HTTC: Dr. Derrick Wan, 72nd PSRC Chair

When Dr. Derrick Wan first attended a Plastic Surgery Research Council (PSRC) meeting in Toronto in 2005, he was a postdoctoral researcher looking for ideas and new directions. He found both—and a professional community that would shape the next two decades of his career.

Now, as chair of the 72nd PSRC Annual Meeting, Wan is working to offer a new generation the same sense of possibility.  

“I had a dream that when I became faculty, I would make PSRC the place to inspire the next generation or plastic surgery research,” said Wan.

His priorities include broadening opportunities for residents and students to present research, strengthening connections between trainees and established surgeon-scientists, and making the annual meeting as engaging as it is rigorous.

A meeting built around discovery

Wan describes PSRC as the place where some of plastic surgery’s strongest research is presented and debated. Across basic science, clinical investigation, translational work and technological innovation, the society brings together researchers whose discoveries can influence many areas of the specialty.

That breadth is part of what makes the organization distinctive. Work in wound healing, burns, craniofacial surgery and other subspecialties can have implications far beyond a single clinical area.

“The annual meeting is always invigorating because it gives investigators a chance to share a year’s work, hear thoughtful responses and leave with ideas for what to explore next,” said Wan.

Leadership through service—and persistence

Wan’s path to chair began with volunteering. After becoming an active member, he served wherever help was needed: editing the newsletter, contributing to the program, awards, mentorship, and development committees, and chairing the membership committee.

Over time, that service deepened his interest in leading the organization. The path was not immediate. Wan sought the chair position eight times before being selected, an experience he views as a reflection of both his commitment and the strength of the society’s leadership pool.

His story offers a straightforward lesson for early-career surgeons: get involved, be available, and contribute. Committee service can lead to meaningful relationships, new responsibilities and leadership opportunities, while also helping members better understand how a professional society advances its mission.

More opportunities for trainees

A central goal of Wan’s term is to ensure that residents, medical students and other emerging researchers have meaningful opportunities to present their work. Sharing findings publicly—and seeing others respond with questions and enthusiasm—was formative for him, and he wants more trainees to have that experience.

Among the meeting changes is a cap on the number of presentations any one person can give, creating room for a broader group of investigators. Wan is also developing interactive opportunities for trainees to meet senior researchers who lead laboratories and academic programs.

“I want to make the meetings fun, so we’re workshopping a few ideas,” said Wan. “I want to create opportunities for the residents and med students to interact with the senior people who are running labs.”

Those exchanges matter because they make an academic research career more visible and attainable.  

A welcoming professional home

Wan encourages young plastic surgeons interested in academic careers to consider PSRC an important professional home.  

“It’s a key society if you want to be an academic plastic surgeon,” said Wan.

Its mentorship program pairs junior and senior members, with matches changing each year so participants can gain different perspectives on career paths and professional development. Just as important, Wan emphasizes that newcomers do not need an extensive publication record to take part. Interest, curiosity and a willingness to contribute are enough to begin.

Looking ahead to Pebble Beach

The 72nd PSRC Annual Meeting will take place June 10–13, 2027, at The Inn at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California. Wan hopes the setting and program will draw researchers at every career stage—as well as people outside plastic surgery who are curious about the field’s scientific work.

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