Mr James Jeng¹

¹University Of California Irvine, Orange, USA

Abstract:

Due to the geographic constraints of being a lone parent to four children, and the phenomenon of “Dead-Man’s Shoes” in senior academic burns posts, the author had to undertake a seven year detour away from primarily being an academic burns surgeon.

Much like Rip Van Winkle, a great deal changed in Western medicine as it pertains to current quotidian surgical practice of burns care.  In no small part, a global pandemic that killed millions around the globe contributed outsized effects.

Serendipitously, the abrupt detour into academic trauma surgery and management of a healthcare system-wide wounds program bequeathed the author a prism that drastically refined comprehension and nuance to what it means to be a burns surgeon.  Such a perspective is often only available if one is not blinded by living daily, incremental change.

This oral history and deeply considered reflections are meant to share the profound personal appreciation for burns care that grew out of unplanned adversity.  There are lessons to be gleaned for all who participate in the care of, and research in those whose lives are irrevocably altered by burns.

Biography:

Trauma/Burns/EGS/Wounds/Critical Care academic surgeon involved in burns care since 1992