
Dr. Jason Ko: Leveling Up Orthoplastics – Recorded Live at PSTM 2024
10/21/24 • 55 min
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Recorded Live at PSTM 2024 in San Diego, CA, Dr. Jason Ko discussed the history of targeted muscle reinnervation, how his approach to TMR has changed over time, the ins and outs of dissecting and coapting nerves, the indications and technical nuances of thoracic outlet syndrome, why preparing for a case and studying anatomy helps students and trainees get the most out of every case, his own approach to preparing for big cases, why pinning in hand surgery can make even the best surgeons look bad, and his top picks from 90s hip hop.
Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Ko and co-authors, “Management of Superficial and Deep Peroneal Nerve Neuromas with Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in Nonamputees: Operative Technique and Early Outcomes”: https://bit.ly/DeepPeronealTMR
Dr. Jason Ko is a professor of plastic surgery with an additional appointment in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
He Duke University School of Medicine and then completed his plastic surgery training at Northwestern University under the tutelage of Dr. Gregory Dumanian. Dr. Ko went on to complete a hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle, after which he spent additional time at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan as well as the University of Tokyo. He joined the faculty at the University of Washington in 2012 and was then recruited back to Northwestern in 2016 where he is currently the Program Director of the plastic surgery residency program. He received his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School in 2019, and he has since become the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the Department of Surgery at Northwestern and is involved with numerous administrative roles within the hospital and health system. He has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Hand Surgery American, and he is currently the Research Director for the Journal of Orthoplastic Surgery. He is also the Co-Program Chair for the upcoming AAPS Annual Meeting—along with Dr. John Kim. Dr. Ko has a practice focused on brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, vascularized bone, upper and lower extremity reconstruction, amputee care and TMR.
Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
#PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Recorded Live at PSTM 2024 in San Diego, CA, Dr. Jason Ko discussed the history of targeted muscle reinnervation, how his approach to TMR has changed over time, the ins and outs of dissecting and coapting nerves, the indications and technical nuances of thoracic outlet syndrome, why preparing for a case and studying anatomy helps students and trainees get the most out of every case, his own approach to preparing for big cases, why pinning in hand surgery can make even the best surgeons look bad, and his top picks from 90s hip hop.
Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Ko and co-authors, “Management of Superficial and Deep Peroneal Nerve Neuromas with Targeted Muscle Reinnervation in Nonamputees: Operative Technique and Early Outcomes”: https://bit.ly/DeepPeronealTMR
Dr. Jason Ko is a professor of plastic surgery with an additional appointment in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
He Duke University School of Medicine and then completed his plastic surgery training at Northwestern University under the tutelage of Dr. Gregory Dumanian. Dr. Ko went on to complete a hand and microvascular surgery fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle, after which he spent additional time at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan as well as the University of Tokyo. He joined the faculty at the University of Washington in 2012 and was then recruited back to Northwestern in 2016 where he is currently the Program Director of the plastic surgery residency program. He received his MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School in 2019, and he has since become the Vice Chair of Clinical Operations for the Department of Surgery at Northwestern and is involved with numerous administrative roles within the hospital and health system. He has served as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Hand Surgery American, and he is currently the Research Director for the Journal of Orthoplastic Surgery. He is also the Co-Program Chair for the upcoming AAPS Annual Meeting—along with Dr. John Kim. Dr. Ko has a practice focused on brachial plexus and peripheral nerve surgery, vascularized bone, upper and lower extremity reconstruction, amputee care and TMR.
Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
#PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp
Previous Episode

Dr. Anthony Youn: "A Multi-Dimensional Career from Surgery to Screen"– A "Giants in Plastic Surgery" Interview”
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Anthony Youn takes us on his inspiring journey from a lifelong passion for medicine to becoming a prominent figure in social media. Discover the personal stories that shaped his career path, along with his insights on using social media to elevate his practice. Dr. Youn offers valuable tips on anti-aging and discusses how he integrates digital platforms to educate and connect with a global audience. Tune in for a fascinating exploration of the intersection between modern medicine and social media innovation!
Anthony Youn, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. After earning high honors at Kalamazoo College and completing his medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Dr. Youn trained in general and plastic surgery at the Grand Rapids MERC Plastic Surgery Residency Program. He further specialized through an aesthetic plastic surgery fellowship in Beverly Hills, California, before returning to Michigan to establish YOUN Plastic Surgery, the leading practice in metro Detroit.
Dr. Youn is well-known for his holistic approach to plastic surgery and has shared his expertise on shows like The Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, and Fox and Friends. He is the author of the best-selling memoir Playing God: The Evolution of a Modern Surgeon and The Age Fix: A Leading Plastic Surgeon Reveals How To Really Look Ten Years Younger, which inspired a national television special.
As the host of The Holistic Plastic Surgery Show, Dr. Youn reaches a broad audience with his insights on health and beauty. His work has earned him recognition as one of the top plastic surgeons in the U.S. by publications like Newsweek and Harper’s Bazaar. He is also active on social media, particularly TikTok @doctoryoun) and Instagram (@tonyyounmd), where he continues to educate and engage with his followers.
Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 2 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.
#PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
Next Episode

Dr. Arun Gosain: "Transformative Healing” – A “Giants in Plastic Surgery” Interview
In this "Giants in Plastic Surgery" episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Arun Gosain discusses his path into plastic surgery and the pivotal influence of role models like his father. Growing up as a first-generation immigrant, he faced unique challenges that shaped his perspective and fueled his drive to succeed. He shares how feeling like an outsider motivated him to carve out a meaningful career, ultimately leading him to significant leadership roles in his field. In this episode, Dr. Gosain shares his experiences, the lessons he’s learned, and the insights he gained along the way.
Read a recent classic PRS Global Open article by Dr. Gosain and co-authors, “Timing of Pediatric Breast Reduction and Insurance Coverage: Single-institution Retrospective Study”: https://bit.ly/PedBreastReduction
Dr. Gosain graduated Magna Cum Laude with a biology degree from Princeton University and earned his medical degree from UCLA. He completed his surgery internships and residencies at UC San Francisco and the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, followed by a plastic surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He also pursued fellowships in hand and microsurgery and craniofacial surgery at NYU’s Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Dr. Gosain has held prominent leadership roles at Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland before joining Lurie Children’s Hospital and Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine in 2012.
Recognized for his expertise in pediatric plastic surgery, Dr. Gosain specializes in craniofacial and vascular anomalies, as well as cleft lip and palate repair. He leads the Craniofacial Developmental Biology Laboratory at Lurie Children’s Research Center, which trains one plastic surgery resident annually. Dedicated to improving health outcomes for children globally, he actively provides surgical care for children with cleft conditions in underserved areas of India.
Your host, Dr. Vimal Gokani, is a senior Specialty Registrar in plastic surgery in London, England. Your producer & editor, Charlene Kok, is a Year 3 Medical Student in Imperial College London, England, with a keen interest in Plastic Surgery.
#PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #GiantsPlasticSurgery
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