The best surgical outcomes often come from seeing beyond a single specialty. In this episode, Dr. Derek Steinbacher joins Dr. Grant Stucki to share insights from a career that has spanned oral surgery, plastic surgery, craniofacial surgery, academic leadership at Yale, and private practice ownership. Dr. Steinbacher reflects on the transition from academia to private practice and explains what it takes to build a successful orthognathic surgery practice in today’s surgical landscape. The conversation explores the growing role of ambulatory surgery centers, the connection between orthognathic surgery and rhinoplasty, and why surgeons should think beyond occlusion by considering facial aesthetics, airway function, and overall facial balance during treatment planning. He also shares valuable advice for residents and young surgeons on developing expertise, staying curious, and learning from others. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation on advancing surgical practice and thinking more holistically about patient care.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Dr. Derek Steinbacher's path through oral surgery and plastic surgery training.
- The biggest differences between academic surgery and private practice.
- What it takes to build and grow a successful orthognathic surgery practice.
- The benefits of performing orthognathic surgery in ambulatory surgery centers.
- Key considerations when performing orthognathic surgery in outpatient settings.
- The close relationship between orthognathic surgery, rhinoplasty, and facial aesthetics.
- How surgeons can balance occlusion, function, and aesthetics when planning treatment.
- Approaches to treating facial asymmetry and condylar hyperplasia cases.
- Common challenges surgeons face when managing complex orthognathic cases.
- Advice for residents building expertise in orthognathic surgery and clinical practice.
- Rapid-fire questions about favorite books, TV shows, and life outside surgery.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
Dr. Derek Steinbacher on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@dr.dereksteinbacher8638
Dr. Derek Steinbacher on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/Dereksteinbacher/
Dr. Derek Steinbacher Email — info@dereksteinbacher.com
Dr. Derek Steinbacher Phone — 203-453-6635
Aesthetic Orthognathic Surgery and Rhinoplasty — https://www.amazon.com/Aesthetic-Orthognathic-Surgery-Rhinoplasty-Steinbacher/dp/1119186978
Autobiography of a Face — https://www.amazon.com/Autobiography-Face-Thirtieth-Anniversary-Grealy/dp/006328863X
Truth & Beauty: A Friendship — https://www.amazon.com/Truth-Beauty-Friendship-Ann-Patchett/dp/0060572159
A Fire in His Soul: Van Gogh, Paris, and the Making of an Artist — https://www.amazon.com/Fire-His-Soul-Making-Artist/dp/1639368450
Beef — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14403178/?ref_=nm_flmg_job_1_accord_1_cdt_t_1
Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/
Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/
Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com
Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059
