Dr. Hari Venkatramani: "Precision, Passion & Purpose" – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
Release Date: 09/01/2025
Dr. Kevin Chung: "The Anatomy of a Calling” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, we sat down Dr. Kevin C. Chung, one of the most influential figures in modern plastic and hand surgery. Dr. Chung is the William C. Grabb Distinguished University Professor of Surgery and the Charles B. G. De Nancrede Professor of Surgery at the University of Michigan. A globally respected surgeon-scientist, he has authored more than 850 peer-reviewed papers, 600 book chapters, and 41 textbooks, and served as the 7th Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and...
info_outline
Dr. Tormod Westvik: Leveling Up a Diverse Practice
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Tormod Westvik talked about his diverse journey through the world of plastic surgery—from navigating residency training programs in America, Norway, and Australia to balancing algorithmic decision-making with highly individualized patient care. He shares why returning to first principles is essential in every clinical encounter, how serving as Section Editor for Case Reports in PRS Global Open has reshaped his surgical thinking, and the leadership lessons he carries forward from his mentors. Dr. Westvik also offers a...
info_outline
Prof. Venkat Ramakrishnan: "Unstitched—A Story across Continents and Generations"– A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Professor Venkat Ramakrishnan, a globally respected plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over four decades of experience. Known for his pioneering work in microsurgical breast reconstruction, Prof. Ramakrishnan has performed more than 1,500 DIEP and TUG flap procedures and currently leads the Breast Reconstruction Service at the renowned St. Andrew’s Centre for Plastic Surgery and Burns in Chelmsford, UK. His private practice spans Brentwood and Southend-on-Sea, and he continues...
info_outline
Drs. David Chwei-Chin Chuang and Jing Qin Tay: Leveling Up Complex Nerve Reconstruction- Recorded Live at PSTM 2025
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, recorded live at PSTM 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. David Chwei-Chin Chuang discussed his career in nerve surgery, the importance of accurate diagnosis in brachial plexus reconstruction, and how he goes about documenting his evaluations and his surgeries, how he treats patients with aberrant motor reinnervation and synkinesis in the face and upper extremity, his approach to counseling patients before these complex surgeries, how to prevent burnout, and the future of nerve surgery. Dr. Chuang was joined by his nerve...
info_outline
Dr. Steven Williams: "Sculpting History”– A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steven Williams for an inspiring and candid conversation that goes beyond the surface of success. We dive into the moments that shaped his journey — from battling imposter syndrome to finding his calling in plastic surgery, and from his experiences at Yale University to building a technology company while still in residency. Dr. Williams reflects on the lessons learned along the way, the influences that guided him, what it means to lead as president of the American Society of Plastic...
info_outline
Dr. Jesse Selber: "Robot Hands, Human Vision” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jesse Selber, a trailblazer in plastic surgery and a bold leader shaping the future of healthcare. With a career that spans cutting-edge clinical innovation, high-impact leadership, and groundbreaking surgical achievements, including the world’s first robotic plastic surgery program and a historic multi-organ transplant. Dr. Selber offers a rare perspective at the intersection of medicine, technology, and strategy. Currently serving as Interim Chief Medical Officer and Chief of...
info_outline
Dr. Hari Venkatramani: "Precision, Passion & Purpose" – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Hari Venkatramani, one of India's foremost plastic and reconstructive surgeons, uncovers the human story behind the scalpel. From growing up in various cities due to his father’s career as an air marshal, to the formative lessons that shaped his resilience and adaptability, Dr. Venkatramani reflects on how early experiences have guided his professional journey. He opens up about what initially drew him to the intricate world of plastic surgery, the personal joys he finds in the operating room, and the...
info_outline
Dr. Ash Patel: Leveling Up Emotional Intelligence
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Ash Patel shares how emotional intelligence transforms surgery—improving patient care, teamwork, and decision-making—plus his approach to impactful academic research, balancing personal and professional goals, the power of diversity to drive innovation, surgical techniques including pectoralis and gracilis muscle flaps, career-shaping mentors, and an unexpected claim to fame outside the world of plastic surgery. Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Patel and colleagues, “Navigating the Ethical Landmines of...
info_outline
Dr. Alison Snyder-Warwick: Leveling Up the Future of Peripheral Nerve Surgery
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Snyder-Warwick discussed her recent transition from Wash U to Michigan and how she has handled the switch, the philosophy of time, distance and severity when dealing with nerve injuries, the changes she has made over the years in her facial reanimation and peripheral nerve surgery practices, the relatively new field of corneal neurotization, the importance of personalizing the treatment of facial paralysis to each patient, the usefulness of buccal myomucosal flaps in cleft palate repair, how she involves residents in the...
info_outline
Dr. Galen Perdikis: Leveling Up the Pyramid of Surgical Skill
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Galen Perdikis discusses the growth that Vanderbilt's plastic surgery department and residency program have experienced over the last decade, the importance of specialized service lines to achieve the best patient care as well as resident education, the benefits of advanced practice providers in creating institutional memory, how he has built cross-departmental teams at Vanderbilt, what he means by “team-based capitalism” and how this approach has created a strong sense of teamwork in his faculty. He also discusses...
info_outlineIn this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Hari Venkatramani, one of India's foremost plastic and reconstructive surgeons, uncovers the human story behind the scalpel. From growing up in various cities due to his father’s career as an air marshal, to the formative lessons that shaped his resilience and adaptability, Dr. Venkatramani reflects on how early experiences have guided his professional journey. He opens up about what initially drew him to the intricate world of plastic surgery, the personal joys he finds in the operating room, and the fulfillment that comes from changing lives -- often in the most critical of moments.
We also explore the personal side of his story -- how he met his wife, how he balances intense professional demands with life outside the hospital, and what he believes is his most meaningful contribution to the specialty. It’s an honest, engaging, and inspiring conversation that offers a rare glimpse into the mind and heart of a world-renowned surgeon. Whether you're in medicine, leadership, or simply looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insight and humanity.
Read a classic PRS Global Open case report by Dr. Venkatramani, “Reconstruction of a Monodactylous Hand with Microsurgical Free Foot-to-Hand Transfer in Split-Hand/Split-Foot Malformation with Tibial Aplasia”: https://bit.ly/GOX20_Monodactylous_Hand
Dr. Hari Venkatramani, MBBS, MS, MCh, DNB, EDHS, is a Senior Consultant in Plastic and Trauma Reconstructive Surgery at the internationally acclaimed Ganga Hospital in Coimbatore. A pioneering figure in reconstructive microsurgery and nerve surgery, he currently serves as Vice-President of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI), President-Elect of the Indian Society for Peripheral Nerve Surgery, and Secretary of both the Indian Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and the Brachial Plexus Surgery Group of India.
His academic and clinical contributions span over 200 national and international presentations, numerous awards including the prestigious Dr. S. Raja Sabapathy Leadership Award and multiple best paper prizes, and visiting professorships at institutions like NYU and the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Venkatramani’s areas of expertise include complex limb trauma, brachial plexus injuries, congenital hand reconstruction, and lymphedema surgery. His innovation in microsurgery, coupled with a deep commitment to teaching and research, has left a significant impact on the field -- not just in India, but globally.
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