The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
What is your hometown?
Plainfield, Indiana (west suburb of Indianapolis)
When did you join the University of Iowa faculty?
August 2007
How/when did you become interested in science and medicine?
As early as I can remember I knew I wanted to be a doctor, specifically a surgeon. My mother, who is a Vietnamese immigrant, always told me that getting an education was the key to unlocking doors of opportunity. So I reasoned that if I was going to spend my life educating myself, why not learn about the mysteries of our own bodies and how they work?
What interested you to pursue a career in surgery?
As a child I was fascinated when my grandfather had open heart surgery and I decided then that I wanted to be a surgeon. As a medical student my love of surgery superceded the long, hard hours required on my rotation. I enjoy the gratification that comes from combining the physical and mental energy necessary to help patients, and I love being able to actually see the results of my efforts. Lastly, surgery is just cool – why else do so many people watch it on TV these days?
What led to your interests in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
The field of Plastic Surgery is centered on restoring function and form. As a medical student I was truly amazed when I learned that plastic surgeons could use part of a man’s leg to reconstruct his face after cancer or trauma, repair congenital deformities like a cleft lip and even replant fingers and limbs. I thought, “I want to be able to do that!” I also enjoy the personal connections you make with your patients as you take them through a reconstructive or even beautifying process.
Is there a teacher or mentor who helped shaper you career?
My training in plastic surgery at Southern Illinois School of Medicine was with a very distinguished and close-knit group of surgeons. I consider them all to be mentors and am very grateful to have them be a part of my life.
How or why did you choose the University of Iowa?
Love and Opportunity. My husband was an orthopedic surgery resident here during most of our relationship. I loved visiting him here in Iowa City and moved here to end our long distance relationship. The University has a great reputation and I wanted to be part of a team that provides excellent patient care. It worked out perfectly that I could join the faculty and provide services that were needed at the University and be with my husband.
The University of Iowa’s faculty members are united to provide exceptional patient care while advancing innovations in research and medical education. How does your work help translate new discoveries into patient centered care and education?
As a member of our Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Oncology Group, I work with an exceptional group of surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, nurse practitioners and radiologists to provide comprehensive care to the cancer patient. I am able to add the unique perspective of a reconstructive surgeon to help collectively determine the best treatment plan for any particular patient.
What kinds of professional opportunities or advantages does being a faculty member at an academic medical center provide?
Being a small part of a large team allows me to interact with all disciplines and learn from each.
Please describe your professional interests.
My main focus is on breast cancer reconstruction. I also enjoy general plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery.
How does working in a collaborative and comprehensive academic medical center benefit your work?
It is wonderful to have so many resources at your fingertips and to get the opportunity to see so many interesting patients. Working with students and residents is motivating and helps you focus on constantly improving your practice and techniques as you strive to pass on pearls of wisdom to them.
What are some of your outside interests?
I really enjoy cooking, wine and spending time with friends and family (especially with food and wine). I love water sports and hope to learn how to sail. I think island hopping in the Caribbean would be a great retirement activity!
Do you have an insight or philosophy that guides you in your professional work?
Be ethical and be honest. I am always honest with patients and tell them what they need to know so that they are fully informed before undergoing surgery. In other words, I strive to treat everybody the way I would want to be treated if I were seeking advice.
If you could change one thing about the world (or the world of medicine), what would it be?
It would be nice if we didn’t live in such a litigious society and we could worry less about the paper work and more about the patient. I believe all physicians would be happier if we could spend more time with our patients and form stronger relationships with them. Nobody goes into medicine to do paperwork.
What is the biggest change you've experienced in your field since you were a student?
The public perception of plastic surgery has really been changing with television shows such as Extreme Makeover and others. I find it fascinating how standards of beauty and even standards of “normal” keep changing in the public eye as plastic surgery becomes more publicized and prevalent. Surgical techniques have changed a lot too, which makes this an exciting and dynamic field to be in.
What one piece of advice would you give to today's students?
Work equally hard to achieve success in your career and happiness in your personal life. Always remember that life is unpredictable, you cannot control it or plan it no matter how hard you try. Be prepared to be surprised at what comes your way and enjoy the chaos!
What do you see as "the future" of medicine?
The future is always hard to predict, but I think all the developing technologies will unlock great advances in medicine and patient care. Research in gene therapy, transplantation and tissue regeneration will take us into the next frontier.
In what ways are you engaged with the greater Iowa public (i.e. population based research, mentoring high school students, sharing your leadership/expertise with organizations or causes, speaking engagements off campus, etc
Since I am still establishing my practice here at the University, I have not had much time to dedicate to research or speaking engagements. I do enjoy mentoring medical students and volunteering at mobile health clinics when the opportunity arises.