Dr. Babak Mehrara: "Practice, People, and Purpose" – A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview

In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Babak Mehrara, an internationally recognized leader in oncologic reconstruction and Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mehrara shares the remarkable journey that shaped his career, beginning with his move from Iran to the United States and the path that led him into medicine.

We explore how Dr. Mehrara chose his medical school, the mentors who influenced his development, and the pivotal moments that guided him toward plastic surgery. Dr. Mehrara offers a candid look at the personalities within different surgical subspecialties, how he thinks about broadening or narrowing a practice, and why he believes plastic surgery holds unique value within the field of medicine.

Dr. Mehrara opens up about what keeps him grounded outside of the operating room, and he discusses the "buddy system" he pioneered to foster healthier, more effective teamwork in high-stakes clinical environments.

With more than 400 peer-reviewed publications, leadership roles at MSK, Weill Cornell Medical College, and the NIH-funded Lymphatic Biology Lab, as well as his current service as President of The Plastic Surgery Foundation (2025–2026), Dr. Mehrara brings a rare blend of clinical and scientific insight to this conversation—offering inspiration and guidance for trainees, surgeons, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of reconstructive care.

Read a recent PRS Global Open article by Dr. Mehrara and co-authors, "Thigh-based Breast Reconstruction: A Decade of Experience With the Diagonal Upper Gracilis Flap": bit.ly/DUG_Flap_10_Yrs_Mehrara

Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 4 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.

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