

the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast
Dr. Saïd Azoury & Dr. Harrison Davis
Jump into the DIEP end, where co-hosts Dr. Saïd Azoury and resident Dr. Hank Davis dive into the world of plastic surgery and explore what makes it truly special. Join us as we engage in enlightening conversations with world-class experts, and the stories that shaped and will continue to shape this dynamic field. This podcast is designed to inform, inspire, and ignite your passion for plastic surgery. Listen below or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to watch our video podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 51min
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 endEpisode 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 surgeryQuotable 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 podcastFollow Dr. Jordan Swanson:● CHOP Profile: Children’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaFollow The DIEP End:● Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast● Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps more listeners discover these inspiring conversations. Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Dr. Gerald Imber: World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon, Acclaimed Author of Genius on the Edge and Cardiac Cowboys (#36)
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Sep 11, 2025 • 31min
Dr. Irene Mathijssen: Department Head of Plastic Surgery at Erasmus MC in Rotterdam, President of the International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (#35)
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Sep 4, 2025 • 54min
Dr. Joshua Fosnot: Program Director at Penn Plastic Surgery, Application Season Advice & Tips (#34)
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Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
Dr. Sherrell Aston: Facelift Virtuoso, Past President ASAPS, Former Chairman of Plastic Surgery MEETH (#33)
Guest: Dr. Sherrell J. Aston, Renowned Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon & EducatorPodcast: The DIEP EndEpisode Summary:In this insightful episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis engage with Dr. Sherrell Aston, one of the most influential figures in aesthetic plastic surgery. Dr. Aston shares his journey from humble beginnings in rural Virginia to becoming an internationally recognized expert in facelifts and aesthetic innovation. His storied career includes training at esteemed institutions like UVA, UCLA, Johns Hopkins, and NYU, where he significantly advanced the field of facial plastic surgery.Dr. Aston candidly discusses the evolution of facelift techniques, from early innovations in SMAS and platysmal approaches to contemporary deep-plane and composite facelifts. He also offers personal anecdotes about balancing academic rigor with private practice, his philosophies on mentorship, patient care, and lifelong learning.Whether you're a surgical trainee, an established plastic surgeon, or simply fascinated by the world of aesthetic surgery, this episode offers rare insights from a pioneer whose work has shaped generations.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:● Dr. Aston’s pioneering journey through general and plastic surgery residencies● The history and evolution of the facelift, including SMAS and deep-plane techniques● His early career challenges and how he integrated private practice with academic surgery● Reflections on mentorship and his impactful training legacy at NYU● Dr. Aston’s unique insights into patient care and surgical innovation● The importance of maintaining physical fitness and balance as a surgeonQuotable Moments:● "Every facelift I do is a '10' until the bandage is on."● "Pursue what your heart tells you, otherwise you won't be truly happy."● "You learn from everyone—you must leave every meeting knowing something new."Keywords (SEO-Driven): Sherrell Aston podcast, facelift pioneer, aesthetic plastic surgery, SMAS facelift, deep-plane facelift, aesthetic surgery education, plastic surgery mentorship, surgical innovation, NYU plastic surgery, The DIEP End podcast, UVA medicine, Johns Hopkins plastic surgeryFollow The DIEP End:● Instagram & YouTube: @thedeependpodcast● Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP EndLeave Us a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps us bring these insightful conversations to more curious listeners.Send us a textSupport the showInstagram: @thediependpodcast

Aug 6, 2025 • 55min
Dr. Paul Nassif: Facial Plastic Surgeon, Botched, and Revision Rhinoplasty (#32)
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.

Jul 30, 2025 • 40min
Dr. Peter Rubin: Chair of Pitt Plastic Surgery, Leader in Body Contouring and Adipose Stem Cell Science (#31)
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.

Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
Dr. James Higgins: Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center, Leader in Reconstructive Hand and Microsurgery (#30)
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Jul 17, 2025 • 44min
Dr. Joseph Losee: Chief of Pediatric Plastic Surgery UPMC Children's Hospital, Past President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (#29)
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Jun 28, 2025 • 1h
Microsurgery Maestro – Dr. Fu-Chan Wei: Professor and Chair of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (#28)
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