On the surface, specialties such as plastic surgery and dermatology might seem to be all about that – our surface or how we appear to the world. But, time and time again, what we came across in this issue are experiences that go far beyond appearances.
In our cover story, Joseph Banis, MD, defies the typical Hollywood stereotypes of a plastic surgery practice, instead approaching patient care with a family practice perspective and a personal touch that takes the whole person into account. From dramatic reconstruction surgery to routine cosmetic procedures, Banis views his job as “psychosurgery,” helping people match their insides to their outsides.
Dorothy Clark, MD, Susan H. Wermeling, MD, and Therese-Anne LeVan, MD, of Bluegrass Plastic Surgery embrace a similar philosophy, noting that while cosmetic surgery can be trivialized, it can provide very beneficial emotional and psychological results.
Dermatology Consultants in Lexington continues to grow its practice on the premise that the skin is not only the body’s outer defense against the elements but also a window into overall health. When it comes to skin cancer, Joseph Bark, MD, founder of Dermatology Consultants, says assuming dark-skinned people are at lesser risk is a dangerous misconception. Cancer does not discriminate based on race or skin color, he says.
In our vascular section, we address disease states that often go undetected because they are not visible on the surface. Rakesh Gopinathannair, MD, with KentuckyOne Health in Louisville, introduces us to the WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure device to prevent strokes in people with atrial fibrillation. Steve Lin, MD, with KentuckyOne Health in Lexington, underlines the importance of addressing venous disease that often goes untreated and the benefits of lifestyle programming. Noah Scherrer, MD, of Surgical Care Associates of Louisville, discusses fenestrated stent grafting for abdominal aortic aneurysms and screening that can prevent complications from these aneurysms that are silent but potentially fatal.
Getting to the root of the problem and identifying what each patient needs, no matter what things may appear, is what this issue is all about. I hope that you find it as enlightening as I have.
Sincerely,Jennifer S. Newton, Editor-in-Chief