Being a Plastic Surgeon: My Meeting with Dr. Justin Sacks

Today, I’m excited to share my meeting with Dr. Justin Sacks, the Head of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery division in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine (check out this video to learn more about him).

Last summer, I had the chance to learn about the complexities of plastic surgery and the role of business in medicine. Despite his incredibly busy schedule, Dr. Sacks met with me on a Sunday in his office. He shared his journey into medicine, his passion for plastic surgery, and the rigorous training that shaped his career.

What Does a Plastic Surgeon Do?

The meeting kicked off with Dr. Sacks asking me, “What is a plastic surgeon?”

When he asked, my first thought was of Hollywood stars with perfectly smooth, wrinkle-free faces. I blurted out, “Cosmetic work, like nose jobs and facelifts, right?” He laughed at my blunt answer. But after our conversation, I realized there’s so much more to it. Plastic surgery isn’t just about appearance—it’s about reconstructing human bodies in incredibly complex ways.

Dr. Sacks explained that plastic surgeons often move tissue from one body part to another to help with reconstruction. For him, the most meaningful part of his work is helping patients rebuild their lives after cancer or trauma. It’s about restoring both form and function, which I found inspiring and noble.

And then there’s the skill involved. For example, microsurgery—sewing tiny blood vessels together using a microscope and sutures thinner than a strand of hair. Imagine the precision and focus that it takes!

More Than Just a Surgeon

Dr. Sacks isn’t just a surgeon. He’s also a researcher and teacher. He trains residents and other doctors to push boundaries and solve problems that haven’t been solved before. That dedication to innovation and mentorship stood out to me.

A Bit About Dr. Sacks’ Background

Dr. Sacks shared a little about his journey before moving to St. Louis. He’s originally from New York City and went through medical training in New York, Pittsburgh, and Houston at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He had his first faculty position at MD Anderson and spent a decade at Johns Hopkins before coming to Washington University in 2020 to lead the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

The Business Side of Medicine

We also discussed something I hadn’t considered before—the business side of medicine. Dr. Sacks emphasized the importance of understanding the financial and administrative aspects of the field, especially when it comes to funding research projects.

He even earned an MBA, which gave him valuable insights into how healthcare organizations work and how to navigate the complexities of medical funding. His advice made me realize that being a well-rounded medical professional isn’t just about mastering science and technical skills—it’s also about understanding the system behind the scenes.

I’ve been interested in studying business because of my passion for biotechnology and the potential commercialization of inventions—hopefully my own someday. However, my meeting with Dr. Sacks offered me a completely new perspective. He showed me how studying business could provide a broader understanding of the healthcare industry as a whole, and I find it incredibly exciting. I’m truly grateful to Dr. Sacks for taking the time to share his insights and experiences with me.

That’s all for today! Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you next time.

Love,

Craig