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. Kelsi Krakauer, who is a plastic and reconstructive surgery resident at Stanford University.
We caught up with Kelsi to learn about her background, work with ReSurge, and goals for the future.
Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I grew up in many different parts of the United States, moving to 5 different states before the age of 12, but ultimately graduated from high school in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. I went on to study at the University of Denver, where I was afforded the ability to study from Cape Town, South Africa for seven months. During my time in South Africa, I volunteered with the underserved medical clinics, helping with administrative tasks. This experience hearing from patients about their experiences allowed me to see how important a role societal barriers play in access to healthcare. My experiences in South Africa sparked an interest in infectious disease research as an undergraduate. Before medical school, I also helped with nonprofit work serving the local underserved and marginalized communities affected by the opioid epidemic. I went on to medical school at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon, and am now a 4th-year resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Stanford University.
What made you want to go into reconstructive surgery?
We take many day-to-day tasks for granted until they are taken away from us: the ability to eat, walk the dog, and communicate with others. The power of restoring both form and function to help patients regain something they’ve lost is very special. I enjoy meeting with patients, listening to what makes them who they are, what their goals are, and devising an individualized reconstructive plan to help them achieve those goals so they can get back to doing the things that matter to them.
Why were you interested in ReSurge International and the ReSurge Laub Fellowship?
I have been passionate about improving access to healthcare both within my local community and globally since my undergraduate years. As a medical student, I collaborated with a coalition of students from low- and middle-income countries to establish an international research consortium that fostered collaboration, idea exchange, and mutual mentorship. I also contributed to several projects focused on strengthening the longevity and sustainability of global health partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a plastic and reconstructive surgery resident, I am excited to build upon this foundation by combining my clinical training with my longstanding interest in global surgery through ReSurge. While much of my previous experience has centered on research and clinical collaboration, I have not yet had the opportunity to work on the programmatic side of an international surgical organization. I am eager to learn how successful global surgical partnerships are developed, implemented, and sustained, and to gain a deeper understanding of the operational and organizational structures that make long-term capacity building possible.
What are you most interested in experiencing and working on during the Fellowship?
I am especially looking forward to visiting our partner sites and learning directly from local surgical teams. The exchange of ideas and collaboration between our international partners and volunteers has already been incredibly inspiring. I am excited to strengthen these relationships over the coming year.
My primary research focus will be developing one of the first international databases to evaluate patient-reported quality of life outcomes following reconstructive surgery. Building on this work, I hope to develop an economic model that quantifies the broader impact of reconstructive surgery by examining how restored function and mobility enable patients to support their families, return to work, and contribute to their communities.
Another major focus of my work will be expanding access to microsurgical breast reconstruction, particularly in Africa. Many of our partner institutions have expressed strong interest in developing these capabilities, creating an exciting opportunity to build sustainable training programs and increase access to advanced reconstructive care. I am eager to build on this momentum throughout the year and work alongside our partners.
What are you excited to learn or know more about?
I am excited to learn about the diverse settings in which reconstructive surgery is delivered around the world and to better understand the years of collaboration and innovation that have made these programs possible. Working with the Programs team will provide a unique opportunity to gain insight into the critical non-surgical components of global surgery. I look forward to developing a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that enables ReSurge to sustain meaningful partnerships and expand access to reconstructive care.
What’s an issue or topic in global health you are incredibly passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about ensuring that every person has access to reconstructive care, whether in my own community or in resource-limited settings around the world. Reconstructive surgery is about far more than restoring anatomy. It enables patients to work, speak, smile, care for their families, and participate fully in the activities that bring meaning to their lives. I believe that every individual, regardless of where they live or the cause of their condition, deserves access to high-quality reconstructive surgery.
What are your goals for the future?
My long-term goal is to continue developing a career that integrates reconstructive surgery with public health to expand access to high-quality surgical care for underserved populations. I hope to combine clinical expertise with sustainable, systems-based approaches that address the social and structural barriers preventing patients from receiving the care they need. After residency, I plan to pursue a career in pediatric reconstructive surgery while remaining actively involved in global surgery initiatives. I hope to use my skills not only to care for individual patients but also to advocate for children and other vulnerable populations whose needs often go unmet.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Working with an organization like ReSurge that transforms the lives of patients around the world has been a lifelong aspiration of mine. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from the dedicated surgeons, staff, and partners who make this work possible. I look forward to immersing myself in every aspect of the organization and contributing wherever I can.
