Since the 1940s when plastic surgeons first arrived at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, four important pillars have strongly supported our efforts. Our dedication to excellent clinical care over the years has helped patients to recover from traumatic injuries, congenital deformities, cancer, and a range of other disorders from head to toe. Importantly, Pitt plastic surgery faculty and graduates have been instrumental in developing new techniques and practices to advance the standards of care in plastic surgery across the globe. Service is another hallmark of the University of Pittsburgh plastic surgery faculty, residents, and graduates. This includes service to our hospitals, with ready availability to help patients in need and to work collaboratively with our colleagues in many other specialties as we meet the reconstructive needs of their patients. This also includes service on committees in the School of Medicine and the hospitals, as well as service to our greater Pittsburgh community and our regional and national plastic surgery organizations. University of Pittsburgh plastic surgery faculty and graduates have a tradition of contribution to and leadership in organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In addition, Pitt plastic surgery faculty have held numerous editorial board positions for journals and textbooks. Another prominent area of service has been with international medical missions. Education has been another important pillar of the University of Pittsburgh plastic surgery program. Since our first resident trained in the late 1940s, we have been committed to training the next generation of leaders in plastic surgery. Our current residency training program is recognized for its innovative approach and outstanding curriculum. Our laboratories have focused on scientific exploration in all areas of plastic surgery and now tackle current challenges in wound healing, regenerative medicine, transplantation, and craniofacial biology. Our multidisciplinary teams, which include surgeon-scientists and basic researchers, always bear in mind that we can impact the practice of medicine through our work in the laboratory. Tying these four pillars together are overriding themes of innovation, creativity, collaboration, and collegiality. Plastic surgery is an incredibly creative specialty, and our faculty and graduates have displayed these attributes while recognizing the importance of working closely with our colleagues in plastic surgery and other disciplines to enhance the sharing of ideas.
