My first goal, always, is to understand my patients. In order to do so, I need to know what it is they see when they look in the mirror. Only when I know what it is that makes them unhappy – what they want to change or improve – can I begin to discuss their options – non-surgical, office-based procedures or the latest surgical techniques.

I see each patient as a unique individual with his or her own hopes and wishes; that means everything to me. So, I push myself very hard to not just meet, but to exceed those expectations. When it comes to facial plastic surgery, I willingly admit that I am a perfectionist who believes the best result is one that looks natural, rested and rejuvenated; not tight, awkward and unnatural.

My second goal, a more personal one, is to advance the field of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.

My involvement with the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, service as a board examiner for the facial plastics section of the American Board of Otorhinolaryngology and service on multiple committees of the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery all contribute to that goal.

My final goal is to serve as a teacher of my art. My position as an assistant professor of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery furthers that goal. By supervising medical students and residents, leading case conference sessions and giving grand rounds to the departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Dermatology and at hospitals in the surrounding community, I am constantly updating my knowledge in this rapidly expanding field. I enjoy contributing to the field of facial plastic surgery through teaching as it requires that I regularly reexamine my own knowledge base and understanding of this challenging field of medicine.