Howard Langstein: From Scalpel to Strategy - My Journey Beyond the Operating Room

In this inspiring event Dr. Howard Langstein reflects on his personal and professional journey through the world of reconstructive surgery. From his early curiosity about medicine to becoming a leader in academic microsurgery, he shares lessons from decades in the operating room—and what it means to transition out of clinical practice without stepping away from impact.

Dr. Langstein discusses how his career evolved from technical mastery to department leadership, research innovation, and finally, a life of mentorship and strategic influence beyond the OR. With honesty and insight, he offers a rare glimpse into the mindset of a surgeon navigating legacy, reinvention, and continued relevance in a field he helped shape.

SPEAKER:

Dr. Howard N. Langstein’s path through medicine is as carefully designed as the microsurgical flaps he once constructed. Known for his precision, deep thinking, and unapologetically honest mentorship, Dr. Langstein has spent decades shaping not only faces and bodies but also the very culture of academic plastic surgery.

His journey began with a critical decision: to enter medical school, driven by curiosity and a deep desire to blend science, art, and human connection. That foundational passion carried him through rigorous training in General Surgery, and ultimately Plastic Surgery, where he found a home in the intricate world of microvascular reconstruction.

Dr. Langstein’s early career included formative roles in Pittsburgh, but it was at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center where he solidified his reputation as both a technical virtuoso and an inspiring educator. As associate professor and director of the Plastic Surgery Graduate Medical Education Programs, he helped shape one of the world's top microsurgical training environments. His surgical focus—particularly in head and neck reconstruction and post-oncologic breast surgery—made him a sought-after clinician and thought leader.

In 2006, Dr. Langstein brought his expertise to the University of Rochester Medical Center, serving as Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. There, he not only expanded the department’s scope and academic influence, but also introduced a culture of collegiality, critical thinking, and multidisciplinary innovation. His belief in the power of co-surgery to improve patient outcomes led to landmark research, including the widely cited systematic review and meta-analysis on co-surgeons in microvascular breast reconstruction.

Even as he transitioned into retirement, Dr. Langstein’s influence endures—not just in the hundreds of successful surgeries he’s performed, but in the countless trainees he’s mentored, many of whom now lead programs of their own. His voice remains active in the field through publications, teaching, and thought-provoking conversations like this one.

A thinker, a teacher, a tactician, and a craftsman—Dr. Howard Langstein embodies the soul of plastic surgery. His legacy lies in his meticulous technique, his intellectual rigor, and the generations of surgeons who carry forward his ethos.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the career trajectory of a plastic surgeon from clinical practice to academic leadership and beyond.

2. Identify key factors that influence successful transitions out of operative roles into non-clinical contributions such as mentorship, education, and strategic leadership.

3. Discuss the evolving definition of legacy and long-term impact in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

4. Analyze how collaborative practices, such as co-surgery models, improve patient outcomes and shape academic culture.

5. Reflect on personal career goals and pathways for sustained relevance and contribution within and beyond clinical practice.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This session is designed for:

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons at all stages of their careers

• Surgical Residents and Fellows exploring long-term career planning

• Academic Leaders and Program Directors in surgical education

• Medical Students considering a career in surgery

• Healthcare Professionals interested in leadership, mentorship, and career transitions

• Administrators and Strategic Planners working with surgical departments or clinician career development

ONLINE LIVE EVENT ( Free of Charge )

San Francisco: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 3:00 pm

Mexico City: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 5:00 pm

New York: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:00 pm

Rio de Janeiro: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 8:00 pm

London: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 11:00 pm

Berlin: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 12:00 midnight

Johannesburg: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 1:00 am

Cairo: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 1:00 am

Dubai: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 3:00 am

Delhi: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 4:30 am

Manila: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 7:00 am

Sydney: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at 10:00 am

CME ACCREDITATION: This event may be accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME®) for a maximum of 1 European CME credits (ECMEC®s). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the educational activity. If you are a learner based in the U.S. or Canada EACCME credits are recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

LANGUAGE: The event language is english. 

DECLARATION: In accordance with criterion 13 of document UEMS 2023.07.rev “EACCME® Criteria for the Accreditation of Live Educational Events (LEEs)” and the Standard v. Commercial or Promotional Conflict of Interest, published by the American Dental Association Continuing Education Recognition Program (ADA CERP), all surgeON presenters sign a Conflict of Interest form to document all perceived or actual conflicts of interest for the last 3 years, whether due to a financial or other relationship. This document can be viewed at the beginning of the event or on request by emailing info@surgeon-events.org No fee, honorarium or arrangement for re-imbursement of expenses in relation to this event has been provided to the speaker.