Dr. Steven Cohen had intended to be a heart surgeon , until a documentary on plastic surgery he saw on PBS tugged at his own heart.
“They were talking about new techniques to help patients who previously had no hope of chewing, closing their eyes, or even breathing,” said Cohen, who today is a nationally recognized plastic surgeon and owner of Facesplus, a plastic surgery center in the University Towne Center/La Jolla area. “I was absolutely blown away.”
Before opening Facesplus, Cohen practiced in an Atlanta office with one other doctor. Before that, he ran the craniofacial program at the University of Michigan.
In addition to being an entrepreneur and scientist, Cohen is a sculptor, painter and inventor. He has designed devices now used by doctors across the country, one of which is used to gradually move facial bones.
“My friend and I actually made the first one in his garage,” Cohen said.
Cohen spends time at Facesplus, UC San Diego, where he is a professor, and Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center, where he is the director of craniofacial surgery and chief of plastic surgery.
VITALS
Name: Steven R. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Company: Facesplus.
Titles: Medical director, owner, Facesplus; clinical professor, UC San Diego division of plastic surgery; director, craniofacial surgery and chief of plastic surgery, Rady Children’s Hospital and Health Center.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Emory University; George Washington University School of Medicine; general surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center; plastic surgery, University of Pennsylvania; craniofacial surgery, UCLA.
Birthplace: Washington, D.C.
Age: 52.
Residence: La Jolla.
Family: Sheri, wife of 23 years; children, Josh, 21; Hannah, 19; and Kate, 14.
BUSINESS PHILOSOPHY
Essential business philosophy: To deliver the highest standard of medical and surgical care using the most advanced technology, while caring for our patients the way we would care for our family.
Best way to keep a competitive edge: To consistently deliver the finest and most comprehensive care in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, bringing the latest innovations from throughout the world to our patients after thorough research and screening.
Guiding principle: Honesty.
Yardstick of success: Patient appreciation and patient referrals, peer recognition and, lastly, financial success, which comes naturally if the first two yardsticks are met.
Goals yet to be achieved: To create a new paradigm of delivering care in today’s era of managed care. Not only do we aspire to being one of the most comprehensive aesthetic surgery centers in the country, we also are committed to devoting a significant amount of time to taking care of children with serious facial disfigurement from birth defects, traumas and tumors.
JUDGMENT CALLS
Best business decisions: Partnering with laser nurse specialists and aestheticians in delivering nonsurgical and surgical care, and investing during a downturn in the market.
Worst business decision: Not buying our own building.
Toughest business decision: Investing during a down market.
Biggest missed opportunity: Not investing in a particular laser company before it went public.
Mentors: In surgery, Dr. Henry Kawamoto and Dr. Peter Altman; in business, Chris Calhoun, the chief executive officer of San Diego-based Cytori Therapeutics Inc.
Words that describe you: Innovative and direct.
TRUE CONFESSIONS
What you like best about your job: My patients.
What you like least about your job: The paperwork.
Pet peeves: People who lack integrity.
Most important lessons learned: First, read all contracts yourself. Second, in spite of believing all people are inherently good, be wary.
Person most interested in meeting: Albert Einstein.
Most respected competitor: Rod Rohrich, the chief of plastic surgery, University of Texas Southwestern.
Three greatest passions: Family, work and art.
First choice for a new career: Business.
PREDILECTIONS
Favorite quote: “Few are those who see with their own eyes and think with their own minds” , Albert Einstein.
Favorite way to spend time: Exercising and being with family and friends.
Favorite automobile: Bentley GT.
