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.
Site
RSS
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
Dr. Kyle Eberlin: Program Director, Harvard Plastic Surgery, Associate Program Director MGH Hand Surgery, Application Season, Hand Surgery (#40)
Friday, November 21, 2025 • Duration 47:00
Keywords
surgery, commitment, social media, mastery, medical field
Summary
In this conversation, Kyle Eberlin emphasizes the importance of commitment and focus in the field of surgery, particularly in an age dominated by social media distractions. He discusses the journey to mastery, highlighting that success requires dedication and hard work, and that aspiring surgeons must navigate the challenges posed by modern distractions to achieve their goals.
Takeaways
Commitment to excellence is crucial in surgery. Social media can be a significant distraction. Mastery in surgery requires hard work and dedication. Surgeons must focus on their craft to succeed. The journey to becoming a great surgeon is unique for everyone. Distractions can derail one's professional goals. Success in surgery is a continuous journey. Dedication is what sets great surgeons apart. It's important to block out external noise. The best surgeons are those who prioritize their training.
Titles
Commitment to Excellence in Surgery
Sound bites
"Social media can distract from our goals." "Mastery requires dedication and hard work." "Commitment is key to becoming a great surgeon."
Dr. Karen Evans: Professor, Medstar Georgetown Plastic Surgery, Lower Extremity Salvage, Women in Medicine, Balancing Motherhood (#39)
Thursday, November 6, 2025 • Duration 59:47
keywords
plastic surgery, vascular surgery, medical education, career balance, family life, mentorship, lower extremity reconstruction, academic medicine, running, personal stories, work-life balance, sleep health, patient care, limb salvage surgery, women in medicine, career reflections, operating room music, surgical instruments
summary
In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Karen Evans shares her journey through medicine, from her early interest in biology to her specialization in plastic and vascular surgery. The conversation delves into her educational background, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and her experiences in the demanding field of lower extremity reconstruction. Dr. Evans also discusses the challenges of balancing a medical career with family life, her passion for mentoring young medical professionals, and her personal love for running. The episode highlights the importance of mentorship, the joy of academic medicine, and the unique stories that shape a physician's path. In this engaging conversation, Dr. Karen Evans discusses the balance of work and family life, the importance of sleep, and the evolving definitions of success in patient care. She shares insights on advancements in limb salvage surgery and the future of lower extremity surgery, emphasizing the role of women in medicine and the importance of individualized patient care. The discussion also touches on personal experiences, including living in her car during medical training, and the role of music in the operating room.
takeaways
Dr. Evans emphasizes the importance of mentorship in academic medicine.
Her early interest in biology was sparked by a unique experience in middle school.
She found her passion in vascular surgery during her medical training.
The transition to plastic surgery was influenced by a memorable debridement case.
Balancing a demanding career with family life is a significant challenge for physicians.
Dr. Evans values the energy and excitement that young medical students bring to her practice.
She believes in the importance of finding one's niche in medicine during residency.
Dr. James Higgins: Chief of The Curtis National Hand Center, Leader in Reconstructive Hand and Microsurgery (#30)
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)
Microsurgery Maestro – Dr. Fu-Chan Wei: Professor and Chair of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (#28)
Season 1 · Episode 28
Saturday, June 28, 2025 • Duration 01:00:12
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, Taiwan
Podcast: the DIEP end
Episode 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 learning
From Flaps to Facelifts – Dr. David Hidalgo: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Former Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering (#27)
Season 1 · Episode 27
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 • Duration 49:52
Episode Title: From Flaps to Facelifts – Dr. David Hidalgo: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Former Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering (#27)
Guest: Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering | Aesthetic Innovator, New York City
Podcast: The DIEP End
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of The DIEP End, hosts Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis welcome Dr. David Hidalgo, an internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon celebrated for groundbreaking reconstructive techniques and aesthetic innovations. Dr. Hidalgo shares his unique journey, detailing his pioneering contributions to reconstructive microsurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and his subsequent transition to aesthetic surgery in his New York City private practice.
Listeners will discover how Dr. Hidalgo’s blend of surgical precision, academic rigor, and artistic sensibility have defined his career. He discusses his groundbreaking work with the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction and provides insights into maintaining excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical realms.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
● How Dr. Hidalgo transitioned from pioneering reconstructive surgery to leading high-end aesthetic surgery
● Behind-the-scenes insights into developing the fibula free flap technique for jaw reconstruction
● The critical role artistic sensibility plays in achieving exceptional surgical outcomes
● Strategies for navigating career transitions from academia to private practice
● Key lessons in balancing technical mastery with aesthetic harmony and proportion
● Why persistence and disciplined innovation are essential for sustained surgical excellence
Quotable Moments:
Dr. Kevin Chung: Editor-in-Chief of the Journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Professor and Hand Surgeon at University of Michigan (#26)
Season 1 · Episode 26
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • Duration 46:10
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 Surgery
Podcast: The DIEP End
Episode 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 surgery
Quotable 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 interview
Dr. Julie Freischlag: Vascular Surgeon, CAO and Executive VP Advocate Health, CEO and CAO Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Executive VP Health Affairs at Wake Forest University (#25)
Season 1 · Episode 25
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 • Duration 47:48
Episode Title: Breaking Barriers in Surgery & Leadership with Dr. Julie Freischlag
Guest: Dr. Julie Freischlag, Vascular Surgeon & CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Podcast: The DIEP End
Episode 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 career
The pivotal moments that led her to vascular surgery
Behind-the-scenes stories of becoming chair of surgery at Johns Hopkins
Advice for navigating leadership as a woman in medicine
The power of mentorship and opening doors for others
How she’s transformed academic institutions through inclusion and innovation
What it means to build a legacy beyond the operating room
Quotable 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 expert
Dr. Ashkan Ghavami: World-Renowned and Celebrity Plastic Surgeon, Former President of the Rhinoplasty Society, Artist/Musician (#24)
Season 1 · Episode 24
Monday, April 28, 2025 • Duration 46:53
Episode Title: Mastering the Art & Science of Plastic Surgery with Dr. Ashkan Ghavami
Guest: Dr. Ashkan Ghavami, MD, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Podcast: The DIEP End
Episode 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 surgery
Insights into his training at UT Southwestern and mentorship under icons like Rod Rohrich
Why adversity is crucial to mastering any craft
Building a celebrity clientele and maintaining discretion
How he pioneered early use of Instagram in plastic surgery
The evolution and importance of global/ethnic rhinoplasty
Advice for trainees and how to stand out in esthetic fellowships
Balancing clinical excellence, innovation, and wellness
Quotable 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."
Former Editor-in-Chief of ASJ, Past President of ISAPS and ASAPS, Co-founder Mathes-Nahai Flap Classification, with Dr. Foad Nahai (#23)
Discover shows related to the DIEP end: A Plastic Surgery Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
Leave 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.
"Persistence and perfectionism are key—you keep going until it's exactly right."
"Plastic surgery is fundamentally visual; artistic skills significantly enhance your surgical outcomes."
"There's no shortcut to surgical excellence—it’s about being meticulous every time."
SEO Keywords: David Hidalgo podcast, plastic surgery, fibula free flap, microsurgery pioneer, Memorial Sloan Kettering plastic surgery, aesthetic surgery New York, Manhattan plastic surgeon, surgical innovation, artistic plastic surgery, DIEP End podcast, reconstructive to aesthetic surgery transition.
Leave Us a Review: If you enjoyed this discussion, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Your feedback helps share these insightful conversations with more listeners.
Hosted by passionate trainees exploring the future of plastic surgery—one story at a time.
Leave 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.
Leave 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
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 podcast
Leave 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.
