Spotlight on Dr. Meewon Park
By Mohammed Al Kadhim
January 21, 2025
Microsurgery has transformed the field of plastic surgery, offering critical interventions for trauma, oncologic reconstruction, and congenital anomalies. While success rates in high-income countries (HICs) exceed 97%, the lack of access to trained specialists and essential equipment has left many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) unable to implement these life-changing surgical techniques. This disparity is particularly evident in sub-Saharan Africa, where hospitals rarely provide microsurgical services, leaving complex reconstructive care largely unavailable.
Innovative solutions, such as the use of smartphones for surgical training, have demonstrated the potential to overcome resource constraints. Studies like those conducted by Inchauste et al. validated smartphone-based training models using tools like the Stanford Microsurgery and Resident Training (SMaRT) Scale, proving both effective and scalable.
A pilot workshop by ReSurge International and College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) in Ethiopia (2023) showcased the feasibility of combining low-cost simulation with cadaveric dissections to teach flap harvesting and microsurgical techniques. In November 2024, the three-day workshop was again conducted during the COSECSA meeting in Zimbabwe. It continues this vision, fostering regional collaboration, skill development, the establishment of microsurgical programs across the continent, and even provides the first step toward establishing a dedicated Sub-Saharan African microsurgery society.
We met with Dr. Meewon Olivia Park, a resident physician in our Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Division, and a ReSurge Laub fellow at Stanford who had a key role in organizing the implementation of this workshop.
Tell us about your background, education, and interest in global surgery, and how you connected with ReSurge.
My passion for global surgery is deeply rooted in my personal experiences growing up in the Polynesian Islands, where access to healthcare was limited, and the need for surgical care often went unmet. These childhood experiences inspired me to pursue a career in medicine and shaped my desire to help develop sustainable healthcare systems in underserved regions. I completed my undergraduate studies at Harvard University and earned my medical degree at Stanford School of Medicine. My journey into plastic and reconstructive surgery has been guided by the belief that this field uniquely combines skills and compassion to restore form, function, and dignity. As the Donald Laub Fellow, I have the privilege of working with ReSurge International and contribute to their mission of empowering local surgeons and expanding access to plastic surgery. This fellowship provides an unparalleled opportunity to advance sustainable, high-quality plastic surgical care in low- and middle-income countries. It perfectly aligns with my aspiration to create lasting impact through education, collaboration, and the empowerment of local surgical communities.
Tell us about your experience during the Plastic and Microsurgery workshop at COSECSA. What was your impression regarding the need, and the available resources?
The Microsurgery Train the Trainers Workshop held in Zimbabwe was a transformative experience that underscored both the immense need for microsurgical care in resource-limited settings and the extraordinary potential within the region. The barriers faced by local surgeons—ranging from limited access to specialized training and equipment to systemic healthcare challenges—are significant. Yet, the commitment, skill, and resilience of the participants were nothing short of inspiring.
The workshop brought together a group of exceptionally talented surgeons, all deeply invested in advancing reconstructive care not only within their own communities but also across Africa. These surgeons demonstrated a profound eagerness to refine their microsurgical techniques and share this knowledge with their colleagues. The workshop also had a profound impact on me as a trainer. Witnessing the passion and determination of the trainees reinforced the critical need for ongoing collaboration and the development of sustainable training programs. By equipping these surgeons with advanced microsurgical skills and fostering mentorship networks, we are not only addressing immediate surgical needs but also building a foundation for long-term improvements in reconstructive care across the continent.
What are the program objectives and how would it impact on the future of Microsurgery in the region? Why is it important?
I see three main areas of impact:
- First, surgical skills development by training surgeons through hands-on microsurgical simulation using desk microscopes and smartphones, as well as cadaveric dissections for flap harvest techniques.
- Second, using a collaborative framework and strengthening regional partnerships among local surgeons to ensure sustainable knowledge transfer and nationwide mentorship.
- Finally, infrastructure planning and establishing foundational steps for setting up microsurgery units in African hospitals through expert panel discussions.
Who were the trainers, and who participated?
A total of 24 COSECSA plastic surgery faculty and trainees attended the three-day workshop leading up to the 2024 COSECSA examinations in Harare, Zimbabwe. Joining them were microsurgeons from Stanford University (James Chang, MD) and the University of Washington (Jeffrey Friedrich, MD, and Susan Inchauste, MD), along with two plastic surgery residents (me from Stanford University and Nikki Thritikum, MD from University of Washington). I believe that our collective expertise fostered a rich, collaborative learning environment.
What were the topics that were addressed throughout the workshop?
The workshop commenced with lectures introducing the core principles of microsurgery and reconstructive planning. It was delivered by both regional and international faculty and set the stage for a collaborative exchange of knowledge and ideas. We aimed to establish a strong foundation for the days ahead.
The second day expanded on microsurgical fundamentals with lectures covering advanced techniques, perioperative management, and strategic flap selection. Participants then engaged in immersive hands-on training using simulation microscopes and smartphones, honing their technical skills. Simultaneously, cadaveric dissections offered an important opportunity to practice complex flap harvest techniques, deepening participants’ anatomical knowledge and surgical precision.
The final day featured some thought-provoking lectures on intraoperative problem-solving, post-operative monitoring, and case indications. A pivotal panel discussion led by COSECSA faculty and international experts explored the operational and structural requirements for establishing microsurgery programs across Africa. This forward-looking dialogue underscored the workshop’s commitment to building sustainable surgical capacity in the region.
This program is a collaboration between Stanford Surgery, ReSurge International and COSECSA, it’s the third one in as many years. What are the long-term goals?
I hope that the Zimbabwe workshop is not merely a training session but the beginning of a movement toward creating a microsurgery society for Sub-Saharan Africa. It provided immediate surgical training while also considering a future where the region collaboratively addresses their reconstructive surgery needs and bring life-changing interventions to millions.
Our long-term goals are to cement this Training of Trainers Program and establish regional microsurgery training centers equipped with microsurgery trained faculty and essential instruments, while also promoting regional leadership. This work can empower COSECSA surgeons to lead initiatives and train local microsurgery experts.
Dr. Meewon Park with participants in the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) program
You have other roles in the department, including leading the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery program and working on studies to evaluate the financial and social impact of the reconstructive surgeries we do at here at Stanford’s Plastic and Reconstructive division. Can you tell something about your work on that?
Through the Pioneering Women in Reconstructive Surgery (PWRS) program, I have the privilege of leading an initiative dedicated to supporting female reconstructive surgeons in LMICs. This program focuses on advancing plastic surgical training, fostering leadership development, and building a robust mentorship network to help these surgeons navigate the unique challenges they face in a traditionally male-dominated field. By offering mentorship, skill-building workshops, and opportunities to collaborate with leading experts, the PWRS program empowers these clinicians to excel and emerge as leaders advocating for improved access to reconstructive care in underserved regions.
A significant part of my role involves planning and organizing educational opportunities for PWRS surgeons. These include travel fellowships that enable participants to train with renowned surgical partners worldwide, which provide invaluable hands-on experience and exposure to advanced techniques. Additionally, I coordinate mentorship events and lectures to support their continued growth. One of my most rewarding responsibilities was organizing and hosting a two-week visit to the United States for the most recent PWRS cohort. This immersive program featured leadership workshops in New York City, participation in the annual plastic surgery conference in San Diego, and operating room observerships at Stanford. These experiences were meticulously designed to enhance participants’ clinical and leadership skills while fostering connections with global surgical leaders. It is an honor to help cultivate a global network of empowered women who are reshaping the field of reconstructive surgery and inspiring the next generation of female surgeons in LMICs.
In parallel, my research delves into the socioeconomic impact of plastic surgery, highlighting its ability to restore not only physical function but also self-confidence, mobility, and economic independence. This study aims to illustrate the profound ripple effects of plastic surgery by enabling individuals to return to work or school, highlighting its impact on both personal transformation and broader societal challenges.
The Global Engagement program at Stanford Surgery has been very excited by and proud of the partnership and support we have been able to offer in this and other effort throughout the last couple of years. Thank you for your efforts and commitment, Dr Park!
The support from Global Engagement at Stanford Surgery has been extraordinary, and I am deeply grateful for its commitment to advancing surgical care in underserved regions. Its generosity has provided a robust platform for collaboration, enabling us to pursue impactful initiatives that increases access to reconstructive surgery. ReSurge International and all who benefit from this support deeply appreciate the department’s dedication, which has been instrumental in driving meaningful, sustainable advancements in global surgical care and transforming lives across the world.