the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast Dr. Amber Leis: Program Director at WashU Plastic Surgery, Application Season Advice & Tips (#38)
Oct 21, 2025
Dr. Amber Leis, a dual board-certified plastic and hand surgeon and Program Director at WashU, shares insights from her unique journey from a rural upbringing to the forefront of surgical education. She discusses the importance of mentorship and the challenges of relocating for her role at WashU. Dr. Leis offers valuable advice for aspiring plastic surgeons, emphasizing personal stories in applications and the significance of grit. She also highlights her innovative approaches to education, underscoring the importance of emotional intelligence in medical training.
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Unconventional Rural Upbringing
- Amber Leis grew up in rural Central Oregon with hippie artist parents who avoided modern medicine.
- That upbringing shaped her mission to create space for nontraditional paths into plastic surgery.
Built A Practice From A 'Blue Ocean'
- Amber took a job at UC Irvine where many opportunities were undeveloped and built pediatric plexus and congenital hand programs.
- She used the open landscape to diversify practice while doing other clinical work to grow into those subspecialties.
Use Social Media Intentionally
- Use social media to educate the public and trainees, not just to showcase aesthetics.
- Get consent for patient posts and tailor captions to patient comprehension levels.
