Three Elements To Consider When Deciding to Do a Fellowship (with Dr. Arshad Kaleem)

Dec 8, 2025

Dr. Arshad Kaleem, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive training and experience, dives into the crucial decision-making process for pursuing a fellowship. He emphasizes the importance of passion, finances, and quality of life in shaping one’s career path. Kaleem shares insights from his mission trips to Pakistan and the West Bank, highlighting the challenges of performing complex surgeries with limited resources. He also discusses advances in technology that enhance surgical precision and efficiency, offering valuable advice to young surgeons on finding balance and purpose.

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ANECDOTE

Training Path To Full-Scope Practice

Arshad Kaleem described training at UPenn, LSU, and fellowships in head and neck and microvascular reconstruction before practicing in El Paso.
He now runs a full-scope group practice doing oncology, trauma, implants, and general oral surgery.

ANECDOTE

Annual Mission Work In Resource-Limited Settings

Kaleem travels yearly on mission trips to Pakistan and recently to the West Bank and Gaza to operate and teach.
He schedules cases, gives lectures, and performs reconstructive surgeries while visiting family or attending conferences.

ADVICE

Prepare Thoroughly For Mission Cases

Prepare cases thoroughly before mission trips by reviewing CT scans and arranging virtual surgical planning and donated custom implants.
Bring essential personal equipment like loops and extra instruments to offset limited local resources.

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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 — arskaleem@gmail.com

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 — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059