the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone, Director of the Face Transplant Program with Dr. Eduardo Rodriguez (Ep #18)
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Feb 6, 2025 Eduardo Rodriguez, Chair of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone and Director of the Face Transplant Program, shares his remarkable journey from immigrant roots to pioneering facial transplantation. He discusses the ethical complexities of face and eye transplants and the emotional resilience of patients reclaiming their lives. Rodriguez emphasizes the critical balance between a demanding career and personal well-being, revealing how music enhances focus in the operating room. His insights on mentorship highlight the importance of support in achieving surgical successes.
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Unconventional Path to Plastic Surgery
- Dr. Rodriguez's path to plastic surgery was non-linear, starting with dentistry due to mentorship and a missed medical school acceptance.
- Mentors encouraged him to pursue medicine, leading him to a dual oral surgery/medical degree program and eventually specializing in plastic surgery.
Embrace Failure
- Embrace failure as a necessary step on the path to success. Don't be afraid to take risks and pursue your goals relentlessly.
VCA Journey
- Dr. Rodriguez's experience with wounded soldiers led him to pioneering face transplants. This work evolved into performing the first simultaneous face and double hand transplant, and the first entire eye transplant.