Today we’d like to introduce you to George Washington.
Hi George, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My Deep Pain, Transformed
I’ve often noticed that the trajectory of one’s professional life launches from a base point of personal or family trauma. In that respect, my story begins like most others. I was deeply affected by not only one but two family medical emergencies that set me on a course to learn more about the mysteries, maladies, and miracles of the human body. At age eight, my life took an unexpected turn when my 40-year-old father’s heart stopped beating, and he had to be resuscitated back to life. He suffered a heart attack, which required emergent life-saving open heart surgery. As if things couldn’t get worse, a few months later my grandmother died from a stroke. Although the doctors did everything they could to try and save her, we were not so fortunate this time. My interest to understand what happened to two very important people in my life and desire to give back what has been given to my family became my dream and the impetus for my pursuit into medicine and surgery.
My Purpose, Defined
Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses a unique combination of the science, practice, and art of medicine that not only involves pharmacological healing and anatomical manipulation to provide immediate aesthetic and/or functional correction but also psychological and emotional influence. This became apparent during my general surgery training when I responded to a trauma code, and I was shocked to see a young girl with a large laceration across her face and nasal avulsion hysterically crying for her mother. Even in the midst of her panic, she asked me, “do I look ugly?” Overcome with compassion and sympathy, I quickly held her hand to comfort and reassure her that we were dedicated to doing all that we could to help her. All I could think about at the time was that what she will see in the mirror every day, going forward, will remind her of this tragic event forever. I remember bringing the young child to the operating room for immediate repair with skilled plastic surgeons who captivated me with their concentration and precision in rearranging local tissue to repair the nasal defect. The foresight for potential scarring and geometrical considerations to preserve facial aesthetics intrigued me. Not only would this patient’s appearance and nasal function have been compromised without surgery, but her inner spiritual being would also be weakened. I believe that in repairing her physical wounds, reconstructive surgery preserved her internal strength to overcome any external insults she may face as she grows up. This encounter assured me that a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery can provide a lifetime of meaningful, fulfilling work.
My Dream, Realized
As I was growing up, I can always remember helping my dad with various tasks; from simple things, such as painting shutters, to more complex jobs like building an entire house. I even assisted in the construction of a temple with beautiful sculptures and artwork. No matter the project, it was the view of the final product that was most rewarding; a representation of form, function, and beauty that came as a result of my efforts. What also helped me refine my skill was always being my mom’s assistant in the kitchen, helping her chop meat and vegetables with fine detail. Little did I know at the time that these experiences allowed me to utilize and develop my manual dexterity, creativity, aesthetic sense, and spatial acuity, which have served as great assets when applied toward learning and honing precise plastic surgery techniques. Looking back, I realize that a home can’t be built without a firm foundation, and my dream to become a plastic surgeon was made possible by the strong foundation set by my parents’ life experiences and the life experiences that they gave to me.
My Canvas, Painted
I hope my stories have painted a clear picture of who I am as a person and why I want to contribute to the lives of others the best way I know how through plastic surgery. I aim to effect change that you can not only see, but feel. Beauty is not “just” the face or “just” the breast, it is the person as a whole, both mental and physical; it’s an expression of who you are and your individuality. This is why I am passionate about breast reconstruction, gender affirmation, and aesthetic surgeries. I feel that my focus on these procedures can touch the lives of many and ensure a lifetime of meaningful, fulfilling work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! The struggles that I have encountered along my journey have been a conglomerate of experiences that either altered my life’s path, challenged my ability to balance life and work, or hindered my full potential to excel. It is through these struggles that I found my purpose and meaning of life; bolstering my resolve, determination, and perseverance to succeed in becoming a plastic surgeon.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about George Washington Plastic Surgery?
My practice, George Washington Plastic Surgery, is an affiliate of Linville Plastic Surgery. I specialize in all surgical and non-surgical plastic surgery procedures; in particular, breast reconstruction, gender affirmation, and comprehensive aesthetic surgeries. My experiences have driven me to dedicate myself to serving members of the community from all walks of life. I have a genuine passion for helping people feel their best, both inside and out, and I take great pride in providing my patients with individualized care. I am committed to providing the ultimate personal experience with quality care and top-tier results that will allow you to express an inner beauty that you can see and feel, one that you deserve. My purpose is to refine the you that’s already there. My team and I would love to work alongside you, every step of the way, in creating your own masterpiece, contributing to the best version and expression of yourself – to be true and be you.
This is your story, refined by Dr. Washington.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
My best resource to do my best in life and work is my family. They have been alongside me every step of this arduous journey. Through each of my struggles and pitfalls, they were an unwavering pillar of support. They are always the sunshine seeping through the clouds and the umbrella shielding me from the rain. They give me strength through my weakness, clarity in the face of confusion, and hope through my times of despair; they are my confidant and life-long gift like no other. My second resource is to attain knowledge and wisdom from others’ experiences. Learning about people from all walks of life allows me to understand them from their perspective and to guide or minimize mistakes in my own life. My third resource is my patients. Throughout my career, they have taught me so much about life and how to address good and bad situations. They remind me that I, too, am human. Subject to the same trials and errors as anyone else. My last resource is daily inspirational quotes from apps and e-mails. Quotes are devised from life experiences and wisdom, and they allow me to view life or guide my actions in a positive way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drgeorgewashington.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_georgewashington/
Image Credits
George Washington Plastic Surgery
