
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
Talks at meetings or articles in journals and textbooks don't always tell the whole story of the field of plastic surgery. With the Deep Cuts podcasts, PRS Global Open delves into the details that are often hidden from view. In the "Giants of Plastic Surgery", Dr. Vimal Gokani and Dr. George Adigbli investigate what drives and motivates the most influential names in our field, while with "Leveling Up", Dr. Puru Nagarkar reveals the little technical details in a surgeon's repertoire that make all the difference.
Latest episodes

May 27, 2025 • 53min
Dr. James Chang: Leveling Up Graceful Career Growth
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. James Chang discusses his path into hand surgery, his approach to various common hand conditions, his version of awake hand surgery, how he helps his residents develop confidence and competence, the importance of building rapport with patients, the change in his career path over time, his involvement in global health, and the influences of his mentors. Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Chang and his colleagues, “Modeling the Lifetime Impact of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Training: Implications for Building Capacity in Global Surgery”: https://bit.ly/BldgGlobalCapacity_GOX Dr. James Chang is the Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Stanford University. He graduated from Yale medical school, and then completed a residency in plastic surgery at Stanford, followed by a hand fellowship at UCLA in Los Angeles. He is the past editor in chief of the yearbook of hand surgery, and an associate editor at multiple journals, including Hand, Microsurgery, the Journal of Hand Surgery, and the Annals of Plastic Surgery. He was the Royal College of Surgeons Foundation traveling fellow, and the 2006 Sterling Bunnell traveling fellow. He has been deeply involved at the American Society for Surgery of the hand, taking on the roles of research director, treasurer, and president. He has also been the vice chair of the Plastic surgery residency review committee, and the secretary and treasurer of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also the CMO for Resurge International. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of ASPS. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp

Apr 14, 2025 • 59min
Dr. Christopher Attinger: Leveling Up Limb Salvage
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts podcast, Dr. Christopher Attinger discusses how to build a successful wound center, the benefits of including psychiatry in a wound care service, the importance of removing all indurated tissues during a debridement, why placing a skin graft on granulation tissue is actually a bad idea, the benefits of bypass surgery over angioplasty, how to know when Integra has good take, his go-to local flaps for the foot and ankle and why he doesn't like reverse sural flaps. He also discusses the nuances of performing a TMA and a BKA, why he never uses deep sutures in any wound closure, how TMR has been a game changer in his practice, the rating system for medial arterial calcinosis that predicts the risk of complications, and how he has structured the service to maximize resident education. Read a classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Attinger and his colleagues, “The Effect of Positive Postdebridement Cultures on Local Muscle Flap Reconstruction of the Lower Extremity”: https://bit.ly/DebridementFXLE Dr. Christopher Attinger is a Professor in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department at Georgetown University Medical Center, and the Director of the Center for Wound Healing at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, as a lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne and the 101st Airborne divisions, and was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He received his medical degree from Yale University, and then completed a residency in general surgery and fellowship in vascular surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, and a plastic surgery residency and hand surgery fellowship at New York University. After completing his training, he joined the faculty at Georgetown, and has been there ever since. In 2007, Dr. Attinger started an annual limb salvage conference to bring together all the members of the limb salvage community to exchange ideas and innovations. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of ASPS. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp

Mar 17, 2025 • 59min
Dr. Scott Hansen: Leveling Up Surgery in the Professional Athlete
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts podcast, Dr. Scott Hansen talks about his new role as Chair of Plastic Surgery at UCSF, his experience as a program director, and his leadership approach to resident training. He also shares insights on performing awake hand surgeries, his role as a team hand surgeon for the San Francisco Giants, and the unique considerations when treating hand injuries in professional athletes. Dr. Hansen explores the surprising differences between college women's basketball and Major League Baseball, how his practice of hand surgery has evolved, the field of spinoplastic surgery, and why he finds treating hidradenitis rewarding. He also reflects on the lessons he's learned from Drs. Steve Mathes, Neil Ford Jones, and Prosper Benhaim. Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Hansen and his colleagues, “A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of Early Ambulation after Groin Reconstruction with Sartorius Muscle Flaps“: https://bit.ly/WalkingAfterGroinRecon Dr. Scott Hansen is a Professor, Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery, and the Program Director for the Plastic Surgery Residency at the University of California San Francisco. He also serves as the Chief of Hand and Microvascular surgery and the Director of the Microsurgery fellowship. He graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School, and then completed a Plastic Surgery residency and a post-doctoral research fellowship at UCSF followed by a Hand and Microvascular surgery fellowship at UCLA. He joined UCSF as full-time faculty, and recently became the Chief of the Division of plastic surgery there. He is the Hand and Microsurgery section editor for the Annals of Plastic Surgery. He is the team hand surgeon for the San Francisco Giants. He has remained involved in basic science research, with a focus in wound healing, hemangiomas, and limb development. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp

Feb 17, 2025 • 56min
Dr. David Song: Leveling Up Active Listening
Dr. David Song, Chief Medical Officer at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, shares insights on the pivotal role plastic surgeons play in healthcare leadership. He discusses the necessity of active listening in patient care and how excellent clinicians can inspire change. Dr. Song reveals technical details of microsurgical techniques, including the use of dual venous systems in DIEP flaps. He also reflects on how relationships in leadership can sometimes conflict with the pursuit of being right, emphasizing the value of adaptability and collaboration in medical practice.

Feb 3, 2025 • 39min
Dr. Mohammad Al-Qattan: “Hands of Legacy” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview”
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mohammad Al-Qattan, a distinguished plastic surgeon and hand surgery expert, shares his inspiring journey, including his battle with multiple myeloma. He reflects on the profound influence of his mentors and the importance of remembering one's roots. The conversation delves into adjusting to life in Canada, the challenges of balancing a high-pressure career with family, and his significant contributions to the understanding of congenital hand anomalies, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the field.

Jan 20, 2025 • 56min
Dr. Michael Bentz: Leveling Up “Measure Twice, Cut Once”
Dr. Michael Bentz, a seasoned Professor of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin, shares his insights on building trust in pediatric plastic surgery. He discusses the evolution of surgical techniques and emphasizes the importance of patient communication. Dr. Bentz dives into the intricacies of providing feedback to residents and the careful selection process for residency candidates. He also explores advancements in pediatric surgery, including innovative approaches to syndactyly and post-operative care strategies, shaped by his extensive experience and mentorship roles.

Jan 6, 2025 • 47min
Dr. A. Lee Dellon: “Threads of Healing: The Art and Science of Nerve Repair” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
Dr. A. Lee Dellon, a distinguished plastic and reconstructive surgeon and Johns Hopkins alumnus, shares his journey from medical school to groundbreaking advances in nerve repair. He discusses his pioneering research in diabetic neuropathy and the evolution of nerve surgery techniques. Dellon reflects on the influence of mentors and the importance of education in addressing nerve-related pain. He shares inspiring patient recovery stories, emphasizing compassion and collaboration in modern medicine, while encouraging new generations to pursue the field.

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 5min
Dr. Kodi Azari: Leveling Up “Landing the Helicopter”
Dr. Kodi Azari, a leading figure in hand surgery and reconstructive transplantation at UCLA, shares his expertise on mastering intricate procedures like carpal tunnel release and Dupuytren's contracture. He discusses the importance of personalizing patient care, building rapport, and the art of surgical precision. Azari also emphasizes the value of mentorship and training in surgery, and reflects on the emotional impact of hand transplantation, likening patients to circling helicopters—ever in need of careful guidance.

Dec 2, 2024 • 51min
Mr. Marc Pacifico: “Scaling Success” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Marc Pacifico, a top plastic surgeon and previous president of BAAPS, discusses his journey through the highs and hurdles of establishing his own practice. Mr. Pacifico opens up about his formative training experiences in prestigious hospitals, the challenges he faced setting up Purity Bridge, and the lessons he learned from working across various countries. From practical advice for aspiring surgeons to candid reflections on mistakes made, Mr. Pacifico offers valuable guidance for anyone looking to build a successful career in aesthetic surgery. Mr. Marc Pacifico, a renowned plastic surgeon and previous president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), is celebrated for his expertise in breast and facial plastic surgery. Certified by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, he specializes in facial rejuvenation procedures, including deep plane facelifts, neck lifts, and eyelid surgery. His breast surgery practice includes augmentations, reductions, and lifts, often combined with body contouring in “mummy makeovers.” Known for his skill in revision breast surgery, Mr. Pacifico frequently receives referrals from colleagues to correct issues arising from previous surgeries. Committed to high standards, he prioritizes patient safety and offers honest assessments regarding surgical suitability. Mr Marc Pacifico graduated from St. Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical College and trained at prominent hospitals in London, culminating in specialist plastic surgery training at Charing Cross and Mount Vernon hospitals, where he also completed a doctorate on melanoma outcomes. His advanced training includes an aesthetic fellowship at the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery, and he is a recipient of the prestigious Ian McGregor gold medal in the FRCS (Plast.) exam. In 2013, Marc founded Purity Bridge, a private clinic in Tunbridge Wells, where he emphasizes natural, refined results and a thorough pre- and post-operative care approach for optimal recovery. As an accredited member of BAAPS, BAPRAS, ISAPS, and an editor for Aesthetic Surgery Journal, he remains actively involved in advancing the field of aesthetic surgery. Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 3 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery

Nov 18, 2024 • 51min
Dr. Amit Mulay: Leveling Up a Solo Microsurgery Practice in India
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Mulay discusses his path into plastic surgery, the differences between general surgeons and plastic surgeons in India, the differences between the healthcare system n Chang Gung and in India, how he has arranged the logistics of his solo microsurgery practice to have consistent results, the importance of a good surgical assistant, how cost pressures affect his surgical technique, his choice of workhorse flaps, what he learned about dissecting an ALT flap from Dr. Geoffrey Hallock, why he has changed his approach to dissecting the free fibula flap multiple times over the course of his career, why he freehands all his osteotomies and flap design and does not use virtual surgical planning, why surgical speed is overrated, the benefits of loupe microsurgery, the importance of taking breaks, and why “it looks OK” is never OK to say. Dr. Amit Mulay is a reconstructive microsurgeon from the city of Pune in India. He completed his initial medical education in Government Medical College in Kolhapur, followed by general surgery training at KEM Hospital in Pune. After a couple of years as a junior consultant in oncologic surgery in Pune, he trained in plastic surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi. He then spent 3 months as a visiting observer at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, learning the nuances of perforator flaps. He has been running a very busy solo microsurgery practice serving Pune and its outlying suburbs for the last 8 years, covering multiple community hospitals and performing 2-3 free flap reconstructions per week. Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp