Dr. Paul Vanek: Trusted plastic surgeon, sculptor, biochemist and researcher

In addition to being a trusted plastic surgeon in the Cleveland area, Chief of Surgical Staff at Lake Health and board member of Lake Health Foundation, Dr. Paul Vanek is a master sculptor; his medium: the human body. A double board-certified general and plastic surgeon, a biochemist, and a researcher for the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Vanek knows how the body works, and understands how to manipulate its structures to unlock and reveal his patients’ beauty. He is a gifted artist with extensive scientific training.

Credentials

Board Certifications:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• American Board of Plastic Surgery
• American Board of Surgery

Affiliations and Honors:

• Fellow American College of Surgeons
• American Medical Association
• Ohio State Medical Society
• Lake County Medical Society
• Lake Hospital Foundation
• America’s Top Physicians 2004-2005
• Life Member National Registry of Who’s Who 2000 Edition

Residency and Fellowships:

• University of Michigan
• Division of Plastic Surgery – Fellow
• University of Rochester School of Medicine
• Dept. of Surgery – Chief Surgery Resident and General Surgery

Education:

• University of Rochester School of Medicine – M.D. with Distinction in Research
• Haverford College – BA in Molecular Biology
• Magill-Rhodes Scholar

Specialties:

• Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery

Languages & Special Qualifications:

• German
• Sign Language
• Eagle Scout

View Paul Vanek, M.D. on Google+

What does it mean to be Double Board Certified?

“Yes, I have worked to become double board certified as both a general surgeon and a plastic/reconstructive surgeon. Achieving even single board certification is a lengthy and rigorous process. It involves many years of education and training. I completed my degree in Biochemistry at Haverford College where I was a Magill-Rhoades Scholar. I then completed my MD with Distinction in Research at University of Rochester.

My Board Certification from The American College of Surgeons came after completing a 5 year residency in General Surgery and demonstrating expertise to Board Examiners. Requirements included passing written and oral exams. I maintain certification with ongoing education and assessments, keeping up with the latest advancements and demonstrating best practices relating to ethics, patient safety and communications.

My second Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery was after an additional residency in Plastic Surgery at University of Michigan. The American College of Plastic Surgery requires an 8 hour written test, submission of all surgical cases for one year as a precondition to their certification, and a 2-day oral board examination. I have maintained dual certification by successfully completing re-certification in both General and Plastic Surgery specialties.

Selecting a qualified plastic surgeon is critical. Board Certification, or as in my case, double-board certification immediately identifies that your plastic surgeon has the education, training, and experience to perform your surgery well. Becoming Board Certified is voluntary for plastic surgeons. I did it so my patients know that I care about them and that I am dedicated to acquire and maintain the education and experience necessary to keep them safe.”

— Dr. Paul Vanek