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George Washington, M.D.

My Story, Outlined

Life starts as a blank canvas and our journey paints a picture that tells our story.

As I unfold and share my story, I trust that each chapter will immerse you in my journey and illustrate an accurate picture of who I am as a person and surgeon. From the genesis of my career in medicine to the defining moment when I fell in love with plastic surgery, each element painted my canvas with a powerful purpose and life-changing meaning. Moving forward, I envision that each of my patients’ stories will continue imparting colors to my palette; one filled with an array of vibrant impressions that will become an ensemble of my “Monet,” reflecting my contribution to the field of plastic surgery and the lives of others. 

I am excited for what’s coming next and hope to be an ethereal piece of your story, adding hues to your life’s masterpiece.

My Deep Pain, Transformed

The present is lived to learn from the past to make the future better.

Growing up, my four siblings and I were cared for by my grandmother while our parents worked tirelessly to provide for the family. At age eight, my life took an unexpected turn when my 40-year-old father’s heart stopped beating, and he had to be resuscitated back to life. He suffered a heart attack, which required emergent life-saving open heart surgery. I had so many questions:  “Will my father die? Will the doctor’s do all that they can to save him?” The doctors did not know who we were or our family background, but their compassion, love for people, and commitment to medicine saved my father’s life. 

 As if things couldn’t get worse, a few months later my grandmother died from a stroke. Although the doctors did everything they could to try and save her, we were not so fortunate this time. I remember that night vividly. From sleeping with her every night to now a sudden empty space next to me, I became curious and determined to find reason in what transpired. 

My interest to understand what happened to two very important people in my life and desire to give back what has been given to my family became my dream and the impetus for my pursuit into medicine and surgery.

My Purpose, Defined 

It’s not only a look, it’s a feeling.

Plastic and reconstructive surgery encompasses a unique combination of the science, practice, and art of medicine that not only involves pharmacological healing and anatomical manipulation to provide immediate aesthetic and/or functional correction, but also psychological and emotional influence. 

This became apparent during my general surgery training when I responded to a trauma code and I was shocked to see a young girl with a large laceration across her face and nasal avulsion hysterically crying for her mother. Even in the midst of her panic, she asked me, “Do I look ugly?” Little did she know, her mother did not survive the car accident. Overcome with compassion and sympathy, I quickly held her hand to comfort and reassure her that we were dedicated to do all that we could to help her. All I could think about at the time was that what she will see in the mirror everyday will remind her of this tragic event forever. I remember bringing the young child to the operating room for immediate repair with skilled plastic surgeons who captivated me with their concentration and precision in rearranging local tissue to repair the nasal defect. The foresight for potential scarring and geometrical considerations to preserve facial aesthetics intrigued me. Not only would this patient’s appearance and nasal function have been compromised without surgery, but her inner spiritual being would also be weakened. I believe that in repairing her physical wounds, reconstructive surgery preserved her internal strength to overcome any external insults she may face as she grows up. 

This encounter reminded me of George Washington Carver who once said, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong because someday in life you will have been all of these.” His words have inspired decisions on my life journey, and I feel assured that a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery will provide a lifetime of meaningful, fulfilling work.

My Life + Their Life, Cycled

The best gift you can give to the next generation is the gift you would give to your younger self.

After leaving Vietnam, following the fall of Saigon in 1975, and coming to America as refugees with absolutely nothing, my parents seized every opportunity and worked tirelessly to provide my siblings and I with a future that they wished for, but was unattainable due to their life circumstances. It wasn’t until I visited Vietnam for the first time at 12 years old when I truly grasped the poverty that my parents endured. My father grew up eating just rice and salt for his daily meals, walked miles to school barefoot, and wore the same clothes every day. What was once an awful memory belonging to my father, I now witnessed firsthand among others in the community. The desire to give back to this community and help people became undoubtedly strong and evident. 

During my surgical training, I was granted an exceptional opportunity to give back to my community through an experience of a lifetime that I will never forget. The empathy I felt as a child was multiplied when I returned, now as a surgeon. I witnessed families, lacking resources, traveling hundreds of miles for their child to be evaluated and considered for surgery. The desperation and hope in their eyes further galvanized my purpose. Although performing surgeries may appear routine to some, others see it as a glimmer of hope to life — the value of that money can’t buy.

As I stood there performing surgical procedures and educating the surgeons in Vietnam, I felt deep gratitude to be in my position, for my parents’ sacrifices, and all the opportunities that led me to this moment. The magnitude of sincere appreciation and relief from each family following surgery made the long hours even more meaningful and worthwhile.

At the end of the mission trip I received a card from a mother that expressed, “I gave birth to my child, but you – doctors, you are the ones who have given her a chance to live…” In that moment, I realized the impact that my small contribution had on changing the outlook and world of others – and how life truly comes full circle.

My Dream, Realized

Making the best of this borrowed time.

As I was growing up, I can always remember helping my dad with various tasks; from simple things such as painting shutters to more complex jobs like building an entire house. I even assisted in the construction of a temple with beautiful sculptures and artwork.  No matter the project, it was the view of the final product that was most rewarding; a representation of form, function, and beauty. What also helped me refine my skill was always being my mom’s assistant in the kitchen, helping her chop meat and vegetables with fine detail. Little did I know at the time that these experiences allowed me to utilize and develop my manual dexterity, creativity, aesthetic sense, and spatial acuity, which have served as great assets when applied toward learning and honing precise plastic surgery techniques. Looking back I realize that a home can’t be built without a firm foundation, and my dream to become a plastic surgeon was made possible by the strong foundation set by my parents’ life experiences and the life experiences that they gave to me. 

I hope my stories have painted an introduction to me as a person and why I want to contribute to the lives of others the best way I know how, through plastic surgery. I aim to effect change that you can not only see, but feel. Beauty is not “just” the face or “just” the breast, it is the person as a whole, both mental and physical; it’s an expression of who you are and your individuality. This is why I am passionate about breast reconstruction, gender affirmation, and aesthetic surgeries. I feel these procedures can touch the lives of many and ensure a lifetime of meaningful and fulfilling work.  

As I embark on the next phase of my career, I am devoted to making the best of my borrowed time by providing the highest quality of care to all of my patients; the type of care you would give to family. I understand that each person has unique needs and goals, and I will work closely with them to ensure they are completely satisfied with their full experience and surgical results.

My Commitment, Determined

Beauty from within shines differently than from those absorbed around you.

My experiences have led me on an incredible journey that has allowed me to dedicate my life to serving members of the community from all walks of life. I have a genuine passion for helping people feel their best, both inside and out, and I take great pride in providing my patients with individualized care. I am committed and determined to impart the ultimate personal experience with quality care and top-tier results that will allow you to express an inner beauty that you can see and feel, one that you deserve. My purpose is to refine the you that’s already there.

Allow my team and I to work alongside you every step of the way in creating your own masterpiece, contributing to the best version and expression of yourself – to be true and be you.  

This is your story, refined.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Education & Training

  • Undergraduate: Xavier University of Louisiana
  • Medical School: Howard University College of Medicine
  • General Surgery Residency: Howard University Hospital
  • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Professional Organizations

  • Texas Medical Association
  • WPATH World Professional Association for Transgender Health
  • Houston Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • American College of Surgeons
  • Alpha Epsilon Delta Premedical Honor Society
  • Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society (2008 Vice-President)
  • Phi Lambda Upsilon Chemistry Honor Society
  • Kappa Gamma Pi Graduate Honor Society
  • Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society (2008 President)

Awards

  • The Medical Staff Award, 2019 Resident Patient Care Staff Award; Howard University Hospital
  • Department of Surgery Chairman’s Award, Chief Resident of the Year; Howard University Hospital
  • Department of Surgery Chairman’s Award, Star Performer Resident; Howard University Hospital
  • Department of Surgery Chairman’s Award, Intern of the Year; Howard University Hospital
  • Leroy R. Weekes, MD, Clinical Award in Obstetrics and Gynecology; Howard University College of Medicine
  • Plastic Surgery Visiting Clerkship Diversity Scholarship; Mayo Clinic – Rochester
  • First-Place Research Poster Presentation; LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans
  • Academic Scholarship; Howard University College of Medicine
  • Outstanding Community Service Award; Cao Dai Temple of New Orleans
  • Academic Scholarship; Xavier University of Louisiana
  • Dean’s List; Xavier University of Louisiana
  • Valedictorian; L.W. Higgins High School, Louisiana

Publications

  • Washington, G.N., Moffitt, J., Connor, G., Cepeda, A., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P. (2022).  Is the Message Clear? Evaluation of Readability Levels for Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate, and Craniofacial Websites. The Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal.
  • Washington, G.N., Konty, L., and Greives, M. (2021). Pediatric Tumors. Neligan: Plastic Surgery, vol. Pediatric Plastic Surgery.
  • Washington, G.N. and Nguyen, P.D. (2021). Head and Neck Module: Soft Tissue Injuries. American Society of Plastic Surgery Education Network: Resident Education Center.
  • Nguyen, P.D., Belal, A., Washington, G.N., Greives, M., Sandberg, D., Fletcher, S., and Shah, M. (2020). Distraction Osteogenesis with Temporal Bone Remodeling for Unicoronal Craniosynostosis. Journal of Neurosurgery: Neurosurgical Focus Video.
  • Bezzini, D., Washington, G.N., Olufajo, O., Butts, D.M., Jones, I., Bolden, K., and Paul, H. (2020). The Potential Impact of Plastic Surgery Expertise on Body Contouring Procedure Outcomes. Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
  • Washington, G.N. and Nguyen, P.D. (2020). Unicoronal Craniosynostosis: A Case of Distraction Osteogenesis in an Infant. American Society of Plastic Surgery EdNet.
  • Washington, G.N., Bezzini, D., Zeineddin, A., and Bolden, K. (2019). Module: Decubitus (Pressure) Ulcers.  SCORE: Surgical Council on Resident Education.
  • Shah, A. A., Bhatti, U. F., Petrosyan, M., Washington, G.N., Nizam, W., Williams, M., Tran, D., Cornwell, E. E., and Fullum, T. M. (2018). The Heavy Price of Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Procedures for Emergent Cholecystectomies. The American Journal of Surgery.

Presentations

  • Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Cepeda, A., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2022).  Regional Changes Following Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Recipe for Success? Podium Presentation: American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association 79th Annual Meeting—March 2022.
  • Cepeda, A., Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2022).  Predictors of Success Following Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy and Orthotic Helmeting for Metopic Craniosynostosis. Podium Presentation: American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association 79th Annual Meeting—March 2022.
  • Kelagere Mayigegowda, K., Washington, G.N., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2022).  Surgical Ergonomics in Cleft Palatoplasty: No Pain, No Gain. Podium Presentation: American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association 79th Annual Meeting—March 2022.
  • Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Cepeda, A., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2021).  Post-operative Helmet Therapy Following Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Metopic and Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Does Time and Suture Type Matter? Virtual Presentation: International Society of Craniofacial Surgery—October 2021.
  • Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Cepeda, A., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2021).  Duration of Helmet Therapy Following Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy: A Comparison between Metopic and Sagittal Craniosynostosis. Podium Presentation: ASPS Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2021, Atlanta, GA—October 2021.
  • Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Cepeda, A., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2021).  Endoscopic Strip Craniectomy for Metopic and Sagittal Craniosynostosis: Does Helmeting Time Matter?  Podium Presentation: Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons, San Antonio, TX.
  • Washington, G.N., Nguyen, H., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P.D. (2020).  Distraction Osteogenesis for Unicoronal Craniosynostosis Normalizes Orbital and Nasal Deformity – A Craniometric Analysis.  On Demand Presentation: ASPS Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2020, Virtual (COVID-19).
  • Ferguson, D., Washington, G.N., Akolkar, N., Olufajo, O.A., Freet, D., Greives, M.R., Paul, H., and Bolden, K. (2020) Gender Affirmation Surgery: Are We on Top? On Demand Presentation: ASPS Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2020, Virtual (COVID-19).
  • Washington, G.N., Moffitt, J., Greives, M.R., and Nguyen, P. (2020).  Is the Message Clear? Evaluation of Readability Levels for Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, and Craniosynostosis Websites. Podium Presentation: American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association, Portland, OR.
  • De la Cruz, E., Olufajo, O., Zeineddin, A., Washington, G.N., Williams, M., and Cornwell, E. E. (2019). Penetrating Abdominal Trauma: A Soft Barrier in Obesity. Podium Presentation: Academic Surgery Congress, Houston, TX.
  • Washington, G.N., Shah, A. A., Zuberi, M., Williams, M., and Cornwell, E. E. (2019). Reoperation after Emergency Surgery: Adding Fuel to Fire. Quickshot Presentation: Southeast Surgical Congress, Charlotte, NC.
  • Shah, A. A., Washington, G.N., Bhatti, U. F., Petrosyan, M., Nizam, W., Williams, M., Tran, D., Cornwell, E. E., and Fullum, T. (2018). The Heavy Price of Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy. Podium Presentation: The 28th Annual Scientific Session of the Society for Black Academic Surgeons, Birmingham, AL.
  • Washington, G.N., Branch, N.N., Ayre, K., Aziz, S., Siram, S., and Greene, W. R. (2016). Life Saving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in a Septic Adult After Cardiopulmonary Failure Due to Aspiration Pneumonitis. Poster Presentation: Southeast Surgical Congress, Atlanta, GA.
  • Washington, G.N., Branch, N.N., Ayre, K., Aziz, S., Siram, S., and Greene, W. R. (2016). Management of Multisystem Complications Following Incarcerated Incisional Hernia Repair with Mesh. Poster Presentation: Southeast Surgical Congress, Atlanta, GA.
  • Washington, G.N. and Liu, W. (2011). Exome Sequencing Identifies Mutations in African-American Families with Prostate Cancer. Poster Presentation: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center – Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA.

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