During my years in medical school, I found myself drawn to two seemingly opposite fields: Psychiatry and Plastic Surgery.
At first glance, they appear to exist on different ends of the medical spectrum—one focusing on the mind, the other on physical form. Yet, to me, they share a singular, powerful mission: restoring dignity through unconditional care. Both disciplines require what I call objective empathy—the ability to see a patient’s trauma or physical concerns clearly, without bias, and to treat the person rather than the stigma associated with their condition.
Working as a general physician in community clinics, I began to see the distinct rhythms of these two paths. I deeply respect the long-term patience and complex nuance required in psychiatric care, where conditions are often chronic and deeply layered. However, I found myself increasingly drawn to the immediacy of surgery. There was a unique power in the acute intervention—the ability to use my hands to create a clear, visible transformation. Plastic surgery allows for a "before and after" that is not just aesthetic, but also functional and psychological.
Plastic surgery aligns with my natural inclinations:
My interest in the human psyche hasn't faded; it has simply found a new home in the operating room. I aim to practice plastic surgery with the attentiveness of a psychiatrist. My goal is to care for the physical wound while remaining deeply mindful of the person behind it.
I invite you to follow along as I document my journey through my residency—so stay tuned!