History

Founded by Leonard Weiner, MD in 1973, the University of Louisville is known for pioneering many advances and techniques in Plastic Surgery including: liposuction, microsurgery, muscle flap physiology, hand surgery, and surgical anatomy. Dr. Weiner brought suction-assisted lipoplasty to the United States after touring with the first ASPS expedition that investigated its use abroad.

Our Founders

Dr. Robert Acland was well-known for his pioneering work in the field of microsurgery and surgical anatomy. Our Fresh Tissue Anatomy Lab was named in his honor.

Dr. Gordon Tobin was the first to describe and publish many muscle flaps and their modifications that we commonly use today.

Dr. Morton Kasdan has many publications and books, including the first thumb revascularization procedure with Dr. Kleinert.

Dr. Bradon Wilhelmi became the Leonard Weiner Professor and Chief of the Division in 2007. He has transitioned the program to emphasize training through education with direct input from fellows and residents on the design of the curriculum, rotations, and conference schedule (300 conferences per year). Dr. Wilhelmi has served as chairman of Plastic Surgery Research Committee, hosting the meeting at University of Louisville in 2011 and committed to research almost 150 peer reviewed publications. For his commitment to education, Dr. Wilhelmi has received both the UofL and KMA education achievement awards in 2018 & 2020.