Lubbock Surgeon Mentors Texas Tech Premeds in Surgical Skills Workshop

Dr. Boonipat, who established the FacePlus Plastic Surgery Institute in Lubbock in 2024, led the session by demonstrating technical fundamentals before moving to individual coaching. Beyond the physical practice on suture pads, the event functioned as a career primer, covering the navigation of medical school and the process of selecting a surgical specialty. For many participants, the afternoon served to demystify the transition from academic studies to clinical practice.

Drawing on his own background—which includes training at the Mayo Clinic and a fellowship in Taiwan—Boonipat emphasized the necessity of early mentorship for women in fields where surgery remains underrepresented. The Women in STEM organization at Texas Tech continues to facilitate such connections, aiming to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the realities of a surgical career. The session concluded with an open discussion regarding the hurdles of residency and the long-term commitment required for professional success in medicine.