Dr. Babak Mehrara: “Practice, People, and Purpose” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
Release Date: 01/20/2026
Dr. Babak Mehrara: “Practice, People, and 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, we sit down with Dr. Babak Mehrara, an internationally recognized leader in oncologic reconstruction and Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mehrara shares the remarkable journey that shaped his career, beginning with his move from Iran to the United States and the path that led him into medicine. We explore how Dr. Mehrara chose his medical school, the mentors who influenced his development, and the pivotal moments that guided him...
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Dr. Devinder Singh: Leveling Up a Storied Plastic Surgery Program
PRS Global Open Deep Cuts
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Devinder Singh talked about balancing the role of being a surgeon and a Division Chief, how he went about growing and rejuvenating the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Miami, the differences between a community hospital and academic hospital setting, why he enjoys doing the job of a circulating nurse, his unique experience being the chair of the Maryland State Medical Board, his approach to pre-pectoral implant based breast reconstruction, why he thinks negative pressure therapy is helpful in reducing...
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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...
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Dr. Tormod Westvik: Leveling Up a Diverse Practice
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineIn this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Babak Mehrara, an internationally recognized leader in oncologic reconstruction and Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mehrara shares the remarkable journey that shaped his career, beginning with his move from Iran to the United States and the path that led him into medicine.
We explore how Dr. Mehrara chose his medical school, the mentors who influenced his development, and the pivotal moments that guided him toward plastic surgery. Dr. Mehrara offers a candid look at the personalities within different surgical subspecialties, how he thinks about broadening or narrowing a practice, and why he believes plastic surgery holds unique value within the field of medicine.
Dr. Mehrara opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of the operating room, and he discusses the “buddy system” he pioneered to foster healthier, more effective teamwork in high-stakes clinical environments.
With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles at MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College, and the NIH-funded Lymphatic Biology Lab, as well as his current service as President of The Plastic Surgery Foundation (2025–2026), Dr. Mehrara brings a rare blend of clinical and scientific insight to this conversation—offering inspiration and guidance for trainees, surgeons, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of reconstructive care.
Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Mehrara and co-authors, “Thigh-based Breast Reconstruction: A Decade of Experience With the Diagonal Upper Gracilis Flap”: bit.ly/DUG_Flap_10_Yrs_Mehrara
Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.
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