The Donald R. Laub Fellowship program, named after our late founder Donald Laub, allows a fourth-year resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery to work with ReSurge for a year to hone reconstructive surgical and research skills. We are proud to introduce our newly selected ReSurge International Laub Fellow, Dr. Meewon Olivia Park, a plastic and reconstructive surgery resident at Stanford University.
We caught up with her to learn about her background, work with ReSurge, and goals for the future.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I am a plastic surgery resident at Stanford University with a deep commitment to global health. My journey began on a small Polynesian island, where I witnessed the challenges of a low-resource healthcare system. These experiences shaped my desire to make a difference in underserved communities. I completed my undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where I developed a deep interest in medicine, and then earned my medical degree from Stanford School of Medicine. These educational experiences have been foundational in shaping my career in plastic and reconstructive surgery. In this regard, I aim to combine technical expertise with compassion to restore not just physical form — but dignity and hope too.
What made you want to go into reconstructive surgery?
Reconstructive surgery is about more than just physical repair — it’s about restoring a person’s sense of self and giving them a second chance at life. Growing up, I saw how limited access to quality healthcare affected people’s lives. This inspired me to pursue a field where I could combine skill and empathy to bring about transformative change, addressing not just the physical, but also the emotional and social aspects of healing.
Why were you interested in ReSurge International and the ReSurge Laub Fellowship?
ReSurge International embodies the values that drew me to medicine: compassion, skill, and a commitment to making a difference where it’s needed most. The ReSurge Laub Fellowship offers a unique platform to engage in meaningful global health work, contributing to sustainable, high-quality care in low- and middle-income countries. It aligns perfectly with my goal of making a lasting impact through education and collaboration.
What are you most interested in experiencing and working on during the Fellowship?
I’m eager to immerse myself in the communities we serve, understanding their unique challenges and values. I look forward to contributing to Surgical Team Training Trips, developing educational platforms, and exploring innovative approaches to surgical care. These experiences will not only enhance my skills but will also help improve treatment outcomes and quality of care in global health settings.
What are you excited to learn or know more about?
I’m particularly excited to learn about the patient journey in low-resource settings—from the initial consultation to post-operative care. Understanding the cultural, logistical, and medical factors shaping treatment outcomes will be invaluable. I’m also keen to explore how technology can enhance surgical planning and education, ultimately improving care in these environments.
What’s an issue or topic in global health you are incredibly passionate about?
Health equity is a topic I’m deeply passionate about. Growing up in a low-resource setting, I saw first-hand the impact of disparities in access to healthcare. The barriers that prevent people from accessing life-changing surgical care are profound. With education, innovation, and collaboration, we can close these gaps and ensure everyone can access the care they need, regardless of their circumstances.
What are your goals for the future?
My long-term goal is to become a global surgeon leader, focusing on improving surgical education and care in low-resource settings. A significant part of my mission is to bring global health attention to the Polynesian Islands, where I grew up, and to increase access to plastic and reconstructive surgery in these underserved areas. Ultimately, I want to ensure that the transformative power of reconstructive surgery reaches those who need it most.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity and the chance to work alongside the dedicated team at ReSurge International. This Fellowship is more than just a career milestone — it is a chance to deepen my commitment to global health and the pursuit of surgical excellence. I’m excited to learn, contribute, and grow in ways that will benefit the communities we serve and inspire others in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
