Kevin Calder, MD joined UNC Surgery’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Associate Professor in June of this year. He graduated medical school at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, BC, Canada). He completed his Residency in Plastic Surgery at Dalhousie University (Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada), and Magee-Rosenblum Plastic Surgery, Operation Smile in Norfolk, Virginia. In addition to teaching at UNC and conducting clinical research, Dr. Calder is global leader in cleft care. He has been to over 21 countries performing cleft surgeries in the past 10 years with Operation Smile. He served as the co-chair of their surgical council and played an integral role in educating surgeons in developing countries on how to perform cleft and cleft-related surgeries. He has participated in over 45 surgical missions and continues his international work. He specializes in Pediatric surgery, Craniofacial surgery, Cleft lip/palate surgery, Hand and Breast surgeries.
What brought you to the Department of Surgery at UNC?
The people, the environment and the opportunity to excel in my subspecialty field while being able to teach and develop other areas of clinical research interest.
What inspired you to become a doctor/surgeon?
I was inspired to become a doctor by my family doctor growing up who was an influential person in my life. I was impressed by his knowledge, abilities and how he freely gave back to his community. After getting into medical school I was inspired to go into Plastic Surgery by seeing the dramatic difference it can make in one’s life, particularly reconstruction following cancer treatment, congenital differences or traumatic injuries.
How did you decide to pursue your current specialty? Has it met your expectations?
I love plastic surgery especially pediatric/craniofacial surgery. I love meeting families and their beautiful children and creating a connection with them from birth to adulthood. It’s an amazing experience to be a part of their journey and I cherish the trust they place in me to be able to provide life changing surgery to their children. I love collaborating with our multidisciplinary team to focus on each patient and each family’s individual needs. It truly takes a village and it’s a pleasure and a privilege to be a part of our team.
What are your contributions to your specialty?
In addition to teaching at UNC and conducting clinical research, I also am a global leader in cleft care and have been to over 21 countries performing cleft surgeries in the past 10 years with Operation Smile. I have served as the co-chair of their surgical council and play an integral role in educating surgeons in developing countries on how to perform cleft and cleft-related surgeries. I have participated in over 45 surgical missions and look forward to continuing my international work.
If you could pick the brain of someone alive or dead, who would it be?
The ancient Egyptians. I love learning about their civilization and culture and I would like to learn more about the pyramids of Giza and understand once and for all exactly how they built them and why.
What are some goals you would like to achieve during your time at UNC Surgery?
I would like to write a textbook and obtain a master’s degree in Global Health/Surgery. I would like to start a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at UNC and continue to contribute to global education in cleft/craniofacial care. I also look forward to working with multiple cleft centers across the United States to advance cleft research in America.
What is one thing you wish your patients or coworkers knew about you before they meet you?
I’ve lived in many places and traveled to over 30 countries. I’m easy going and love meeting new people. I’m easy to talk to, will have no problem getting to know you and chances are if you’re not from NC or have traveled we may have more in common than you think.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I grew up in a very small town in Canada in a primarily agriculturally-based region. I am a first generation physician and am very proud of where I come from and how far I’ve gone.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
I love to travel, hike, kayak, paddleboard, sing and also enjoy dancing.
How would you describe yourself in one word?
Adventurous
To learn more about Dr. Calder’s background and see his contact information, please visit his website