Dr. Loren Borud: Plastic Surgery as a Social Responsibility

Dr. Loren Borud, noted plastic surgeon, says that his practice is no longer just a profession, but also a social responsibility. The act of repairing damaged body parts and returning a person’s sense of completeness is a noble career.

As the recent war has brought destruction on the battlefield, the thoughts of American plastic surgeons go out to the damages it has caused to the soldiers who risked their lives. America’s soldiers went into the line of fire and sustained injuries from gunfire and explosions. Injuries sustained range from facial and skin disfigurement to loss of limbs or worse. These different afflictions cause, not only physical pain, but also emotional scars.

Dr. Loren Borud knows about the important role that plastic surgeons play in the rehabilitation of these brave soldiers. Surgeons have a chance to help victims of tragic accidents get back what they have lost, or in case of soldiers, what they have sacrificed for their country and their ideals. Beyond just repairing skin, bones and arteries, plastic surgeons are tasked to help these people get back to the lives they used to have before leaving for the war.

Injuries that cause facial deformities, for example, can affect self-esteem. It is an unfortunate reality that the perception of others can be affected as well. This could get in the way of victims’ hopes of living well, getting married, and having children.

Dr. Loren Borud knows that the heavy emotional damage that is caused by having a disfigured face will also take a heavy toll on a person’s self-image. This is the reason why he encourages more surgeons to recognize the power that they have to help out and use their skills to fulfill a socially relevant responsibility.

Although there is nothing wrong with working for the money, Dr. Borud encourages his colleagues to give back to society and do their part.