Fifty Years of Plastic Surgery at the University of Louisville
fig . 1 fig . 2 fig . 3 fig . 4
2023 marks the 50th Anniversary of the University of Louisville Plastic Surgery Program . Over these 50 years , four directors and 20 faculty have graduated over 100 residents and fellows , while providing enormous clinical service , and creating medical breakthroughs adopted internationally .
The founding Director , Leonard J . Weiner , MD ( Fig . 1 ) was a pioneer in liposuction , and laid ground for our stellar research programs . His first faculty appointment was Dr . Robert Acland ( Fig . 2 ), who pioneered microsurgery by designing essential instruments , establishing a world-renowned microsurgery teaching laboratory and creating a respected microsurgery fellowship . Fifteen years later , Dr . Weiner appointed Dr . John Barker ( Fig . 3 ), who established a productive research laboratory that became the world ’ s largest in plastic surgery . It produced much valuable research , especially in microcirculation and transplantation .
I ( Fig . 4 ) was Dr . Weiner ’ s second faculty appointment . I brought to Louisville the technique of early tangential excision and grafting of burns , which substantially reduced burn mortality and morbidity . My early research focused on the field of myocutaneous and muscle flaps . From this work , the distally based rectus abdominus flap pelvic reconstruction has completely eliminated the chronic pelvic wound after abdominal-perineal resection and pelvic exenteration infections . Also , the pectoralis flap sternal reconstruction
18 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE fig . 5 fig . 6 fig . 7
by GORDON TOBIN , MD
from this work has dramatically lessened mortality and morbidity after sternotomy for cardiac procedures . In 1994 , I became the second Director , and enjoyed a decade of returns on clinical and research investments by all the faculty , which brought us collaboration with many disciplines in meeting their reconstructive needs , and brought us a strong international reputation .
During that time , I joined Dr . Warren Breidenbach of Kleinert-Kutz , and Dr . Jon Jones , of UofL Transplant Surgery , in the world ’ s first successful skin-bearing transplant , a hand ( Fig . 5 ). Although previously deemed impossible , it remains a success at 25 years . This landmark achievement has launched the new surgical field of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation .
Dr . Larry Florman ( Fig . 6 ) became Director in 2005 , and brought a focus in aesthetic surgery , especially cosmetic rhinoplasty . Dr . Bradon Wilhelmi ( Fig . 7 ) became Director in 2007 , and brought expertise in hand , breast and microsurgery , which maintains our leadership in these fields . He also established an integrated residency program , which is developing smoothly .
Our current faculty includes Dr . Bradon Wilhelmi , Director ; Dr . Gordon Tobin ; Dr . Terry McCurry ; Dr . Josh Choo ; and Dr . Ryan Shapiro . The UofL Plastic Surgery Program has had a most productive 50 years , and we look forward to further great contributions to our field .
Dr . Tobin is a professor at the University of Louisville School of Medicine , Department of Surgery , Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery . He practices with UofL Physicians – Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery .