Department of
Medical Education

Kerri M.Woodberry, MD, MBA, FACS

 

Name: Kerri Michelle Woodberry, MD, MBA, FACS

Board Certification: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Certificate of Added Qualification in Surgery of the Hand

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Residency:    General Surgery, Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD; Plastic Surgery, Ohio State University and Hand Surgery Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania

Faculty Rank: Associate Professor Department of Surgery

Special Clinical/Research Interests: Hand Surgery, Hand Tumors, Hand Trauma, Breast Reduction surgery, Breast Cancer Reconstruction, Medical Education, Health Disparities

Is there a particular population of students (e.g., ethnicity, spiritual, sexual orientation) that you would particularly like to advise?

I welcome all students, especially those Underrepresented in Medicine

What does a typical day in the life of a Plastic Surgeon include?

Early morning rounds at 6 am in order to get to the operating room by 7 am. 

Operating all day 2-3 days a week

Seeing patients in the office, attending meetings, giving lectures, paperwork and computer work. In an academic setting, it involves teaching medical students and residents and doing research.

A typical day is from 6 am to 6 pm five days a week.

In addition, taking 24-hour calls for consults and emergencies (varying from every 3 to every 5 nights).

What is the biggest challenge of being a Plastic Surgeon?

Many patients want and sometimes need Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.  We have to advocate on behalf of our patients to try to get the insurance companies to pay for the surgery.  Sometimes the insurance company won’t pay and our patients can’t afford it, so they have to go without the surgery.

How do you foresee Plastic Surgery changing over the next 20 years?

I see the demographics of our specialty changing with a more diverse community of physicians and more women in the field. We will undoubtedly have new techniques and new technology utilizing Artificial Intelligence more.

What advice would you give a student who is considering a Plastic Surgery residency?

Plastic Surgery is a fun, exciting, and rewarding specialty. There is instant gratification. If you are interested, please reach out to me.  Call my office to set up an appointment.  Get involved in research early, go to meetings, join organizations in Plastic Surgery, get involved, talk to other surgeons, find a mentor and listen, attend lectures on Plastic Surgery, and shadow physicians.