Ever wonder why Dr. Glicksman became a doctor? Is so passionate about research? These questions aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the person behind the professional title, offering insights into her upbringing, personal interests, and the support system that has shaped her career and life beyond the operating room.
What advice would you give to your younger self? And to those starting out in plastic surgery?
I would tell my college self to party less. I would tell my resident self to read more. My training was always in busy city hospitals where I learned to operate and take care of patients. I wish that I would have had more time for research.
Where does your passion for research stem from? Did it start when you were in grade school or much later when you realized that medicine was your calling?
My father was a Radiation Oncologist and Chair at Brown University for 35 years. As a child, I would go with him on weekends into the hospital while he did rounds. He always had a research lab and published over 350 papers. He helped me get my first research position in Infectious Diseases when I was just 17. When I was 18, I traveled to London and worked in the Wright-Fleming Institute where Penicillin was discovered. I went on to get a degree in microbiology from the University of Massachusetts and have continued my passion for research throughout my career.
What is one thing about you that might help members really understand who you are? Do you sing in the shower? Do you have a photographic memory?
I am a mom, a wife, and a doctor. I love to garden and cook. My close friends and family know that I love champagne, chocolate, and shopping.
Was there one plastic surgeon you looked up to starting out? Who was it? Why?
Two actually. John Tebbetts was the first plastic surgeon to invite me onto a panel at an ASPS meeting. He believed that I could contribute to the education of other surgeons. My most significant mentor was Scott Spear. (1848-2017). Scott worked tirelessly to keep breast implant surgery safe and effective. He encouraged me to work with industry and the FDA to design better clinical trials and gather prospective data.
Tell us about the one lesson you wish you had learned earlier.
“You can have it all, but not all at the same time.”
What do you do in your spare time? Please explain a little…
I recently received a law degree in Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law from Seton Hall Law School. When I do have a break from evening Zoom meetings, I love to walk my newest Great Dane, Penny. She’s a handful at 140 lbs.
What place(s) means a lot to you?
London. I spent my childhood in Surrey and visiting England gives me a sense of peace.
What was the best book you read in the last year?
“The Ghost Map” Its the story of how John Snow solved the mystery of the Cholera epidemic in London in 1854 and how his discovery changed the science of epidemiology.
Most surprising app you depend on…
My United App, then Starbucks, and my Ring so I can keep an eye on my doggie.
Do you listen to music while in surgery? If so, what is your favorite?
Country and old rock.!
In another life I would have been... If you were not a plastic surgeon, what one profession would you want to try?
Race car driver
What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?
Raising four children to become successful young adults.
I couldn’t do without…
My ultrasound. I don’t know how I managed patients with breast implants before it was in my pocket.
The best bit of advice I ever received was…
From my husband. He told me if I want to run a solo practice, to make sure I always keep my overhead low. This would assure that I only operate on those I want to, and am never pressured to make money at the expense of patient care.
