Sometimes, a single moment can change the course of a life. For Dr. Angela Sturm, that moment was watching Dr. Anthony Brissett create an ear from a patient’s rib—a feat of surgical artistry that inspired her to pursue facial plastic surgery. Years later, Dr. Brissett would become her mentor and friend, shaping not just her skills but also her perspective on what it means to heal and serve.
In their conversation, Dr. Sturm and Dr. Brissett trace the winding paths that brought them to facial plastic surgery. Dr. Brissett’s journey began in Canada, where he first aspired to be a nurse, believing it would allow for deeper patient connections. Encouraged by mentors, he set his sights on medicine, earning a scholarship to medical school in the United States after proving his academic dedication. His early experiences as a hockey player, witnessing facial injuries firsthand, and his later exposure to complex head and neck cases, fueled his fascination with reconstructive surgery.
At the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Brissett completed a residency in otolaryngology and a post-doctoral fellowship in wound healing—a pivotal experience that shaped his clinical approach. The science of wound healing taught him to respect the body’s ability to recover and adapt, informing every aspect of his surgical practice. His passion for academic medicine grew, leading him to roles at the University of Minnesota, Baylor College of Medicine, and Houston Methodist, where he continues to teach, research, and innovate.
Dr. Brissett and Dr. Sturm reflect on the profound psychological impact of plastic surgery. Beyond physical transformation, these procedures often restore confidence and self-image, helping patients reclaim their sense of identity after trauma or illness. Yet, both surgeons recognize the growing influence of social media on body image. Dr. Brissett notes that today’s patients, especially younger generations, are exposed to a constant stream of filtered images and unrealistic ideals. This environment can distort perceptions of beauty and drive people to seek changes based on external pressures rather than authentic desires.
The conversation also addresses the importance of balance—between appearance and lifestyle, between professional ambition and personal fulfillment. Dr. Brissett, whose wife is a psychologist, brings a nuanced understanding of the psychological complexities faced by patients and surgeons alike. He encourages patients to pursue changes for themselves, not for others, and to seek contentment rather than chasing unattainable perfection.
Service is a central theme in Dr. Brissett’s career. As a leader in humanitarian missions, he has traveled to countries like Rwanda, Russia, Ghana, and Ukraine, providing reconstructive surgery to those affected by war, trauma, and congenital conditions. His work goes beyond individual patient care—he is dedicated to building local capacity, training surgeons, and creating sustainable change in underserved communities. These experiences reinforce his belief that medicine is not just a profession, but a calling to serve and uplift others.
Mentorship, too, plays a vital role. Dr. Brissett credits his own mentors for opening doors and guiding his path, and he now pays it forward by teaching and supporting the next generation of surgeons. He reminds aspiring medical professionals that the road to a fulfilling career is rarely direct. Opportunities often arise unexpectedly, and staying open to new directions can lead to meaningful impact.
In the end, Dr. Brissett’s story is about more than surgical skill. It’s about resilience, empathy, and the drive to make a difference—one patient, one ear, one life at a time. His journey, and the lessons he shares with Dr. Sturm, offer inspiration for anyone seeking purpose in medicine or beyond: embrace the unexpected, serve with intention, and remember that healing is as much about the heart as it is about the hands.
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