Dr. Bradford Lee

• Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Hawaii School of Medicine and private practitioner in Honolulu.

• Chair of the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Committee for ASOPRS.

Dr. Andrea Kossler

• Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine

• Director of Oculofacial Plastic Surgery and Orbital Oncology at Stanford University.

• Board member of the Women in Ophthalmology and LATINOUS.

Dr. Cesar A. Briceño

• Chief of Oculoplastics at Shea Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania.

• Assistant Dean for Diversity and Cultural Affairs at the Perelman School of Medicine, UPenn.

Dr. Eydie G. Miller-Ellis

• Chief of the Glaucoma Service at the University of Pennsylvania.

• Co-director of the RAB Venable Excellence in Research Project for the NMA.

Dr. John Ng

• Division Chief and Professor of Oculofacial Plastic, Orbital, and Reconstructive Surgery at Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University.

• Incoming Vice President of Aesoppers and future President.

Dive into an engaging panel discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within the sphere of ophthalmology, specifically exploring its role in oculoplastic surgery. Hosted by Dr. Bradford Lee and Dr. Andrea Kossler, this episode of Top offers profound insights into the initiatives promoting more inclusive and equitable practices in ophthalmology associations and medical education institutions. With esteemed panelists like Dr. Cesar Briceño, Dr. Eydie G. Miller-Ellis, and Dr. John Ng, the conversation shifts focus on innovative programs like the DEI Committee for ASOPRS, which prioritizes inclusion, access, and diversity for both practitioners and patients.

The episode explores the intersection of DEI and patient care, highlighting how diverse medical professionals contribute to an enriched healthcare delivery model, thereby mitigating disparities in vision health care. The insightful contributions also touch upon the importance of justice within DEI efforts, as well as the significance of recognizing intersectionality among trainees and patients, which brings emphasis to the unseen and complicated layers impacting healthcare accessibility and delivery.

• The DEI Committee for ASOPRS is actively fostering inclusion and access through travel and research grants, as well as mentorship programs to promote diverse career pathways in ophthalmology.

• Diversity improves patient care outcomes by fostering a workforce that understands and respects varied cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Institutions must strive to create equitable support systems for trainees from diverse backgrounds to ensure they can excel in specialized fields like oculoplastic surgery.

• Addressing intersectionality is crucial in understanding the multifaceted barriers faced by diverse groups, ensuring a more comprehensive approach in medical research and education.

• Programs like the RAB Venable Excellence in Research Project aim to increase genetic representation in clinical trials, crucial for advancing targeted treatments.

Listeners are encouraged to delve deeper into this vital discussion on DEI within ophthalmology by tuning in to the full episode. Stay connected for more insightful and enlightening conversations from our series.

If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast

• Dr. Donovan Reed: An oculoplastic surgeon serving as the Surgical Director at Wilford Hall Eye Center and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

• Dr. Tanuj Nakra: Associate professor at UT Austin Dell Medical School and at Texas Oculoplastics Consultants. He also serves as the Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship.

• Dr. Catherine Hwang: Specialist at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute with a focus on cutting-edge oculoplastic and aesthetic surgical techniques.

• Dr. Daniel Rootman: Esteemed surgeon at the Doheny Eye Institute at UCLA, known for his significant research contributions in oculoplastic surgery.

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Oculofacial Podcast with your host, Dr. Donovan Reed. Joining him in this episode are the esteemed Drs. Tanuj Nakra, Catherine Hwang, and Daniel Rootman. This episode delves into the latest research findings from journals beyond "OPRS" relevant to cosmetic and aesthetic surgery in the field of oculofacial surgery.

In this episode, the panel discusses anatomic insights from the article published in "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" including:

• Choi Y, Kim IB. Avoiding Pretarsal Denervation in Lower Blepharoplasty Incisions: Refined Pretarsal Motor Nerve Anatomy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2024 Jul 1;154(1):81-93.
• Zhang, Yi MD; Li, Mengjuan MD; Lei, Shaorong PhD; Long, Jianhong PhD; Qi, Min PhD. Less Is Better: Full-Incision Double-Eyelid Blepharoplasty with Rapid Recovery. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 154(2):p 271e-274e, August 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000010700
• Blair J, Fasano M, Georgescu D. Single Barbed Suture Fat Pedicle Fixation for Fat Transposition Lower Blepharoplasty. Facial Plast Surg Aesthet Med. 2024 Jul-Aug;26(4):394-396. doi: 10.1089/fpsam.2023.0332. Epub 2024 Mar 19. PMID: 38502846.

Dr. Tanuj Nakra gives an in-depth summary and sparks a discussion about the practical applications and impacts of these new findings on common surgical techniques. Moving forward, Dr. Catherine Hwang introduces a refined method for double eyelid blepharoplasty from a group in China, emphasizing its potential to reduce postoperative swelling. Dr. Daniel Rootman wraps up with a novel approach using barbed sutures for fat transposition described in "Facial Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine."

• New Findings on Orbicularis Innervation: The updated anatomical understanding shows the complexity and importance of the lower medial pretarsal branch, impacting lower blepharoplasty techniques.

• Innovative Double Eyelid Surgery: A modified technique introduces less trauma to the orbicularis muscle, aiming for rapid recovery and satisfactory outcomes in patients.

• Barbed Sutures for Efficiency: The single-barb suture method offers an innovative way to internalize fat pedicle fixation, though it needs careful patient selection to avoid complications like dimpling.

• Patient-Centric Techniques: Personalized approaches in aesthetics are crucial, with surgeons adapting techniques based on individual patient needs and anatomical nuances.

• Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Highlighting the importance of staying updated with the latest scientific findings to refine surgical practices and improve patient outcomes.

Resources:

• American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Facial Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal

• Cleveland Clinic Coal Eye Institute

• Doheny Eye Institute at UCLA

Stay tuned for more enlightening discussions from the Oculofacial Podcast. If you found this episode insightful, make sure to listen to the full conversation and catch our next episode for even more professional insights!

If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast

M. Reza Vagefi, M.D.

Dr. Reza Vagefi is a renowned oculofacial plastic surgeon based in Boston at Tufts University School of Medicine. He is recognized for his contributions to the treatment of orbital tumors and infections and has a particular interest in the management of acute invasive fungal rhino-orbital sinusitis.

Daniel Rootman, M.D.

Dr. Daniel Rootman is an accomplished orbital surgeon based in Los Angeles, California, at UCLA. He has significantly contributed to the field through his research, focusing on complex orbital diseases and their management. Dr. Rootman is also an advocate for evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments.

Tarjani Dave, M.D.

Dr. Tarjani Dave is a noted oculofacial surgeon from Hyderabad, India, working at the LV Prasad Eye Institute. She has gained worldwide recognition for her work on mucormycosis, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where her research and clinical efforts have made substantial impacts on disease management.

Welcome to the Oculofacial Podcast hosted by Dr. M. Reza Vagefi. In this insightful episode, Dr. Vagefi is joined by Dr. Daniel Rootman from UCLA and Dr. Tarjani Dave from the LV Prasad Eye Institute to discuss the complexities of acute invasive fungal rhino orbital sinusitis, particularly in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. This episode dives deep into the debates and evolving treatment paradigms surrounding the disease, with the guests sharing their firsthand experiences and clinical insights.

The discussion starts with an exploration of the controversial topic of exenteration in treating mucormycosis. With differing viewpoints, the guests debate whether this aggressive surgical approach is justifiable or if minimally invasive procedures offer equally effective outcomes. Utilizing SEO-focused keywords, Dr. Vagefi and his guests emphasize the importance of MRI imaging in the diagnosis of orbital fungal infections and the clinical decision-making process. They also discuss the significant surge in mucormycosis cases observed in India during the Covid-19 pandemic, sharing personal experiences and clinical strategies that were developed in response to this crisis.

• Role of Exenteration: The efficacy and necessity of exenteration in treating mucormycosis are debated, with a shift towards less invasive methods discussed.

• Imaging Importance: Emphasis on the use of MRI over CT scans for the diagnosis of orbital fungal infections, highlighting MRI’s superior sensitivity.

• Covid-19 Pandemic Impact: Insightful discussion on the surge of mucormycosis cases during the Covid-19 pandemic in India and the treatment strategies adapted.

• Retrobulbar Amphotericin Injections: Exploration of the role and efficacy of retrobulbar amphotericin B injections in sparing ocular structures and preserving the orbital tissues.

• Research Directions: Future research needs, including drug sensitivity, diagnostic techniques, and the impact of systemic advancements in antifungal therapies.