Episode Title: Microsurgery Maestro, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (#28)

Guest: Professor Fu-Chan Wei, MD; Microsurgeon | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan

Podcast: the DIEP end

Episode Summary:

In this special episode of the DIEP end, Dr. Saїd Azoury and Dr. Hank Davis sit down with Professor Fu-Chan Wei, a pioneering figure whose contributions have fundamentally shaped reconstructive microsurgery. Known internationally for refining the vascularized fibula flap technique for jaw reconstruction and his leadership in head and neck microsurgery, Professor Wei offers personal insights into his extraordinary journey—from early mentorship under Dr. Samuel Noordhoff to becoming an influential global figure in reconstructive surgery.

Listeners will gain rare insights into Professor Wei’s unique philosophy of patient care, surgical education, and innovation. This episode explores how he built Chang Gung Memorial Hospital into a world-renowned microsurgical center, emphasizing meticulous preoperative planning, robust resident and fellow training programs, and commitment to surgical excellence.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

● How Professor Wei unexpectedly made microsurgery the central focus of his career

● The origins and global impact of vascularized fibula flap techniques for jaw reconstruction

● Why rigorous preoperative planning and literature review are essential for patient safety

● Insights into building one of the world's premier microsurgery training programs

● The critical role Taiwan’s healthcare evolution played in microsurgery’s growth

● Key lessons for surgical trainees on innovation, humility, and continuous learning

Quotable Moments:

"Innovation requires deep mastery. You can't innovate without truly understanding the basics."

"Quantity is the mother of quality—volume and specialization lead to surgical excellence."

"Microsurgery is not just about technical skills; it's a meticulous process starting long before the operating room."

SEO Keywords: Fu-Chan Wei podcast, microsurgery pioneer, vascularized fibula flap, jaw reconstruction, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, microsurgical training, reconstructive surgery innovations, surgical education, patient safety in surgery, DIEP End podcast, Taiwanese plastic surgery

Follow Professor Fu-Chan Wei:

● Learn more: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

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● Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast

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Episode Title: From Flaps to Facelifts – Dr. David Hidalgo: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Former Chief at Memorial Sloan Kettering (#27)

Guest: Dr. David Hidalgo, MD, FACS | Former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering | Aesthetic Innovator, New York City

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of The DIEP End, hosts Dr. Saїd Azoury and Hank Davis welcome Dr. David Hidalgo, an internationally acclaimed plastic surgeon celebrated for groundbreaking reconstructive techniques and aesthetic innovations. Dr. Hidalgo shares his unique journey, detailing his pioneering contributions to reconstructive microsurgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering and his subsequent transition to aesthetic surgery in his New York City private practice.

Listeners will discover how Dr. Hidalgo’s blend of surgical precision, academic rigor, and artistic sensibility have defined his career. He discusses his groundbreaking work with the fibula free flap for mandibular reconstruction and provides insights into maintaining excellence in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgical realms.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

● How Dr. Hidalgo transitioned from pioneering reconstructive surgery to leading high-end aesthetic surgery

● Behind-the-scenes insights into developing the fibula free flap technique for jaw reconstruction

● The critical role artistic sensibility plays in achieving exceptional surgical outcomes

● Strategies for navigating career transitions from academia to private practice

● Key lessons in balancing technical mastery with aesthetic harmony and proportion

● Why persistence and disciplined innovation are essential for sustained surgical excellence

Quotable Moments:

"Persistence and perfectionism are key—you keep going until it's exactly right."

"Plastic surgery is fundamentally visual; artistic skills significantly enhance your surgical outcomes."

"There's no shortcut to surgical excellence—it’s about being meticulous every time."

SEO Keywords: David Hidalgo podcast, plastic surgery, fibula free flap, microsurgery pioneer, Memorial Sloan Kettering plastic surgery, aesthetic surgery New York, Manhattan plastic surgeon, surgical innovation, artistic plastic surgery, DIEP End podcast, reconstructive to aesthetic surgery transition

Follow Dr. David Hidalgo:

Instagram: @drdavidhidalgo

Learn more: Dr. Hidalgo’s Practice

Follow The DIEP End:

Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast

Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

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Hosted by passionate trainees exploring the future of plastic surgery—one story at a time.

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Guest: Dr. Kevin Chung, Professor and Hand Surgeon at University of Michigan | Editor-in-Chief, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery | Editor, Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery

Podcast: The DIEP End

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The DIEP End, Dr. Said Azoury sits down with Dr. Kevin Chung, a world-renowned hand surgeon, outcomes researcher, and editorial leader. Dr. Chung discusses his journey from clinical excellence to academic leadership, shaped by a Master’s in Health Services Research and a career of combining surgical mastery with innovation.

As Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Editor of Grabb and Smith’s Plastic Surgery, Dr. Chung reveals his vision for academic publishing that’s inclusive, rigorous, and globally impactful. This is a must-listen for aspiring academic surgeons, educators, and anyone passionate about the future of plastic surgery.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

● The mindset of a successful surgeon-scientist

● How to balance editorial leadership with clinical excellence

● What mentorship really looks like in academic medicine

● The difference between innovation and evidence

● How Dr. Chung is shaping the future of PRS and global plastic surgery

Quotable Moments:

● "Curiosity is the most important trait of a great surgeon."

● "Your job as a mentor is to build people up—then get out of their way."

● "The journal is not mine—it belongs to the specialty. My job is to guide it with clarity and purpose."

Keywords (SEO-Driven): plastic surgery podcast, Kevin Chung PRS, academic plastic surgery, surgical mentorship, PRS journal editor, Grabb and Smith editor, DIEP flap, Said Azoury podcast, plastic surgery innovation, evidence-based surgery, publishing in PRS, global plastic surgery leadership, Dr. Kevin Chung interview

Follow Dr. Chung:

● Learn more: PRSJournal.com

Follow The DIEP End:

● Instagram & YouTube: @thediependpodcast

● Spotify & Apple Podcasts: The DIEP End

Leave Us a Review: If you loved this episode, please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It helps more listeners like you discover these incredible stories and expert insights.

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Instagram: @thediependpodcast