01/15/2026
Earlier this week, Dr. Fischer delivered the Rhoads Oration, marking a milestone that reflects the significance and trajectory of his research in surgery. He traced the full arc of abdominal wall reconstruction, from papyrus to prediction modeling, highlighting the convergence of years of discovery and innovation as his team builds a comprehensive, point-of-care precision prediction tool to transform surgical decision making. Grounded in a patient-centered approach, this work reframes how surgical success is measured, realigning outcomes with what each patient cares about most.
A central theme emerged: data is everywhere, but progress depends on building the right tools to capture, label, and connect it. By structuring the unstructured, Dr. Fischer illustrated how thoughtful data design and interdisciplinary collaboration can transform information into insight, and insight into better patient care.
A thoughtful, forward-looking lecture and well-deserved recognition of the surgical innovation, leadership, and impact that Dr. Fischer and the Penn Plastic Surgery team have had and continue to embark on in surgery. 👏
