the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Paul Nassif, a celebrity facial plastic surgeon known from Botched and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, shares his fascinating journey from restaurant management to the forefront of revision rhinoplasty. He reveals behind-the-scenes tales from reality TV and discusses the ethical dimensions of plastic surgery. Dr. Nassif also tackles the impact of social media on beauty perceptions, shares insights on innovative surgical techniques, and reflects on maintaining balance in a demanding career while keeping things light with quirky patient stories.

Join Dr. Peter Rubin, Chair of Plastic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, as he shares his inspiring journey from his father's legacy to his passion for the artistry of surgery. He discusses the evolution of body contouring, sparked by a rising demand after weight loss. With insights on the role of adipose stem cells in regenerative therapies, he highlights the importance of mentorship in advancing the field. Dr. Rubin also reflects on personal growth, balancing a demanding career, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in plastic surgery.

Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Episode Title: Microsurgery Maestro, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (#28)Guest: Professor Fu-Chan Wei, MD; Microsurgeon | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, TaiwanPodcast: the DIEP endEpisode Summary:In this special episode of the DIEP end, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis sit down with Professor Fu-Chan Wei, a pioneering figure whose contributions have fundamentally shaped reconstructive microsurgery. Known internationally for refining the vascularized fibula flap technique for jaw reconstruction and his leadership in head and neck microsurgery, Professor Wei offers personal insights into his extraordinary journey—from early mentorship under Dr. Samuel Noordhoff to becoming an influential global figure in reconstructive surgery.Listeners will gain rare insights into Professor Wei’s unique philosophy of patient care, surgical education, and innovation. This episode explores how he built Chang Gung Memorial Hospital into a world-renowned microsurgical center, emphasizing meticulous preoperative planning, robust resident and fellow training programs, and commitment to surgical excellence.What You'll Learn in This Episode:●      How Professor Wei unexpectedly made microsurgery the central focus of his career●      The origins and global impact of vascularized fibula flap techniques for jaw reconstruction●      Why rigorous preoperative planning and literature review are essential for patient safety●      Insights into building one of the world's premier microsurgery training programs●      The critical role Taiwan’s healthcare evolution played in microsurgery’s growth●      Key lessons for surgical trainees on innovation, humility, and continuous learningQuotable Moments:"Innovation requires deep mastery. You can't innovate without truly understanding the basics.""Quantity is the mother of quality—volume and specialization lead to surgical excellence.""Microsurgery is not just about technical skills; it's a meticulous process starting long before the operating room."SEO Keywords: Fu-Chan Wei podcast, microsurgery pioneer, vascularized fibula flap, jaw reconstruction, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, microsurgical training, reconstructive surgery innovations, surgical education, patient safety in surgery, DIEP End podcast, Taiwanese plastic surgeryFollow Professor Fu-Chan Wei:●      Learn more: Chang Gung Memorial HospitalFollow The DIEP End:●      Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Dr. David Hidalgo, an internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon and former Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering, shares his fascinating journey from reconstructive to aesthetic surgery. He delves into his groundbreaking work with the fibula free flap technique and emphasizes the critical blend of artistry and surgical precision in achieving exceptional outcomes. Hidalgo also reflects on the challenges of work-life balance and the discipline needed to manage a successful private practice, while sharing insights on the interplay between art and medicine in the field.

Guest: Dr. Kevin Chung, Professor and Hand Surgeon at University of Michigan | Editor-in-Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Editor, Grabb and Smith’s Plastic SurgeryPodcast: The DIEP EndEpisode Summary:In this episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Said Azoury sits down with Dr. Kevin Chung, a world-renowned hand surgeon, outcomes researcher, and editorial leader. Dr. Chung discusses his journey from clinical excellence to academic leadership, shaped by a Master’s in Health Services Research and a career of combining surgical mastery with innovation.As Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Editor of Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chung reveals his vision for academic publishing that’s inclusive, rigorous, and globally impactful. This is a must-listen for aspiring academic surgeons, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of plastic surgery.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:●      The mindset of a successful surgeon-scientist●      How to balance editorial leadership with clinical excellence●      What mentorship really looks like in academic medicine●      The difference between innovation and evidence●      How Dr. Chung is shaping the future of PRS and global plastic surgeryQuotable Moments:●      "Curiosity is the most important trait of a great surgeon."●      "Your job as a mentor is to build people up—then get out of their way."●      "The journal is not mine—it belongs to the specialty. My job is to guide it with clarity and purpose."Keywords (SEO-Driven): plastic surgery podcast, Kevin Chung PRS, academic plastic surgery, surgical mentorship, PRS journal editor, Grabb and Smith editor, DIEP flap, Said Azoury podcast, plastic surgery innovation, evidence-based surgery, publishing in PRS, global plastic surgery leadership, Dr. Kevin Chung interviewFollow Dr. Chung:●      Learn more: PRSJournal.comFollow The DIEP End:●      Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast●      Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Episode Title: Breaking Barriers in Surgery & Leadership with Dr. Julie FreischlagGuest: Dr. Julie Freischlag, Vascular Surgeon & CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical CenterPodcast: The DIEP EndEpisode Summary:In this inspiring episode of The DIEP End, we’re joined by trailblazing vascular surgeon and healthcare leader Dr. Julie Freischlag. From growing up in a working-class family in Illinois to becoming the first female chief of vascular surgery at UCLA and eventually the CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Dr. Freischlag shares a powerful story of grit, leadership, and innovation.She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the barriers she broke through as a woman in surgery, and how she’s shaped institutions like Johns Hopkins and Wake Forest. With humor and heart, Dr. Freischlag gives listeners a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and leading with purpose in academic medicine.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How early encouragement from family fueled her confidence and careerThe pivotal moments that led her to vascular surgeryBehind-the-scenes stories of becoming chair of surgery at Johns HopkinsAdvice for navigating leadership as a woman in medicineThe power of mentorship and opening doors for othersHow she’s transformed academic institutions through inclusion and innovationWhat it means to build a legacy beyond the operating roomQuotable Moments:"When a door closes, you’re not supposed to beat it down. Just find another door.""You can’t do any of it unless you’re a good surgeon first.""It doesn’t take much to make someone feel seen—and that can change everything."Keywords (SEO-Driven): surgical leadership podcast, Dr. Julie Freischlag, women in surgery, vascular surgeon CEO, Wake Forest Baptist, Johns Hopkins surgery, academic medicine trailblazer, mentorship in medicine, female medical leaders, surgical innovation, the DIEP End podcast, DEI in surgery, American College of Surgeons president, National Academy of Medicine, thoracic outlet syndrome expertFollow Dr. Freischlag:Wake Forest Baptist Profile: www.wakehealth.eduFollow The DIEP End:Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcastSpotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights(Recorded on February 26, 2025)Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Episode Title: Mastering the Art & Science of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Ashkan GhavamiGuest: Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, MD, World-Renowned Plastic SurgeonPodcast: The DIEP EndEpisode Summary:In this episode of The DIEP End, we take a deep dive into the world of high-end plastic surgery with internationally acclaimed surgeon Dr. Ashkan Ghavami. Known for his pioneering techniques in rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and the signature "S-Curve" butt lift, Dr. Ghavami shares the story of his rise from humble beginnings in Tehran to becoming a go-to surgeon for celebrities in Beverly Hills.We cover everything from artistic influences and medical training to the pressures of fame, social media ethics in medicine, and the secrets behind running a successful esthetic surgery practice. Whether you're a budding plastic surgeon, a curious patient, or a fan of medical innovation, this episode is packed with wisdom, candor, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the industry's leading minds.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Dr. Ghavami blended art, science, and entrepreneurship to redefine esthetic surgeryInsights into his training at UT Southwestern and mentorship under icons like Rod RohrichWhy adversity is crucial to mastering any craftBuilding a celebrity clientele and maintaining discretionHow he pioneered early use of Instagram in plastic surgeryThe evolution and importance of global/ethnic rhinoplastyAdvice for trainees and how to stand out in esthetic fellowshipsBalancing clinical excellence, innovation, and wellnessQuotable Moments:"Every expert, whether a plastic surgeon or a Buddhist monk, goes through adversity to become a master.""Instagram was my digital waiting room long before it was popular.""You can’t fake consistency—great work speaks for itself."Keywords (SEO-Driven): plastic surgery podcast, Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, celebrity plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty expert, S-Curve BBL, esthetic surgery education, cosmetic surgery fellowship, UT Southwestern plastics, social media and surgery, global rhinoplasty, ethnic rhinoplasty, plastic surgeon to the stars, plastic surgery insights, the DIEP End podcastFollow Dr. Ghavami:Instagram: @drghavamiWebsite: www.ghavamiplasticsurgery.comFollow The DIEP End:Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcastSpotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.(Recorded on February 22, 2025)Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

(Recorded on January 6, 2025)Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast