Dr Oren Tepper of Montefiore Medical Center: 5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Plastic Surgeon
An Interview With Luke Kervin
Passion — The road to becoming a plastic surgeon can be long and arduous. Passion is perhaps the most important driving force that helps guide one through this demanding specialty.
As part of my series about healthcare leaders, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr Oren Tepper.
Dr Oren Tepper is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He is internationally recognized for his clinical expertise and cutting-edge work with 3D technology. Dr Tepper serves as the Director of Aesthetic Surgery & Craniofacial Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, and an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the Co-Founder of the Tribeca Institute of Plastic Surgery — A brand new state of the art plastic surgery facility opening in lower Manhattan.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! What is your “backstory”? What led you to this very interesting career?
For as long as I can remember, I dreamt of being a physician. I was born and raised in Livingston, New Jersey as a son of 2 immigrant parents — who reminded me through both their actions and words, that there was no substitute for passion and hard work. During high school I had a unique opportunity to work as an assistant in the Operating Rooms at a local hospital, and loved seeing firsthand the amazing ways in which people were helped and transformed. I focused on my academic studies and went on to graduate from the University of Michigan (BA degree in the “History of Medicine), and subsequently the NYU School of medicine (MD degree). I was initially destined for a career as a heart surgeon, but after spending significant time at NYU’s world-renowned Institute of Reconstructive and Plastic surgery, I ultimately felt plastic surgery would be an ideal match for my interest in a career that utilized creativity and innovation.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Over the last decade I have been able to build a practice that incorporates both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. One of my academic positions that I am particularly proud of is being the Director of Craniofacial Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, where I lead a team of people who specialize in facial reconstruction for deformities due to birth, defects, trauma, or cancer. Late in 2016, one of my neurosurgical colleagues, Dr James Goodrich, sent me a message that there was a family flying in from Chicago to have a consultation with our team. Three days later, a set of twin boys conjoined at the head arrived at the hospital to see if our team could help. Conjoined twinning of the head (known as “craniopagus twinning”) is one of the rarest deformities seen around the world — approximately 1 in 2.5 million births. Prior to that day, I had never read about, seen in person, and let alone had treated, a set of craniopagus twins (only a handful of plastic surgeons worldwide have). Nevertheless, I felt confident in our abilities to take on this case having previously treated thousands of uniquely complex craniofacial cases and having pioneered cutting edge 3D printing technology that could assist in making ultimate success possible. After 3 consecutively staged surgeries, the boys were finally separated after a 27-hour operation (this journey was chronicled as a CNN exclusive and an Emmy-award winning documentary). I’ve given numerous talks on this landmark operation, and one thing I always remember to mention is that the apartment the family was living in while in New York was donated by a grateful cosmetic patient who had undergone a facelift. This is a wonderful example of how special it is to do cosmetic surgery as well as reconstructive surgery as a plastic surgeon.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
A few years ago, I was asked to be a part of team of physicians for the US Open. As a tennis fan, I was absolutely thrilled. This was in 2020, and due to Covid, I thought this would be especially unique to be one of the few tennis fans in Arthur Ashe stadium watching live tennis. Later that summer, I was sent a box of gear for the event which I enthusiastically tore open in front of my wife and children. Inside were my pass for the event, and a brand-new collared shirt and hat which read “Winged Foot — US Open Golf”. The golf event was equally as special, but the learning lesson here is details matter.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now?
I’m super excited about our new launch of the Tribeca Institute of Plastic Surgery (TIPS). We envision this institute as a central hub and global destination for patients and physicians, with a focus on 3 areas: (1) aesthetics, (2) innovation, and (3) education in plastic surgery. With various aesthetic specialists coming together, we aim to provide a patient experience that is unparalleled. Additionally, we expect a great deal of innovation to arise from the institute, as we bring together highly selective industry partners and physicians from across the United States.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I owe much of my career path to surgical mentors that I have had along the way. Perhaps the most profound impact was that of Dr Joseph McCarthy, the previous Chairman of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center. Dr McCarthy is a consummate gentleman, a true academic, and likely responsible for having trained more plastic surgery chairs or directors than any other US plastic surgeon. Two other surgeons worth noting who were instrumental in my development as a surgeon were Dr Nicolas Tabbal, who ignited my passion for rhinoplasty, and Dr. Charles Thorne, who taught me the techniques and artistry of ear reconstruction.
Is there a particular book that made an impact on you? Can you share a story?
I very much enjoyed the recent book “The Facemaker” by Lindsey Fitzharris, which tells the story of Dr. Harold Gillies, the father of plastic surgery. The book highlights how WWI presented a unique need for reconstructive surgery of the face due to new types of facial injuries caused by advanced weaponry at that time. Interestingly, it was the experience of Harold Gillies and others during WWI that really established the foundation of plastic surgery as a field. The concept of cosmetic surgery did not exist until decades later, and the principles of aesthetic surgery are based off the tenants established and learned by earlier reconstructive surgeons. Why this book resonates so closely with me is that it mimics my current day practice and approach. Often the distinction between reconstructive and aesthetic surgery is unfortunately dictated by an insurance company’s decision to cover a procedure. There is often very little distinction between a procedure that is helping patients for aesthetic or reconstructive outcomes…the goal should always be ideal appearance and function.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
One of the things I most enjoy about my plastic surgery career is teaching plastic surgery residents and medical students. While my surgical treatments can positively impact individual patients, my work as an educator has the potential to impact far greater numbers of patient, by training other surgeons who can then go treat others.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story about how that was relevant to you in your own life?
When I was 12 years old, I had played little league baseball. Our team had won the regular season and I remember leading the team in home runs, which I thought was going to secure my winning the league MVP trophy. The awards ceremony was scheduled on the same day as my good friend’s bar-mitzvah, so I approached my coach and explained that I may not be able to make it. He looked at me and said “Oren, you absolutely have to be there”. Later that night I told my parents that the coach had in not so many words told me I had won the trophy. I therefore missed the bar-mitzvah and went to the awards ceremony the following week. When it came time to announce the winner, they called out my teammates name. Afterwards, I begrudgingly approached my coach asking how he could have done this to me after inferring I would win. He responded, “I never said you won, I said you absolutely had to be there. Which you did, because your teammate was winning the trophy”. That is a great lesson I have carried with me since.
Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful Career As A Plastic Surgeon’’ and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
- Passion — The road to becoming a plastic surgeon can be long and arduous. Passion is perhaps the most important driving force that helps guide one through this demanding specialty.
- Empathetic — The Operating Room should never feel like just another day at the office. While the O.R. may seem routine for surgeons, it is essential that we remember that the day of surgery is one of the most significant moments in our patients lives.
- Critical thinking — Critical thinking is of the utmost importance in plastic surgery. Our field is constantly evolving, with new technologies being introduced or marketed nearly each week. Some of these are wonderful, others may be ineffective, or even risky. It’s important that we critically evaluate these modalities before offering them to our patients. Additionally, it’s important that we critically evaluate surgical results. This is especially true when it comes to assessing our own patient outcomes. Being our own toughest critic is the single best way to constantly make improvements.
- Adaptable — Every plastic surgery patient presents with a unique problem, and thus every surgical approach should be individualized. For me, this is one of the most exciting aspects of the field but requires that surgeons possess the intellectual curiosity for how to provide optimal and customized care.
- Curious — Intellectual curiosity is at the core of plastic surgery. Techniques, technology, and trends evolve — so its important that surgeons continue to seek newer and better ways to treat patients.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a plastic surgeon? Can you explain what you mean?
Many people think of plastic surgery as simply improving beauty or treating the aging process. The truth is most plastic surgeons enjoy doing both aesthetic surgery and reconstructive surgery. Formal training in plastic surgery takes a minimum of 6 years, and during that time trainees are required to develop skill sets in various surgical procedures ranging from head to toe and treating a wide range of patients from infants to elderly. When patients ask me about my work in reconstructive surgery, I enjoy explaining to them its relevance in our field and how it makes me a better cosmetic surgeon.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?
Perhaps we all need a time-out from social media? I certainly understand the importance of social networking, and all the wonderful benefits that social media provides to society. However, the edited, or filtered content that is often circulating on social media can lead to unhealthy, or unrealistic expectations. One of the things that I place a great deal of emphasis on is showing realistic, unaltered images on my social media accounts. In my practice, I want patients to recognize our authenticity from their very first interaction with us — which is often online.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them :-)
Gordon Sumner, otherwise known as “Sting”. As a musician/drummer, I’ve always idolized the musical genius of Sting. I’ve followed his career from the early days of the Police to his more recent solo career. What I most admire about Sting is not just the songs he has written or performed, but the diversity and evolution of his music over his career. From quintessential rockstar, Sting has re-launched his solo career time and time again among various musical genres (I highly recommend looking up Sting’s album” All this Time” — a live album recorded and filmed at his home in Tuscany on evening September 11th, 2001, and dedicated to the people who had lost their lives that day) Sting is a philanthropist, activist, and unwavering supporter of human rights. Sting, if you are reading this article, let’s have a coffee. Better yet — come on over…I just finished a soundproof music room in my house.
What is the best way our readers can follow you online?
@drorentepper
Thank you so much for these wonderful insights! We wish you continued success.
About the Interviewer: Luke Kervin is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Tebra, a leader in practice growth technology and cloud-based clinical and financial software for independent practices. With an all-in-one, purpose-built platform to drive practice success and modernize every step of the patient journey, Tebra provides digital tools and support to attract new patients, deliver modern care, get paid quickly, and operate efficiently.
