This past summer, I had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Dimitris Gritzalis, a plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Going into the experience, I was interested in medicine because I enjoy helping people and was fascinated by the combination of science and artistry involved in plastic surgery. Throughout my time in both the clinic and hospital settings, I was able to observe how medicine can directly improve a patient’s confidence, health, and quality of life.
Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on restoring form and function to areas affected by injury, disease, congenital abnormalities, or previous surgeries. Before shadowing, I mainly associated plastic surgery with cosmetic procedures, but I quickly learned how much deeper the specialty truly is. I observed how procedures can help patients recover physically and emotionally while allowing them to regain confidence and return to their normal lives.
During my experience, I shadowed Dr. Gritzalis in both his clinic and the operating room. In the clinic, I observed consultations, treatments, and post-operative checkups. I became familiar with the equipment and materials commonly used in cosmetic and reconstructive medicine, including botox treatments, mesotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, ozone therapy, laser therapy, and collagen or fat injections. Patients came in for procedures involving the face, lips, forehead, scalp, legs, and other areas of the body. Watching these procedures helped me understand how detailed and patient-centered the field is, even during what may seem like small treatments.
One of the most meaningful parts of my experience was observing a breast reconstruction and augmentation surgery. The patient was a 35-year-old woman with a deformity that created a tubular breast shape, and she had wanted corrective surgery for years. The surgery lasted nearly twelve hours and involved two doctors, a nurse, a medical student, and an anesthesiologist. Although the procedure itself was fascinating to observe, the moment that impacted me most came afterward, when the patient woke up from anesthesia. She was disoriented, scared, and visibly shaken, and the surgeon asked me to stay with her and hold her hand. As I tried to comfort her and reassure her in Greek, I realized that plastic surgery is not only about appearance or technical skill. It is also about restoring confidence and peace to someone in a vulnerable moment. That experience helped me understand that I want to pursue plastic surgery because it allows me to combine my interest in STEM with my desire to help people in a personal and meaningful way.
Another unexpected and impactful moment occurred when I witnessed an emergency cesarean section. The baby’s heart rate had begun to slow down, creating an urgent situation for both the mother and child. The room quickly filled with doctors and nurses working together under pressure. Although the atmosphere was intense, the teamwork and communication between the medical staff stood out to me. It was quite an emotional moment for me to see this surgery as I am literally watching life being brought into the world! I had said a small prayer in between as well. Hearing the baby cry after delivery was a moment of relief for everyone in the room, especially after learning that an incubator was needed immediately afterward. Thankfully, both the mother and baby were safe.
Beyond the procedures themselves, this experience showed me how medicine combines technical skill with compassion and teamwork. Whether in the operating room or during a routine consultation, every decision centered around improving a patient’s well-being. I also learned how important collaboration is among surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals.
My shadowing experience strengthened my interest in STEM and medicine by giving me a firsthand look at the realities of healthcare. It allowed me to see both the scientific and human side of medicine while exposing me to advanced medical technologies and procedures. Most importantly, it showed me the impact physicians can have on patients’ lives, both physically and emotionally, and confirmed my desire to continue exploring a future career in the medical field!
