IRF Podcast Series
The International Residents Forum (IRF) is proud to present The Global Resident: Shaping the Future of Plastic Surgery, a podcast series designed to guide and inspire aspiring plastic surgeons worldwide.
Driven by engaging conversations with residents, educators and renowned experts in plastic surgery, listeners gain a unique perspective on what it takes to build a strong foundation in the field. Each episode highlights practical strategies, real-world experiences and insights essential for residents navigating the challenges and opportunities of their surgical careers.
This series is important because it not only provides guidance for current and future plastic surgeons, but also fosters global collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By showcasing diverse perspectives from different countries and training systems, the podcast empowers residents to broaden their horizons, enhance their skills and plan for successful, internationally informed careers.
Why Listen
- Learn how residency programs differ globally and what makes a strong clinical foundation
- Gain strategies for preparing for board exams and excelling in clinical assessments
- Understand the transformative role of mentorship in surgical growth
- Explore how to integrate clinical research into residency training
- Discover opportunities through fellowships and observerships to refine skills and expand global perspectives
Whether you are a resident, mentor or aspiring surgeon, this series provides actionable insights, inspiration and a global community perspective to help you master your journey in plastic surgery.
Inside Residency: Clinical Training Across Continents
Discover how residency programs vary around the world, from surgical rotations to aesthetic exposure. Residents and educators share insights on what defines a strong clinical foundation.
Host: Jing Qin Tay, MBBCh, MRCS, PhD, MBA
Guests: Gregory Greco, DO, FACS; Steven Williams, MD
Board Exams in Plastic Surgery: Clinical Prep Strategies
From practical skills to theory, board exams test it all. Learn how residents prepare for clinical components, with tips, resources and experiences from those who’ve been there.
Host: Armin Edalatpour, MD
Guest: Robert X. Murphy, Jr., MD
Surgical Mentorship: How Experts Shape Better Surgeons
Mentorship is the cornerstone of surgical growth. Hear from mentors and mentees on how hands-on guidance improves confidence, decision-making and clinical performance.
Hosts: Jing Qin Tay, MBBCh, MRCS, PhD, MBA; Giulio Tarantino, MD
Guest: Jeffrey E. Janis, MD
Clinical Research in Plastic Surgery Residency
Explore how residents balance the operating room with clinical research. This episode covers why research matters, how to start and how it enhances evidence-based practice.
Host: Aleksandar Jovanović, MD
Guests: Lynn Jeffers, MD, MBA, FACS; Justin M. Sacks, MD, MBA, FACS; Helen Xun, MD
Fellowship and Observership: Expanding Surgical Skills
Fellowships and observerships offer deep dives into specialized techniques. Learn how these programs help refine skills, broaden perspectives and support career growth worldwide.
Host: Carlos Morales, MD
Guest: Phuong Nguyen, MD, FACS, FAAP
Surviving Plastic Surgery Training in a Resource-Limited Environment
Exploring how a Nigerian plastic surgery resident survives and innovates in a resource-limited hospital where most reconstructive surgeries are performed using local flaps instead of free flaps.
Host: Pei Yu Edward Tung, MD
Guest: Abass Oluwatobi, MD
Surviving Plastic Surgery Training as a Microsurgeon
Following an Italian fellow’s journey through microsurgical training, highlighting the precision, patience and perseverance required to master this demanding field.
Host: Aleksandar Jovanović, MD
Guest: Chiara Camilloni, MD
Surviving Plastic Surgery Training in South America
A candid look at the demanding journey of becoming a plastic surgeon in South America, exploring the intense workload, personal sacrifices and resilience required throughout training.
Host: Aleksandar Jovanović, MD
Guest: Luis Gerardo Sandoval-Ortiz, MD
Surviving Plastic Surgery Training as a Mother
A candid perspective on the perseverance and support required to navigate plastic surgery training while embracing motherhood.
Host: Pei Yu Edward Tung, MD
Guest: Nada Al-Hadithy, MD
How to Be Tomorrow's Leader in a Plastic Surgery Society
Exploring how aspiring leaders can build the skills, relationships and professional engagement needed to shape the future of plastic surgery societies.
Host: Pei Yu Edward Tung, MD
Guest: Jing Qin Tay, MBBCh, MRCS, PhD, MBA
Aesthetic Surgery Training Models Around the World
Examining aesthetic surgery training models around the world, highlighting how different approaches prepare surgeons with the skills and experience needed for safe, high-quality patient care.
Host: Mohamed Badie Ahmed, MD, PhD
Guest: Ahmed Al-Qahtani, MD
Cultural Sensitivity in Aesthetic Practice
Exploring the importance of cultural sensitivity in aesthetic practice, emphasizing respectful communication and personalized care that honors each patient's identity, values and goals.
Host: Aleksandar Jovanović, MD
Guest: Smilja Tudjarova Gjorgova, MD, PhD
Innovating Aesthetic Surgery in Resource-Limited Settings
Analyzing how innovation, adaptability and creative problem-solving can advance safe, effective aesthetic surgery in resource-limited settings.
Host: Pei Yu Edward Tung, MD
Guest: George Onyejekwe, MD
Global Case Sharing: Aesthetic Pearls From Around the World
Examining aesthetic surgery cases and practical insights from surgeons worldwide, highlighting diverse techniques and lessons that can enhance patient care.
Host: Giulio Tarantino, MD
Guest: Marzia Salgarello, MD
Empowering Aesthetic Surgeons Through ASPS Global Initiatives
Highlighting how ASPS global initiatives empower aesthetic surgeons through education, collaboration and resources that advance professional development and patient care worldwide.
Host: Pei Yu Edward Tung, MD
Guest: Luis Gerardo Sandoval-Ortiz, MD