The Reconstruction of Venus: A Studentʼs Perspective
2009; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 123; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1097/prs.0b013e31819a3562
ISSN1529-4242
Autores Tópico(s)Digital Imaging in Medicine
ResumoSir: I very humbly offer my support for the modification of the emblem of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons designed by Dr. Burt Brent in his recent editorial.1 Given that I am a senior medical student, I hope it is not too pretentious to offer my opinions to the field I currently hope to be a part of someday. I recently had the great pleasure of spending a month-long rotation with Dr. Brent. Witnessing first-hand the positive impact Dr. Brent has had on the lives of children afflicted with microtia using the reconstructive techniques he helped pioneer, refine, and teach was a confirmation of everything that attracted me to the specialty in the first place. Aufricht's original logo is a representation of the fusion of art, science, and surgery that enables plastic surgeons to reconstruct deformities. I find it fitting that the Venus de Milo depicted in the current emblem is armless because of the haste of several greedy sailors anxious to make a quick profit off her beauty. History has seen countless examples of the corruptive power of money, and I worry about the amount of attention that cosmetic surgery has attracted from both physicians and the popular media. The public is very familiar with the work and salary of Dr. 90210 but mostly ignorant of the extraordinary contributions of plastic surgeons such as Dr. Harry J. Buncke and Dr. Paul Tessier. Like many in the medical community, I believe this is a gross misrepresentation of what the field truly is. From the perspective of a student, it important to see examples of plastic surgeons who are dedicated to reconstructing those afflicted with congenital or traumatic deformities. It is important to see those involved in research to further advance the field. Furthermore, it is one thing to read of how Dr. Joseph E. Murray was suturing a child's facial laceration on Christmas Day in the emergency department 2 days after performing his Nobel Prize–winning kidney transplantation,2 and another thing to personally work with mentors who are equally dedicated. As students, we need those examples so that we can relate to that ideal. Dr. Brent's modification of the logo is the perfect reminder of the legacy that aspiring plastic surgeons have been left with, and the advancements we should strive for. Gerald J. Cho, B.S. 2538 Ravine Street, Suite 1 Cincinnati, Ohio 45219
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