Sally/Dr.Thomas J. Fahey - Week 4

Week 4 - First time shadowing plastic reconstructive surgeries and clinic 

Name: Sally Lee

Mentor: Dr. Thomas J. Fahey



I had the incredible opportunity to shadow Dr. Spector and other surgeons during several plastic reconstructive surgeries in the operating room. Among the various procedures, one that particularly caught my attention was the split-thickness skin graft. It involved delicately extracting a thin layer of skin from a donor site, in this case, the patient's left thigh, using a specialized tool called a dermatome. The harvested skin was then manually punctured to create small perforations, allowing for vascularization when placed over the defect on the patient's head. What truly amazed me was the precision and efficiency with which the dermatome removed such a thin layer of skin. Equally impressive was witnessing how this thin graft could develop into a stable, thick layer of skin over time. However, handling the skin that was peeled off from the donor site using the dermatome seemed challenging due to its thinness. It resulted in wrinkling and folding of the skin, which had to be manually flattened by the physician assistant. I believe an equipment that could securely position the skin onto itself after peeling and create regular holes in it would be very helpful to enhance the efficiency of the procedure. 


In this specific case, the patient had been burdened by a large mass of thick skin growing on the top of their head, and this procedure was able to remove it. I could envision the profound impact this procedure would have on the patient's life by enhancing their overall quality of life. The removal of the prominent scar from their head would likely boost their confidence and improve their comfort during daily activities. Observing the transformative power of these procedures reminded me of the significant positive impact they can have on patients.As I reflect on this experience, a genuine sense of hope for the patient's swift recovery fills me, and I eagerly anticipate shadowing their progress during their follow-up clinic appointment.


In addition to the surgeries, I also had the opportunity to observe post-operative appointments with Dr. Spector's physician assistant, Ann Ni. During one particular visit, I witnessed an interesting technique following breast reconstruction surgery. The patient had undergone a procedure involving the insertion of a breast implant with two ports: one for fluid drainage and another for saline injection. Using a special instrument equipped with two magnets, Ann was able to locate and identify the positions of these ports. This innovative method allowed for precise saline injections in a minimally invasive manner. The use of magnets was truly remarkable and highlighted the efficient design of medical devices. It reminded me of why I chose to study Biomedical Engineering, as it showcased the fascinating advancements in the field.


Overall, my experience shadowing Dr. Spector and Ann Ni not only deepened my understanding of surgical procedures in plastic surgeries and patient care but also reinforced my passion for making a positive impact in the field of Biomedical Engineering.

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