the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast Dr. Jordan Swanson: Pediatric Plastic & Craniofacial Surgeon @ CHOP/Penn, Global Surgery, Innovation (#37)
Guest: Dr. Jordan Swanson, Pediatric Plastic & Craniofacial Surgeon | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Podcast: the DIEP end
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of The DIEP End, hosts Dr. Saїd Azoury and Hank Davis sit down with Dr. Jordan Swanson, a leading craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgeon at CHOP. From building forts in the woods of Washington State to building sustainable surgical centers in Nicaragua, Dr. Swanson shares a remarkable journey shaped by global health, mentorship, and innovation.
Listeners will hear how his unconventional path—including time at Harvard, Johns Hopkins, the London School of Economics, and McKinsey—ultimately reinforced his passion for clinical medicine and patient care. Dr. Swanson reflects on his pioneering global health work with Operation Smile, the legacy of his mentors at Hopkins and CHOP, and his dual practice spanning pediatric craniofacial surgery and gender-affirming care.
This conversation is a masterclass in surgical courage, patient empathy, and the future of plastic surgery—both at home and abroad.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
● How childhood experiences and global family influences shaped Dr. Swanson’s worldview
● Why two years away from medical school deepened his passion for clinical medicine
● Lessons from mentors like Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez, Dr. Paul Manson, and Dr. Linton Whittaker
● Building sustainable pediatric surgical care in Nicaragua with Operation Smile
● Balancing innovation and caution in pediatric craniofacial surgery
● The role of mentorship and bi-directional global training programs
● Insights into CHOP’s multidisciplinary cleft program and addressing disparities in care
● How gender-affirming surgery intersects with craniofacial reconstruction
● The growing role of technology and AI in surgical planning and patient outcomes
● Practical advice for residents pursuing craniofacial surgery
Quotable Moments:
● “Healthcare is cool in Philadelphia—you see people walk across the South Street Bridge with pride.”
● “When you innovate in pediatric surgery, it takes courage. You have to weigh the risk for a lifetime.”
● “Global surgery isn’t about us setting the agenda—it’s about supporting local surgeons with autonomy.”
● “Every patient encounter may feel routine for us, but for families, the bottom has just fallen out.”
● “Curiosity is the most powerful motivator—let it drive your training and career.”
Keywords (SEO-Driven):
plastic surgery podcast, Jordan Swanson CHOP, pediatric plastic surgeon, craniofacial surgery, cleft lip and palate program, global surgery innovation, Operation Smile Nicaragua, Linton Whitaker craniofacial, gender affirming facial surgery, AI in surgical planning, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia plastic surgery, mentorship in surgery, The DIEP End podcast
Follow Dr. Jordan Swanson:
● CHOP Profile: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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● Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast
● Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End
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