Educational Conferences

The strength of the plastic and reconstructive surgery residency program at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center lies in supplementing clinical learning and extensive exposure to basic anatomy with an in-depth series of lectures and conferences. 

The Core Curriculum Lecture Series provides a strong foundation of plastic surgery knowledge that prepares our residents for both the written and oral boards. 

Critical review of the surgical literature is emphasized through Journal Club and ancillary conferences. 

Each resident is expected to begin a mentor-supported research project during their first rotation. These projects will emphasize a basic, unsolved science problem or a critical review of previous treatments in an attempt to improve results in any area in plastic surgery.

Core Curriculum

The didactic teaching program is every Wednesday morning and consists of a comprehensive dedicated weekly core curriculum conference attended by all faculty and residents. Clinical lectures are varied yearly to cover a broad spectrum of topics over two years. Formal lectures are presented periodically by invited visiting faculty. All essential board exam topics in plastic surgery are used to formulate our core curriculum didactics and are presented as a lecture series by the resident or faculty, covering in depth anatomy, board questions and clinical indications. Core lectures are followed by interactive board review questions and mock oral practice cases based off of recent chief resident cases. 

In addition to core curriculum, other resident education activities include: 

  • Cadaver Lab
  • Injectable Training Clinic 
  • Journal Club 
  • Microsurgical Training
  • Morbidity and Mortality Conference 

Cadaver Lab

Anatomic procedures consisting of hand and aesthetic head and neck dissections are performed to ensure a wide exposure to relevant surgical anatomy. The sessions are used to perform dissection and elevation of more complex flaps and cosmetic cases prior to the performance of these more complex cases on patients. 

An annual fresh hand dissection is held in the fall, detailing hand anatomy, nerve repair and fracture management. 

An annual fresh head dissection is performed in the spring to highlight reconstructive and aesthetic procedures. These are held in the MAST lab during educational time.

Injectable Training Clinic

The quarterly Injectable Training Clinic gives our residents and fellows the opportunity to participate in supervised training to give some of today’s more popular non-invasive cosmetic procedures. 

The non-invasive procedures that are practiced include Botox® and Juvéderm™, a dermal filler. Both are products of Allergan. The products we use in the clinic are donated from Allergan’s educational division.

The injectable training clinic is for educational purposes only and takes place after regular clinic hours. Each clinic is estimated to service four patients per resident. The residents will participate only while on the Lahey rotation to minimize off-site interruptions and maximize the educational experience. 

Journal Club

A bimonthly Journal Club is held the third Wednesday of the month, alternating bimonthly with the Morbidity and Mortality Conference. 

Each resident chooses one article for discussion and reviews it according to a set of predetermined criteria. Through this approach, residents will learn how to evaluate a journal article based on the scientific method and the significance of its contribution to the literature. 

Microsurgical Techniques Training

A microscope and supplies for microsurgical practice is available to residents 24/7 in our downstairs simulation lab. Additional microsurgical training may be arranged through the microsurgery lab through the program director.

Morbidity and Mortality

It is the responsibility of the chief resident to present the morbidity and mortality rounds after consultation with each of the attending surgeons. These rounds are held bimonthly prior to the staff meeting. 

Research Opportunities

We believe that residents should be actively involved in clinical research during their formal training program. Each of our attendings has ongoing clinical projects and/or basic science research laboratories. 

Each resident selects a basic science or clinical interest to pursue and chooses a staff mentor to develop this project during their training. All residents are encouraged to submit their work as a poster or a presentation at regional or national meetings. Dedicated time away and financial support is provided. 

In addition, the research laboratories located adjacent to the main clinic building are available for residents who have the interest and time to devote to such projects. Many of the attending staff have active ongoing research interests and resident participation in their projects is encouraged. 

It is expected that participation in clinical and basic science investigation should not be done at the expense of clinical surgical training. 

Recent Publications

  • Mella JR, Guo L, Hung V. Dupuytren’s Contracture: An evidence Based Review. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Aug. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 30161050
  • Desjardins H, Guo L. An Overlooked but Effective Wound Care Methodology: Hydromechanical Therapy Revisited. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018 Aug;6(8):e1883. PMID: 30324065
  • Fernandes JR, Pribaz JJ, Lim AA, Guo L. Nasal Reconstruction: Current Overview. Ann Plast Surg. 2018 Sep. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 30247189
  • Mella JR, Stucchi AF, Duffy ER, Remick DG. Neurokinin-1 Receptor Deficiency Improves Survival in Murine Polymicrobial Sepsis Through Multiple Mechanisms in Aged Mice. Shock. 2018 Aug. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 30095600
  • Mella JR, Ross KM, Li GZ, Pomahac B, Raut CP, Orgill DP. Cutaneous Radiation Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast: Anterior Chest Wall Reconstruction Options Following Extra Radical Resection. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018. PMID: 30349797
  • Roeder RA, Guo L, Lim AA. Is the SMARTLock Hybrid Maxillomandibular Fixation System Comparable to Intermaxillary Fixation Screws in Closed Reduction of Condylar Fractures? Ann Plast Surg. 2018 May. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 29846213
  • Chen B, Kao HK, Dong ZQ, Jiang ZH, Guo L. Complementary effects of negative-pressure wound therapy and pulsed radio frequency energy on cutaneous wound healing in diabetic mice. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2017;139(1):105-17. PMID: 28027236
  • Spiguel L, Shaw C, Katz A, Guo L, Chen HC, Lee BT, Singhal D. Fluorescein Isothiocyanate: A Novel Application for Lymphatic Surgery. Ann Plast Surg. 2017 Jun;78(6S Suppl 5):S296-S298. PMID: 28328630
  • Kotick JD, Sandelin RS, Klein RD. DIEP Free Flaps for use in Complicated Groin Wound Repair. Journal of Hand and Microsurgery: A Case Report of Severe Groin Scar Contracture and Review of Pedicled and Free Flaps in Groin Wound Repair. J Hand Microsurg. 2017 Aug; 9(2):101-106. PMID: 28867912 
  • Kotick JD, Taghinia A. Prolonged Bleeding after a Single Leech Application in Pediatric Microscopic Hand Surgery.  J Hand Microsurg. 2017 Aug; 9(2):98-100. PMID: 28867911  
  • Offodile AC, Chen B, Aherrera AS, Guo L.  Microporous Polysaccharide Hemospheres Potentiate Ischemia-Induced Skin Flap Necrosis in a Murine Model. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2017 Jan;139(1):59e-66e. PMID: 28027233
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Aherrera A, Wenger J, Rajab TK, Guo L. Impact of increasing operative time on the incidence of early failure and complications following free tissue transfer? A risk factor analysis of 2,008 patients from the ACS-NSQIP database. Microsurgery. 2017 Jan;37(1):12-20. PMID: 25752264
  • Kao HK, Hsu HH, Chuang WY, Chang KP, Chen B, Guo L. Experimental study of fat grafting under negative pressure for wounds with exposed bone. British Journal of Surgery. 2015 Jul;102(8):998-1005. PMID: 25974177
  • Offodile AC, Pathak A, Wenger J, Orgill DO, Guo L. Prevalence and Patient-Level Risk Factors for 30 Day Readmissions Following Free Tissue Transfer for Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2015 Sep;141(9):783-9. PMID: 26204558
  • Kotick JD, Mitchell W, Bayouth L, Klein R, Lee K. Repeated Elevation of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Lower Extremity Orthopaedic Trauma Does Not Affect Flap Viability.  J Reconstr Microsurg. 2016 Mar;32(3):189-93. PMID: 26382873
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Guo L. Disparate British Breast Reconstruction Utilization: Is Universal Coverage Sufficient to Ensure Expanded Care? Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2016 Jun 13;4(6):e738. eCollection 2016 Jun. PMID: 27482486
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Wenger J, Guo L. Relationship Between Comorbid Conditions and Utilization Patterns of Immediate Breast Reconstruction Subtypes Post-mastectomy. Breast J. 2016 May;22(3):310-5. Epub 2016 Feb 4. PMID: 26843478
  • Aherrera AS and Pandya SN. A cohort analysis of post-bariatric panniculectomy—current trends in surgeon reimbursement. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2016 Jan;76(1):99-101. PMID: 26670134
  • Kao HK, Hsu HH, Chuang WY, Chen SC, Chen B, Wu SC, Guo L. External Volume Expansion Modulates Vascular Growth and Functional Maturation in a Swine Model. Scientific Reports. 2016 May;6:25865. PMID: 27174509
  • Chen B, Yao F, Guo L. Regulable transgene expression in dorsal root ganglia of a replication-defective HSV-1 vector via sciatic nerve injection. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016;137(2):331e-8e. PMID: 26818323
  • Phillips BT, Munabi NCO, Roeder RA, Ascherman JA, Guo L, Zenn MR. The role of intraoperative perfusion assessment: what is the current state and how can I use it in my practice? Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2016;137(2):731-41. PMID: 26818312
  • Ahererra, A, Pincus, D, Vernadakis, A. Investigating the Impact of Flap Overdesign on Viability. The Surgery Journal. 2016 Jun;2(2):e37-e41. PMID: 28824988
  • Offodile AC, Prigerson H, Craft R, Liu A, Guo L. Impact of personality traits on choice and perceptions of autologous breast reconstruction. Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery. 2015;31(2):139-44. PMID: 25360861
  • Cicuto B, Cheriyan T, Rudnicki P, and Guo L. Post reconstruction breast pyoderma gangrenosum: early recognition and prosthesis salvage. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2015;3(6):e434-6. PMID: 26180735
  • Hadad I, Liu A, Guo L. A new approach to minimize acellular dermal matrix use in prosthesis-based breast reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2015;3(7):e472-8. PMID: 26301161
  • Calvillo KZ, Guo L, Brostrom V, Schnitt SJ, Hong X, Raza S, Lester SC. Recurrence of breast carcinoma as Paget disease of the skin at a prior core needle biopsy site: case report and review of the literature. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2015;15: 152-6. PMID: 26395914
  • Madsen C, Lough D, Lim A, Harshbarger RJ 3rd, Kumar AR. Cleft and Craniofacial Care During Military Pediatric Plastic Surgery Humanitarian Missions. J Craniofac Surg. 2015 Jun;26(4):1097-101. PMID: 26010104
  • Aherrera AS, Pincus DJ, Vernadakis AJ, Pandya SN. Evaluation of abdominal cutaneous sensibility following abdominoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2015;135(3):526-532. PMID: 25719717
  • Liang F, Rudnicki PA, Prince NH, Lipsitz S, May JW, Guo L. An evaluation of plastic surgery resident selection factors. Journal of Surgical Education. 2015;72(2):8-15. PMID: 25218369
  • Rudnicki PA, Liang F, Prince NH, Lipsitz S, May JW Jr, Guo L. What Made Them Successful: An Introspective Survey of AAPS Members. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2015 Apr 7;3(3):e327. PMID: 25878938
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Chatterjee A, Vallejo S, Fisher CS, Tchou JC, Guo L.A cost-utility analysis of the use of preoperative computed tomographic angiography in abdomen-based perforator flap breast reconstruction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015 Apr;135(4):662e-9e. PMID: 25517410
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Aherrera AS, Wenger J, Tsai T, Orgill DP, Guo L. Impact of Specialty Training on the Association between Flap Size and Incidence of Complications following Microvascular Head and Neck Reconstruction for Cancer. J Reconstr Microsurg. 2015 Jun;31(5):348-54. PMID: 25769086
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Tsai TC, Wenger JB, Guo L. Racial disparities in the type of postmastectomy reconstruction chosen. J Surg Res. 2015 May 1;195(1):368-76. PMID: 25676466
  • Offodile AC 2nd, Abraham JA, Guo L. Mesh reconstruction of the inguinal ligament with bone anchors following radical oncologic excision: a case series. Hernia. 2015 Dec;19(6):1005-9. PMID: 24797637
  • Offodile AC, Aherrera A, Guo L. Risk factors associated with a prolonged postoperative stay following free tissue transfer: an analysis of 2,425 patients from the ACS-NSQIP database. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2014;134(6):1323-32. PMID: 25415097
  • Kanuri A, Liu AS, Guo L. Whom should we SPY? A cost analysis of laser-assisted indocyanine green angiography in prevention of mastectomy skin flap necrosis during prosthesis-based breast reconstruction. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2014;133(4):448-54e
  • Cheriyan T, Kao HK, Qiao X, Guo L. Low harvest pressure enhances autologous fat graft viability. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2014;133(6). PMID: 24867719
  • Kao HK, Li Q, Flynn B, Qiao X, Ruberti JW, Murphy GF, Guo L. Collagen synthesis modulated in wounds treated by pulsed radiofrequency energy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2013;131(4):490-8e
  • Starks A, Guo L, Abraham J. Resection of soft tissue tumors extending through the obturator ring. Orthopedics. 2013;36(9):e1220-4. PMID: 24025018
  • Sullivan TB, Robert LC, Teebagy PA, Morgan SE, Beatty EW, Cicuto BJ, Nowd PK, Rieger-Christ KM, Bryan DJ.Spatiotemporal microRNA profile in peripheral nerve regeneration: miR-138 targets vimentin and inhibits Schwann cell migration and proliferation. Neural Regen Res. 2018 Jul;13(7):1253-1262. PMID: 30028335
  • Allam KA, Lim AA, Elsherbiny A, Bradley JP, Kawamoto HK. Radiation-induced craniofacial deformities: a new classification and management algorithm. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013 Aug;66(8):1088-95. PMID: 23680116
  • Lim AA, Allam KA, Taneja R, Kawamoto HK.  Constructing the Philtral Column in the Secondary Cleft Lip Deformity: Utilizing the Palmaris Longus Graft. Ann Plast Surg