From Dr. Fisher: “I have come to appreciate the fact that artistic perfection seems to be a separately developed skill. It consists of a myriad of components: ability, dexterity, proficiency, aptitude and competence, yet not all surgeons possess this innate confluence of skill sets.
Early in my training, I encountered brilliant surgeons from pedigreed institutions of high academic renown. Not all were gifted surgeons. Some were phenomenal teachers and others produced innovative research results. Artistic perfection does not seem to be based upon intellect or intelligence or perhaps even where one trained. Specialty certification measures certain training competency levels—however, it is not the hallmark of artistic perfection.
Maybe it’s simply having the “right stuff,” a phrase that garnered the country’s attention during the heady days of space exploration. A superb athlete has it; a Pulitzer prize-winning author may have it. “It” doesn’t seem connected to any collection of specific traits. Clearly artistic perfection alone will not make the grade, as there’s more to performing surgery than merely having “great hands.”
“The awesome responsibility to creatively and impeccably alter the appearance of another human is a privilege that I humbly respect.”