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March 29 - 31, 2012
2012 Spring Symposium: Advanced Techniques in Liposuction Surgery & Body Contouring
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International Member In The Spotlight
Firas A. Hamdan, MD, FACS
Beirut, Lebanon
What's your geographical and medical background? What are all of the schools you've at tended and cities you've lived in?
I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, where I finished my undergraduate degree and medical school at the American University of Beirut in 1991. My post graduate work included two years of general surgery in Washington D.C. and four years in Memphis, TN , studying otolaryngology, head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. From there, I served as a clinical assistant professor of cosmetic and facial plastic surgery for the University of Florida.
How long have you been practicing cosmetic surgery? Where have you practiced? Tell us about your background and experience with cosmetic surgery?
I first established my practice in Tallahassee and Perry, FL in 1998, providing all aspects of OTO -HNS and facial plastic. In 2002, more body cosmetic procedures were added to the services provided. In July 2006, we moved back to the Middle East where I established a clinic in Beirut limited solely to cosmetic surgery. In 2007, I also started the cosmetic surgery department at the AACS Hospital in Dubai where I served as chief of cosmetic surgery till 2010. I continue to be a part of the AACSH team as a visiting part-time cosmetic surgeon. In addition, I am currently a visiting cosmetic surgeon to Kuwait City, as well as chief of the cosmetic surgery unit at Medica Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
What made you decide to enter this field?
The love of being able to help people achieve a happier and more satisfied, healthy outlook on themselves. My goal is to keep them looking natural and youthful as they grow older while ensuring they are comfortable with their body and shape given that weight fluctuations and age can affect their appearance.
How long have you been a member of the AACS?
Since 2004
Why did you decide to join the AACS?
Being a member of multiple other societies and boards, AACS' multi-disciplinary approach and the openness and willingness to share information, expertise and education among Academy members are what really set it apart. Because of this, I see the strength and potential of AACS for myself as a cosmetic surgeon, as well as the potential to affect the field of cosmetic surgery globally.
What is the main benefit, for you, of being a member of our Academy?
Staying up-to-date in all areas of cosmetic surgery to help enhance my knowledge and practice in cosmetic surgery.
What do you think is the biggest issue currently facing the specialty of cosmetic surgery?
Cosmetic surgery is a well-established field now and challenges vary by region. The United States is different from Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent or other parts of the world. I see our biggest challenge as effectively differentiating ourselves as qualified surgeons and providing adequate training for new members who want to join the organization.
What's your advice for an aspiring cosmetic surgeon?
The best advice I can offer is that you join the field of cosmetic surgery because of your passion and love of the profession, keeping patient care and well-being first, and being honest about the result. Financial remuneration should not be your primary motivator.
What is your most memorable experience with a patient?
I once had a young lady who got engaged, but had to delay the engagement festivities due to an unexpected medical condition. As a result of the steroids prescribed and her lack of activity during treatment, she experienced weight gain and a change in her shape, so much so that she could not fit in her engagement dress anymore. After thorough counseling, we decided to help once she promised to incorporate a diet and exercise routine. In addition, she agreed to delay her engagement for six months to ensure a satisfactory result. As a result, she was able to get back to her old size and is now motivated to maintain it.
Tell us about your family, spouse, children.
I have been married to Mona Ghandour since 1994, and we have three boys – Zane, 16, Kenz, 12, and Kai, 10. They attend the German school in Beirut (teaches English, Arabic, French and German). Both Zane and Kenz participate in horse jumping competitions as a sport. We also have an extended family of five dogs, six cats and an African grey parrot, as well as a saltwater reef aquarium and many turtles in our garden.
How do you balance work and your family life?
As we all know, work can seem endless and balancing it with a personal life is a tricky issue. In addition to my clinic in Beirut, I travel a lot in the region as a visiting doctor. When I am in Beirut, I make sure to spend most of my free time with Mona and the boys. In addition, we have made it a habit to take a full six to seven weeks off in the summer for "family travel" – a time where all of the family is together uninterrupted, whether spending time in our home in Florida, cruising or exploring new places on vacation. This time together as a family has really been invaluable as it cannot be replaced during everyday life with the kids. As they continue to grow, they develop their own interests and friends and are becoming more and more independent.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of the office?
In addition to travelling, gardening is a hobby I love outside the office. In Florida, it was not a big deal as we had a farm house; but when we moved to Beirut, I was miserable the first two years. We lived in the city in an apartment building and my gardening was limited to the pots on the balcony. Since then, we moved to a house on a hill overlooking Beirut with a good size garden. Now I'm able to resume my hobby, even getting my boys involved on the weekends before we head out for a family outing or a horse jumping competition.
