing personal spending and practice expenses Navigating the financial challenges of starting a private practice Balancing debt repayment, financial security, and investing Evaluating equipment purchases, inventory, and operating costs Understanding financial pressures and lifestyle expectations Exploring investment strategies and portfolio diversification Creating additional income streams beyond clinical practice Learning from financial mistakes and missed opportunities Building financial knowledge through mentorship and professional guidance Preparing for career transitions and long-term financial independence Key Takeaways Understand your financial priorities. Identify what financial security, independence, and professional success mean to you before making major decisions. Manage practice expenses strategically. Monitor overhead, inventory, equipment purchases, and staffing costs while considering their long-term value. Approach debt thoughtfully. Evaluate repayment decisions alongside investment opportunities, available resources, and personal comfort with financial risk. Invest in business expertise. Consider how practice managers, accountants, financial advisors, and business education can strengthen financial decision-making. Look beyond appearances. Recognize that professional credibility and financial success do not depend on displaying luxury or maintaining a particular lifestyle. Explore diverse opportunities. Consider consulting, advisory roles, entrepreneurship, and other professional interests that can create additional income streams and career flexibility. Learn from experience. Reflect on past financial decisions and seek guidance from colleagues who have navigated similar challenges. Plan for your next chapter. Develop financial and professional options that support evolving interests, long-term security, and eventual transitions away from clinical practice. Enjoy the journey. Balance financial discipline with meaningful experiences, personal interests, and opportunities for fulfillment. The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

November 25, 2025Episode 1001 hr 2 min

A conversation with Scott Miller, MD author of authentic beauty | S19 Ep100

Authentic beauty begins with understanding patients, respecting individuality, and prioritizing safety, integrity, and lasting results over fleeting trends. Building a successful plastic surgery practice requires more than technical expertise. From developing meaningful patient relationships to making thoughtful business decisions, long-term success depends on balancing surgical artistry, ethical care, and professional fulfillment. Host Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD, welcomes Scott R. Miller, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Miller Cosmetic Surgery in La Jolla, California. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience and mentorship under renowned aesthetic surgeon Bruce Connell, MD, Dr. Miller reflects on his career, the evolution of his practice, and the philosophy behind his book, Authentic Beauty . He shares practical insights on maintaining financial flexibility, building an effective team, evaluating new technologies, and developing a sustainable practice centered on patient care. Their conversation also explores patient communication, informed decision-making, the responsible use of social media, and the importance of preserving the integrity of plastic surgery. Topics Discussed Building a sustainable, patient-centered plastic surgery practice Learning from mentorship and evolving surgical expertise Managing overhead and maintaining professional independence Hiring, developing, and retaining an effective practice team Evaluating new technologies and practice investments Developing Authentic Beauty and its patient education philosophy Helping patients choose qualified surgeons and appropriate procedures Understanding patient motivations and communicating expectations Balancing artistry, safety, and ethical decision-making Maintaining professional credibility through social media and public education Key Takeaways Put patients first. Build trust through individualized care, clear communication, and decisions that prioritize patient safety and well-being. Maintain financial flexibility. Manage personal and professional overhead to preserve independence in clinical and career decisions. Invest in the right people. Hire thoughtfully, develop a strong team, and recognize the importance of staff relationships in delivering consistent patient care. Evaluate technology strategically. Consider clinical evidence, patient benefit, and financial sustainability before investing in emerging devices or treatments. Communicate with clarity. Listen carefully to patient concerns, use accessible language, and distinguish between desires for rejuvenation and alteration. Support informed decisions. Help patients understand their concerns, the underlying causes, and how proposed treatments may address their goals. Protect professional integrity. Approach marketing, social media, and patient education in ways that reinforce credibility and respect for the specialty. Commit to quality and service. Uphold Dr. Miller's guiding principles of quality, integrity, safety, and service throughout the patient experience. Remain adaptable. Build a broad foundation of surgical skills, stay open to new opportunities, and allow your practice to evolve with experience. Bonus Resources Authentic Beauty by Scott R. Miller, MD – A guide to aesthetic surgery, patient education, provider selection, and informed decision-making, discussed throughout the episode. Dr. Miller notes that the book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

July 31, 2025Episode 9947 min

Travel and Plastics | WPS Remix Edition: S19 Ep99

Travel can transform plastic surgery by expanding surgical expertise, connecting patients with specialized care, and strengthening global collaboration. From learning innovative techniques alongside international experts to providing surgical care in underserved communities, travel creates opportunities for professional growth and meaningful patient impact. As more patients also seek specialized procedures beyond their local communities, plastic surgeons must consider how to expand access while maintaining safety, continuity of care, and professional responsibility. Host Ashley Amalfi, MD, welcomes Carolyn De La Cruz, MD, a breast reconstruction and lymphatic surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh; Sarah Dickey, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice near Chicago; and Kristen Broderick, MD, an academic plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery. Dr. De La Cruz shares how traveling to learn from international experts expanded her surgical capabilities and professional network. Dr. Dickey discusses her longstanding involvement in international surgical outreach, emphasizing sustainable partnerships, local training, and postoperative follow-up. Dr. Broderick explores the growing number of patients traveling for specialized breast reconstruction and the importance of making these experiences accessible, safe, and well-coordinated. Together, they examine how travel can advance lifelong learning, strengthen surgical communities, and improve access to specialized plastic surgery care. Topics Discussed Traveling to learn new surgical techniques Building international mentorship and professional networks Incorporating new skills into an established practice Participating in international surgical outreach Strengthening local surgical training and sustainable partnerships Supporting patients traveling for specialized procedures Coordinating postoperative care and managing complications Navigating institutional barriers and patient privacy Expanding access to specialized reconstructive surgery Key Takeaways Embrace lifelong learning. Seek opportunities to observe experienced colleagues and develop skills beyond those acquired during residency. Build meaningful professional connections. Use conferences, surgical visits, and international collaborations to establish lasting mentorship relationships. Translate learning into practice. Plan for the clinical, educational, and operational work required to introduce new techniques into your community. Prioritize sustainable outreach. Support programs that emphasize local surgeon education, long-term partnerships, and continuity of patient care. Prepare for traveling patients. Establish clear expectations for consultations, postoperative monitoring, complication management, and follow-up before patients return home. Communicate your expertise. Help patients and referring physicians understand the specialized services you provide while respecting institutional privacy and compliance requirements. Strengthen global surgical capacity. Recognize the value of supporting local surgeons who can deliver ongoing care within their own communities. Stay curious and take initiative. Pursue opportunities that challenge your comfort zone, expand your capabilities, and contribute to professional fulfillment. Bonus Resources PSF SHARE Program – A global surgical education initiative discussed in the episode that connects surgeons through mentorship, training, and collaborative learning. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .

July 23, 2025Episode 9852 min

Evolutions in Your Practice | LIMITLESS Leaders Edition: S19 Ep98

A successful surgical career isn't defined by staying on one path, but by knowing when and how to evolve. Career transitions can bring new opportunities for professional growth, greater autonomy, and improved work-life balance, but they also require thoughtful planning. Whether moving from academic medicine to private practice, transitioning into an employed position, or expanding an existing practice, understanding the financial, operational, and personal implications can help surgeons navigate change with confidence. Special guest host Anne Peled, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and surgical oncologist in private practice in San Francisco, welcomes Sabrina Drexel, MD, a general surgeon specializing in hernia care and advanced endoscopy, and Lisa Wu, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon who transitioned from academic medicine at the University of Pennsylvania to solo private practice in Florida. Drawing on their different career experiences, Drs. Drexel and Wu share lessons about building patient referral networks, managing business responsibilities, negotiating contracts, and making strategic investments in practice growth. The conversation also explores the importance of mentorship, financial preparation, and recognizing when professional responsibilities no longer align with personal priorities. Together, they offer practical perspectives on embracing change while building fulfilling and sustainable surgical careers. Topics Discussed Transitioning between academic, private, and employed practice Balancing professional goals and personal priorities Navigating the business responsibilities of private practice Building referral networks and attracting patients Negotiating employment contracts and partnership agreements Managing financial risks and practice investments Evaluating staffing, equipment, and expansion opportunities Finding mentorship and professional support Recognizing when it is time for a career change Key Takeaways Define your priorities. Identify what you want to change in your professional and personal life before pursuing a new opportunity. Understand different practice models. Evaluate the responsibilities, autonomy, support, and financial considerations associated with each setting. Build your professional network. Develop relationships with referring physicians, mentors, and colleagues who can support practice development and career transitions. Negotiate thoughtfully. Review employment agreements, partnership terms, malpractice coverage, and transition expenses before making commitments. Grow strategically. Evaluate new services, equipment, and staffing decisions based on patient needs, financial sustainability, and practice goals. Seek guidance from others. Learn from surgeons who have navigated similar transitions and consider professional legal and financial advice when appropriate. Reassess career fulfillment. Explore whether changes within your current position could address dissatisfaction before deciding to leave. Stay open to new opportunities. Recognize that professional success can evolve as your interests, responsibilities, and long-term goals change. The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org .