Enhance Your Practice Podcast

Leadership doesn't always begin with a title. Sometimes, it begins with showing up, building trust, and recognizing an opportunity to make a difference.Plastic surgeons develop skills that extend far beyond the operating room. Their experience with complex problem-solving, multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and patient advocacy creates opportunities to influence healthcare systems, professional organizations, education, and public policy. But pursuing leadership outside clinical practice also requires navigating unfamiliar organizational structures, building relationships, and making intentional choices about time and professional priorities.Dr. Tara Houston welcomes Dr. Lynn Jeffers, Dr. Noopur Gangopadhyay, and Dr. Emily Hu to explore the many ways plastic surgeons can lead beyond traditional clinical roles. Drawing on their experiences in hospital administration, organized medicine, academic education, advocacy, and private practice, the panel examines how leadership identities evolve and why influence often begins long before formal authority is established. They share examples of building new programs, earning credibility through consistent involvement, and using professional relationships to create meaningful change.The discussion also addresses advocacy as an everyday responsibility, the growing influence of technology and educational innovation, and the importance of understanding organizational dynamics when implementing change. Panelists reflect on unexpected career opportunities, the role of mentorship and sponsorship, and the personal trade-offs involved in leadership, including protected time, clinical responsibilities, and family commitments. Together, they encourage surgeons to remain open to new possibilities, lead with integrity, and recognize that meaningful leadership can happen at every level.Topics DiscussedExpanding professional identity beyond clinical practice and traditional leadership rolesApplying plastic surgeons' problem-solving and collaborative skills to organizational leadershipBuilding influence without formal authority through credibility, integrity, and relationshipsCreating new programs and opportunities through consistent involvement and initiativeAdvocating for patients, colleagues, and the specialty through everyday interactions and public policyUsing mentorship, social media, educational innovation, and emerging technologies to shape the future of plastic surgeryNavigating healthcare systems, stakeholder relationships, and organizational change managementBalancing intentional career planning with unexpected leadership opportunitiesUnderstanding the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and professional networksManaging leadership trade-offs involving time, compensation, clinical practice, and family responsibilitiesRecognizing opportunities for local, regional, and national leadershipKey TakeawaysLeadership begins before the title. Consistently contributing ideas, demonstrating initiative, and building relationships can establish influence long before a formal position is offered.Credibility and integrity build lasting influence. Authenticity, trust, and an understanding of others' motivations are essential when leading colleagues and organizations without direct authority.Advocacy is part of everyday practice. Supporting patients, educating colleagues, improving access to care, and sharing professional expertise are meaningful forms of advocacy.Innovation and education are leadership opportunities. Mentorship, curriculum development, technology, and emerging educational formats allow surgeons to influence the specialty's future.Successful change requires organizational awareness. Strong ideas alone are insufficient; leaders must understand stakeholder priorities, build support, and account for how change affects others.Career pathways don't have to be linear. Curiosity, professional connections, mentorship, and openness to unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling leadership roles.Protecting time is a leadership skill. Evaluating commitments, negotiating protected time, and knowing when to decline opportunities can help sustain professional and personal well-being.Leadership exists at every level. Whether influencing a small practice, regional society, healthcare system, or national organization, surgeons can make meaningful contributions without following a single prescribed path.Series AcknowledgmentThis LIMITLESS Leaders episode is presented in conjunction with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society, with support from Allergan Aesthetics.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Building a successful private practice takes more than surgical expertise—it requires a clear vision, the right people, and a willingness to think like a business owner.Drs. Andrew McGregor and Utku Dolen are joined by Jerry Chidester, MD, and Brian Pyfer, MD, to explore what it takes to build and scale a modern plastic surgery practice. Drawing from their experience growing a multi-surgeon practice and ambulatory surgery center, they discuss choosing the right practice model, building a strong culture, developing partnership tracks, managing finances, and expanding services without losing sight of the patient experience. The conversation offers young plastic surgeons a candid look at the business decisions that training may not prepare them to make—from understanding their value and generating patients to managing overhead, developing teams, and balancing ambitious professional goals with life outside the practice. Topics Discussed Choosing the right private practice model  Building a shared vision and strong culture  Compensation and partnership structures  Financing and scaling a practice  Building a patient base and personal brand  Adding ancillary services strategically  Creating an exceptional patient experience  Hiring, developing, and retaining a strong team  Balancing practice growth with family life Key TakeawaysBuild around a clear vision. Knowing what you want professionally and personally helps guide decisions about practice structure, partners, and growth. Culture matters as much as performance. Shared values, work ethic, leadership, and contribution are essential when choosing colleagues and future partners. Growth should be intentional. Establish a strong surgical practice before adding services that complement the core patient experience. Patients remain the priority. Financial success and practice growth should follow excellent care, sound ethics, and attention to every stage of the patient journey. Invest in your people. Thoughtful hiring, training, and leadership can create a team that grows alongside the practice. Bonus ResourcesASPS EdNetUnreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-WrightAbout Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

What began as a small gathering of women plastic surgeons has grown into a thriving community shaping leadership, mentorship, education, and representation across the specialty.Dr. Ashley Amalfi is joined by Paige Myers, MD, and Patricia Mars, MD, for a look at the evolution of the ASPS Women Plastic Surgeons (WPS) Forum and the community that has fueled its growth. From early retreats centered on candid conversation and connection to today's robust scientific symposium, they reflect on the people, programs, and leadership structures that have expanded WPS while preserving the sense of belonging at its core. The conversation also looks ahead to the 2027 WPS Symposium, taking place January 29–31, 2027 in New York City. The speakers preview new clinical and practice management programming, interactive case discussions, keynote speakers, and opportunities to connect, while sharing their vision for the next chapter of WPS and its continued work to support women throughout their careers. Topics Discussed The evolution of WPS and its annual symposium  Mentorship, community, and professional connection  Expanding leadership and opportunities within WPS  Engaging residents through research and mentorship  Advancing representation in plastic surgery  The future vision for WPS  Highlights of the 2027 WPS Symposium Key TakeawaysCommunity remains at the heart of WPS. Growth has expanded its reach while preserving the connection and support that define the forum. Mentorship develops future leaders. Early engagement and meaningful opportunities can shape careers and encourage continued involvement. Shared leadership supports growth. Expanding leadership has brought more perspectives, expertise, and opportunities to WPS. Representation still requires intentional effort. Progress among trainees has not eliminated disparities in leadership, compensation, and some subspecialties. The 2027 Symposium builds on the WPS experience. Clinical education, leadership, practice management, and networking come together in New York City. Bonus Resources2027 WPS Symposium — January 29–31, 2027, New York City WPS ForumWPS Resident ScholarshipsInternational Women Plastic Surgeons (IWPS)ASPS EdNetAbout Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Resilience is not about avoiding setbacks—it is about finding your way forward with the support of the people around you.Dr. Anne Peled is joined by Katerina Gallus, MD, and Janelle Sousa, MD, for a candid conversation about navigating unexpected health challenges, career disruptions, family responsibilities, and moments when life no longer follows the plan. Drawing from experiences with serious illness, military deployment, practice upheaval, and recovery, they explore what helped them adapt when circumstances felt beyond their control. Together, they reflect on accepting help, leaning on professional and personal communities, finding perspective through difficult experiences, and becoming more intentional about the lives and careers they want to build. Their stories offer a reminder that resilience does not have to happen alone—and that setbacks can reshape how surgeons care for their patients, colleagues, families, and themselves. Topics Discussed Navigating unexpected health and career challenges  Accepting help during difficult periods  Balancing family and professional responsibilities  Leaning on colleagues and professional communities  Returning to practice after major setbacks  Finding perspective through personal adversity  Building resilience through connection and support Key TakeawaysResilience does not require going it alone. Trusted colleagues, friends, family, and professional communities can provide essential support. Accepting help is part of moving forward. Allowing others to step in can make difficult circumstances more manageable. Setbacks can change your perspective. Personal adversity can deepen empathy and reshape how you approach patients, relationships, and work. You still have choices when circumstances feel uncontrollable. How you respond and what you prioritize can become an important source of agency. There is another side to difficult seasons. Recovery may take time, but today's challenge does not have to define what comes next. Bonus ResourcesWomen Plastic Surgeons SymposiumASPS EdNetThe LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Confidence grows through experience, but resilience is built by confronting challenges, learning from setbacks, and knowing when to seek support.Surgical careers bring moments of uncertainty, difficult decisions, and professional conflict that can test even the most experienced physicians. For women in surgery, navigating expectations, overcoming self-doubt, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities can add additional complexity. Developing confidence requires more than technical skill; it also involves humility, honest self-reflection, supportive relationships, and the ability to approach challenges constructively.Host Courtney Collins, MD, an abdominal wall surgeon at The Ohio State University, welcomes plastic surgeons Danielle LeBlanc, MD, Melinda Kimbrel, MD, Mindy Haws, MD, and Caroline Glicksman, MD, for a candid conversation about confidence, conflict, and resilience throughout a surgical career. Drawing on decades of experience in private practice, mentorship, research, and professional society leadership, the panelists reflect on the distinction between confidence and arrogance, the emotional challenges of surgical complications, and the importance of learning from difficult experiences. They also discuss navigating workplace conflict, establishing realistic expectations, managing family responsibilities, and recognizing that leadership and professional success can take many forms. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the value of trusted colleagues, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of surgeons.Topics DiscussedBuilding confidence and overcoming imposter syndromeNavigating gender expectations and professional bias in surgeryUnderstanding the difference between confidence and arroganceManaging surgical complications with honesty and accountabilityDeveloping resilience through setbacks and difficult experiencesBuilding trusted professional support networksNavigating workplace conflict and communicating expectationsBalancing career development, family responsibilities, and personal well-beingRecognizing different pathways and timelines for professional successDeveloping leadership through mentorship and everyday opportunitiesKey TakeawaysBuild confidence through experience. Develop trust in your abilities while remaining open to feedback, continued learning, and professional growth.Lead with humility. Recognize that acknowledging mistakes, discussing complications, and seeking advice demonstrate accountability rather than weakness.Address complications directly. Maintain communication with patients, remain engaged in their care, and evaluate difficult outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.Strengthen your support network. Cultivate relationships with trusted colleagues who can offer clinical perspectives, emotional support, and honest feedback during challenging situations.Approach conflict as an opportunity for growth. Examine underlying expectations, communicate clearly, and work toward solutions rather than avoiding difficult conversations.Recognize that careers evolve. Understand that family responsibilities, personal priorities, and professional ambitions may require different levels of attention throughout your career.Give yourself room to grow. Avoid measuring success against someone else's timeline or feeling pressured to pursue every opportunity early in your career.Recognize everyday leadership. Make a difference by supporting colleagues, mentoring trainees, contributing to committees, and leading within your own practice.Invest in the next generation. Share your experiences, encourage emerging leaders, and create opportunities for others to develop confidence and pursue meaningful professional roles.The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Effective leadership begins with understanding people, building trust, and creating an environment where individuals and teams can thrive.Leading a surgical team requires more than clinical expertise or professional authority. From navigating difficult conversations to developing future leaders, successful leadership depends on adaptability, collaboration, and the ability to balance individual needs with organizational priorities. Whether managing a small clinical team or an entire department, understanding how to motivate, support, and empower others is essential to building a strong workplace culture.Host Donna Tepper, MD, welcomes Andrea Pusic, MD, Amy Moore, MD, and Vedra Augenstein, MD, for a LIMITLESS Leaders discussion exploring the practical foundations of effective leadership. Drawing on their experiences leading academic departments, surgical teams, research initiatives, and professional societies, the panelists share how their leadership styles have evolved throughout their careers. They examine strategies for hiring and developing strong teams, encouraging honest feedback, navigating difficult conversations, and maintaining professional boundaries. The conversation also explores mentorship, recognizing burnout, balancing institutional expectations with individual aspirations, and creating a culture where team members feel valued and supported.Topics DiscussedDeveloping an authentic and adaptable leadership styleNavigating leadership opportunities and overcoming professional barriersBuilding collaborative, high-performing surgical teamsHiring individuals who align with organizational valuesEncouraging honest feedback and psychological safetyManaging difficult conversations and maintaining professional boundariesSupporting mentorship and developing future leadersBalancing clinical responsibilities, administrative demands, and personal prioritiesRecognizing burnout and fostering a supportive workplace cultureLeading with purpose while maintaining accountabilityKey TakeawaysDevelop your leadership style. Recognize that effective leadership evolves through experience, feedback, mentorship, and adapting to different situations.Build a culture of collaboration. Surround yourself with individuals who bring different perspectives, contribute meaningful ideas, and share a commitment to organizational success.Hire with intention. Look beyond credentials to understand candidates' motivations, professional values, and ability to contribute to a supportive, high-performing team.Seek honest feedback. Establish trusted relationships where colleagues feel comfortable sharing constructive observations, concerns, and opportunities for improvement.Approach difficult conversations with curiosity. Address challenges directly while remaining respectful, considering different perspectives, and focusing on solutions rather than confrontation.Balance approachability with professionalism. Create meaningful connections with team members while maintaining appropriate boundaries, fairness, and accountability.Invest in future leaders. Identify promising colleagues, provide opportunities for professional growth, and share the knowledge gained through your own leadership experiences.Recognize signs of burnout. Pay attention to changes in engagement, productivity, and workload, and provide individualized support before challenges become more difficult to manage.Lead with purpose. Help team members pursue meaningful professional goals while managing institutional expectations and supporting excellent patient care.View balance over time. Recognize that personal and professional priorities evolve, and establish boundaries that support long-term fulfillment rather than expecting perfect balance every day.Bonus ResourcesI Love It Here: How Great Leaders Create Organizations Their People Never Want to Leave by Clint Pulver – Recommended by Dr. Moore as a resource for building positive workplace cultures and strengthening team engagement.Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink – Discussed by Dr. Pusic in connection with motivation, purpose, and understanding what drives professional fulfillment.Deep Purpose: The Heart and Soul of High-Performance Companies by Ranjay Gulati – Recommended by Dr. Pusic for its exploration of purpose-driven leadership and organizational success.The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics.Allergan AestheticsAdvancing aesthetic medicine. Empowering confidence.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Building a successful career in plastic surgery requires more than surgical expertise—it takes self-awareness, adaptability, mentorship, and the confidence to define your own path.The transition from residency to independent practice brings important decisions about career direction, professional autonomy, and personal fulfillment. Understanding the differences between academic medicine, solo private practice, and group practice can help young plastic surgeons navigate these choices while building a career that aligns with their evolving priorities.Hosts Omar Beidas, MD, and Said Azoury, MD, welcome Ashley Amalfi, MD, and Smita Ramanadham, MD, for a Young Plastic Surgeons (YPS) discussion about navigating the early years of a plastic surgery career. Drawing on their experiences transitioning from academic medicine to private practice, Drs. Amalfi and Ramanadham explore the challenges of establishing a practice, developing professional confidence, and maintaining meaningful mentorship relationships. They share contrasting perspectives on joining an established group versus building a solo practice, including the responsibilities, flexibility, and opportunities associated with each model. The conversation also examines personal branding, social media, patient education, and the importance of creating a career that supports both professional growth and life outside medicine.Topics DiscussedTransitioning from residency to independent practiceComparing academic medicine and private practiceRecognizing when it is time for a career changeChoosing between solo and group practiceBuilding professional confidence and clinical independenceMaintaining mentorship and teaching opportunities outside academiaEstablishing a practice identity and patient experienceUsing social media and personal branding to support practice growthBalancing professional responsibilities and personal prioritiesNavigating evolving practice models and career opportunitiesKey TakeawaysExplore different career paths. Gain exposure to academic, employed, solo, and group practice settings before deciding which environment best supports your goals.Recognize the value of early mentorship. Build relationships with experienced colleagues who can provide clinical guidance, professional perspective, and support during the transition to independent practice.Choose a practice model that fits your priorities. Consider your preferred level of autonomy, business responsibilities, professional collaboration, and lifestyle when evaluating opportunities.Prepare for the business of medicine. Develop an understanding of practice operations, staffing, financial management, and patient experience before taking on ownership responsibilities.Build a consistent professional identity. Establish a practice philosophy and brand that reflect your values, clinical expertise, and approach to patient care.Use social media responsibly. Create authentic educational content while maintaining professionalism, protecting patient privacy, and obtaining appropriate consent.Continue teaching and learning. Pursue mentorship, educational involvement, and professional collaboration regardless of whether you practice in an academic or private setting.Protect your personal priorities. Establish boundaries, build reliable professional support, and make time for family, personal interests, and activities outside medicine.Give yourself permission to evolve. Recognize that your first position does not have to define your entire career and that changing direction can be an important part of professional growth.Bonus ResourcesLipstick and Lipo Podcast – Hosted by Drs. Ashley Amalfi and Smita Ramanadham, this podcast offers candid conversations about plastic surgery, patient education, and navigating aesthetic procedures.ASPS Young Plastic Surgeons (YPS) Forum – Professional networking, mentorship, leadership development, and educational opportunities for young plastic surgeons.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Financial confidence isn't just about how much you earn—it's about understanding your money, making intentional decisions, and creating opportunities for growth.From managing practice expenses and paying down debt to investing and exploring new income streams, financial decisions shape both professional independence and personal fulfillment. For women in surgery, developing financial knowledge and sharing experiences can help build confidence, challenge expectations, and open doors to new opportunities.Special guest host Noopur Gangopadhyay, MD, a pediatric plastic surgeon in Chicago, welcomes Emily Hu, MD, a plastic surgeon in solo private practice near Portland, Oregon, and Cynthia Diehl, MD, an aesthetic plastic surgeon and practice owner in Raleigh, North Carolina. Through candid conversations about their spending habits, business investments, and personal financial journeys, Drs. Hu and Diehl share how their approaches to money have evolved throughout their careers. They explore the realities of starting a practice, managing overhead, eliminating debt, and balancing financial security with opportunities for growth. The discussion also examines investment strategies, the pressures of maintaining a professional image, and the value of expanding beyond clinical practice through consulting, entrepreneurship, and other professional interests.Topics DiscussedManaging personal spending and practice expensesNavigating the financial challenges of starting a private practiceBalancing debt repayment, financial security, and investingEvaluating equipment purchases, inventory, and operating costsUnderstanding financial pressures and lifestyle expectationsExploring investment strategies and portfolio diversificationCreating additional income streams beyond clinical practiceLearning from financial mistakes and missed opportunitiesBuilding financial knowledge through mentorship and professional guidancePreparing for career transitions and long-term financial independenceKey TakeawaysUnderstand your financial priorities. Identify what financial security, independence, and professional success mean to you before making major decisions.Manage practice expenses strategically. Monitor overhead, inventory, equipment purchases, and staffing costs while considering their long-term value.Approach debt thoughtfully. Evaluate repayment decisions alongside investment opportunities, available resources, and personal comfort with financial risk.Invest in business expertise. Consider how practice managers, accountants, financial advisors, and business education can strengthen financial decision-making.Look beyond appearances. Recognize that professional credibility and financial success do not depend on displaying luxury or maintaining a particular lifestyle.Explore diverse opportunities. Consider consulting, advisory roles, entrepreneurship, and other professional interests that can create additional income streams and career flexibility.Learn from experience. Reflect on past financial decisions and seek guidance from colleagues who have navigated similar challenges.Plan for your next chapter. Develop financial and professional options that support evolving interests, long-term security, and eventual transitions away from clinical practice.Enjoy the journey. Balance financial discipline with meaningful experiences, personal interests, and opportunities for fulfillment.The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Authentic beauty begins with understanding patients, respecting individuality, and prioritizing safety, integrity, and lasting results over fleeting trends.Building a successful plastic surgery practice requires more than technical expertise. From developing meaningful patient relationships to making thoughtful business decisions, long-term success depends on balancing surgical artistry, ethical care, and professional fulfillment.Host Diana Yoon-Schwartz, MD, welcomes Scott R. Miller, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Miller Cosmetic Surgery in La Jolla, California. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience and mentorship under renowned aesthetic surgeon Bruce Connell, MD, Dr. Miller reflects on his career, the evolution of his practice, and the philosophy behind his book, Authentic Beauty. He shares practical insights on maintaining financial flexibility, building an effective team, evaluating new technologies, and developing a sustainable practice centered on patient care. Their conversation also explores patient communication, informed decision-making, the responsible use of social media, and the importance of preserving the integrity of plastic surgery.Topics DiscussedBuilding a sustainable, patient-centered plastic surgery practiceLearning from mentorship and evolving surgical expertiseManaging overhead and maintaining professional independenceHiring, developing, and retaining an effective practice teamEvaluating new technologies and practice investmentsDeveloping Authentic Beauty and its patient education philosophyHelping patients choose qualified surgeons and appropriate proceduresUnderstanding patient motivations and communicating expectationsBalancing artistry, safety, and ethical decision-makingMaintaining professional credibility through social media and public educationKey TakeawaysPut patients first. Build trust through individualized care, clear communication, and decisions that prioritize patient safety and well-being.Maintain financial flexibility. Manage personal and professional overhead to preserve independence in clinical and career decisions.Invest in the right people. Hire thoughtfully, develop a strong team, and recognize the importance of staff relationships in delivering consistent patient care.Evaluate technology strategically. Consider clinical evidence, patient benefit, and financial sustainability before investing in emerging devices or treatments.Communicate with clarity. Listen carefully to patient concerns, use accessible language, and distinguish between desires for rejuvenation and alteration.Support informed decisions. Help patients understand their concerns, the underlying causes, and how proposed treatments may address their goals.Protect professional integrity. Approach marketing, social media, and patient education in ways that reinforce credibility and respect for the specialty.Commit to quality and service. Uphold Dr. Miller's guiding principles of quality, integrity, safety, and service throughout the patient experience.Remain adaptable. Build a broad foundation of surgical skills, stay open to new opportunities, and allow your practice to evolve with experience.Bonus ResourcesAuthentic Beauty by Scott R. Miller, MD – A guide to aesthetic surgery, patient education, provider selection, and informed decision-making, discussed throughout the episode. Dr. Miller notes that the book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.

Travel can transform plastic surgery by expanding surgical expertise, connecting patients with specialized care, and strengthening global collaboration.From learning innovative techniques alongside international experts to providing surgical care in underserved communities, travel creates opportunities for professional growth and meaningful patient impact. As more patients also seek specialized procedures beyond their local communities, plastic surgeons must consider how to expand access while maintaining safety, continuity of care, and professional responsibility.Host Ashley Amalfi, MD, welcomes Carolyn De La Cruz, MD, a breast reconstruction and lymphatic surgeon at the University of Pittsburgh; Sarah Dickey, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in private practice near Chicago; and Kristen Broderick, MD, an academic plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and microsurgery. Dr. De La Cruz shares how traveling to learn from international experts expanded her surgical capabilities and professional network. Dr. Dickey discusses her longstanding involvement in international surgical outreach, emphasizing sustainable partnerships, local training, and postoperative follow-up. Dr. Broderick explores the growing number of patients traveling for specialized breast reconstruction and the importance of making these experiences accessible, safe, and well-coordinated. Together, they examine how travel can advance lifelong learning, strengthen surgical communities, and improve access to specialized plastic surgery care.Topics DiscussedTraveling to learn new surgical techniquesBuilding international mentorship and professional networksIncorporating new skills into an established practiceParticipating in international surgical outreachStrengthening local surgical training and sustainable partnershipsSupporting patients traveling for specialized proceduresCoordinating postoperative care and managing complicationsNavigating institutional barriers and patient privacyExpanding access to specialized reconstructive surgeryKey TakeawaysEmbrace lifelong learning. Seek opportunities to observe experienced colleagues and develop skills beyond those acquired during residency.Build meaningful professional connections. Use conferences, surgical visits, and international collaborations to establish lasting mentorship relationships.Translate learning into practice. Plan for the clinical, educational, and operational work required to introduce new techniques into your community.Prioritize sustainable outreach. Support programs that emphasize local surgeon education, long-term partnerships, and continuity of patient care.Prepare for traveling patients. Establish clear expectations for consultations, postoperative monitoring, complication management, and follow-up before patients return home.Communicate your expertise. Help patients and referring physicians understand the specialized services you provide while respecting institutional privacy and compliance requirements.Strengthen global surgical capacity. Recognize the value of supporting local surgeons who can deliver ongoing care within their own communities.Stay curious and take initiative. Pursue opportunities that challenge your comfort zone, expand your capabilities, and contribute to professional fulfillment.Bonus ResourcesPSF SHARE Program – A global surgical education initiative discussed in the episode that connects surgeons through mentorship, training, and collaborative learning.About Enhance Your PracticeEnhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers.Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.