Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Hustak.
Kristi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My single mother put herself through night school to become a surgical first assist when I was in my early teens. Helping her study anatomy books was my first introduction to medicine and I fell in love. She worked with a plastic surgeon and I was able to see my first surgery at 14 years old. This started a life long passion for the field.
Coming from a family of creative minds, I certainly stood out by choosing to go into medicine. However, I later discovered that plastic surgery was the perfect hybrid between artistry and science. Although I am from Arizona, I went to undergraduate and medical school in Ohio under scholarship, then found my way to Texas for residency with my husband that is also in medicine (anesthesiologist). We have been here since 2008, have three beautiful children, started our practices here, and are proud to call Texas home.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Medicine in general is grueling and one gets very used to delayed gratification. I always tell students interested in medicine that unless you absolutely can’t see yourself doing anything else, don’t choose this path. Your commitment starts when you are interested and everything that you do (class schedules, extracurricular activities, etc.) are ALL in preparation for making yourself the best candidate for a life-long commitment in selflessness. Because that truly is what medicine is all about-dedicating yourself and your skills to the betterment of your fellowman. Don’t get me wrong, there is a certain beauty in losing yourself in your passion, especially one as altruistic as this. There simply is nothing else I would rather do.
Although medicine has shifted over the years to be more inclusive in both sex (50:50 male to female graduating rations) and minorities more reflective of the general population-surgery is still a very male-dominated field. To date, only 14% of plastic surgeons are female and thats a testament to the long training road and dedication it takes to take this path. I’ve missed best friend’s weddings, innumerable date nights, school events, family holidays, etc., as well as operated the day before I delivered two of my three children. I was blessed to get six weeks off for maternity leave during training but was only able to swing two weeks with the last one and even flew to a conference in Vegas with a two weeks old that was breastfeeding since I was on a panel at our national conference to present some of the data on a project I was working on.
Struggle is woven in the fabric of medical training-it makes us mentally strong and more equipped to do our job well.
We’d love to hear more about your practice.
I am proud to have joined the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery in 2014 and infuse a little estrogen into the group of five. We have since flexed to 8 surgeons-the largest single-specialty aesthetic-focused group in Texas and one of the few large groups in the nation. It is a company that prides itself on being thought leaders-infusing intellectual fervor, patient safety, and surgical precision into one boutique package.
We have a research department, ASAPS endorsed plastic surgery fellow that we train, as well as are adjunct clinical professors for a few of the local training programs that send their residents for aesthetic surgery knowledge. We have our own certified private surgical center, with overnight stay, to better serve the Houston community and beyond. All board-certified physician anesthesiologists delivered the anesthetic care, lending to the focus on safety above all else. We have two state of the art medical spas and a full team of amazing nurse injectors and aestheticians that work alongside us to make sure that your surgical and non-surgical care is on point to maintain your post-operative results. I can attest that we never by a nonsurgical machine that I haven’t tested on myself (I mean, what’s the benefit of being a plastic surgeon if you don’t get to try the merchandise! 🙂 ) – so, I endorse every laser, skin and mucosa tightening, micro needling, fat reducing, hair transfer, cellulite eliminator, muscle stimulator, and sweat reducing device that we own!
What were you like growing up?
I was always a rule follower and people pleaser. As the oldest of four girls (my poor dad!), I was always the mediator and I think I very much embodied the maternalist “have to take care of everybody” role. Although I was more shy as a kid, I developed more confidence as I aged and continued to challenge myself. Some would say I was a chameleon- constantly changing and evolving with new experiences and in different circumstances. I am a leader when called to be and naturally fall into this role, but am also happy to be a worker bee and get things done if that is what is needed. My interests are so varied-very thoughtfully so, so I never get bored! I think this is very true of those in my profession as well-most plastic surgeons gravitate to it because of its versatility and constant mental stimulation as no two cases are ever the same and we can operate from head to toe, skin to bone. I love to get dressed up and go to a gala, but relish in the opportunity to have no makeup on, put on a pair of leggings and tennis shoes, and go kick the soccer ball around with the kids for the day. It’s all about balance-balance isn’t something that you go find and search for, its something that you create and this is how I create my balance.
Pricing:
- Mention this Ad for free consultation ($50 value)
Contact Info:
- Address: 12727 Kimberley Lane
Suite 300
Houston, Texas 77024 - Website: www.kristihustakmd.com
- Phone: 713-354-5145
- Email: kristihustakmd@gmail.com
- Instagram: @kristihustakmd
- Facebook: Dr. Kristi Hustak
- Yelp: m.yelp.com/biz/kristi-hustak-houston-2
Image Credit:
Al Torres for headshot
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