Garnes Society would like to introduce our new intern, Israel Falade. Israel is a third-year medical student at University of California-San Francisco, where his curiosity and motivation have built an impressive range of experiences. He brings energy and joy to his first official role supporting Garnes Society at PSTM22.
Israel developed a curiosity about the brain in high school and completed a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. During that time, he joined various research laboratories focused on basic science and cognitive neurology. He later became an EMT so that he could assist in emergency situations and transitioned to a position as an ED scribe to learn more about medical practice within a hospital system. This cemented his desire to become a physician.
The first month of medical school redirected him from neurosurgery to plastic surgery after he attended a presentation by Dr. Scott Hansen, UCSF Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Israel was struck by “how he spoke with such joy and passion for the field.”
“I loved the attention to detail and how creative it was. It really blows my mind that not everyone wants to become a plastic surgeon!”
Dr. Hansen introduced Israel to one of his first core mentors, Dr. Alex Withers (now Dr. Alex Knox), who was instrumental in developing Israel’s confidence. “She was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable on how to prepare myself for a career in plastics.” Her gift of study materials and suture practice kits additionally helped Israel hone his technical and clinical skills.
Her support was “a huge motivation. That was really key.” With a nomination from Israel, Dr. Alex Knox was later awarded the 2021 Short-Term Mentor Award.
Israel has already become a mentor and leader in his own right.
Among other things, Israel was co-chair for UCSF’s Admission Advisory Council, helped found UCSF’s first ever plastic surgery interest group, and, with his vision and coordination, created a skin and soft tissue elective for first- and second-year medical students at a local clinic.
Israel actively mentors numerous URM undergraduate students and is always on the lookout for ways to increase visibility and interest in plastic surgery. He is also engaged in an impressive number of research projects ranging from sacral chordoma reconstruction to a systematic review of muscle flaps.
Garnes Society is proud to present Israel as this year’s intern. He brings enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and a natural generosity that balances the rigor of his professional drive. “There is so much out there that everyone should know. It should be in an accessible format so that we don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel each year.”
Israel wants to use his time with Garnes Society to help other URM medical students. “With how important research is, I want to ensure that students have the right foundation and motivation to engage in meaningful and impactful projects.”
Social media has always been an outlet for his creativity, and it is a friendly channel for students and residents who are pressed for time. He has plans to share information and increase interaction through videos and personal connections. Garnes Society is “such a cool society and I really wish more people knew about it.”
Helping students attend live events is part of Garnes Society’s mission. “I really loved how they have this incredible opportunity. You get to meet faculty and learn from the people you’re going to run into during the interview trail. It’s a key moment in establishing these connections.”
Wellness and mentorship go hand-in-hand for Israel, and his daily routine keeps true to that balance. “Once rotations started, and I really understood how much it took to get into plastic surgery, I buckled down. Everything I did had to be intentional,” “although difficult at times, I still try to prioritize wellness. I work out most days of the week and like to cook Nigerian food. It’s healthy, tastes good and you feel great after you eat it!”
On his plastic surgery journey, he is still undecided. Craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, hand surgery, and aesthetics call to him. “I still have some soul searching to do, but I think I’ll feel it when I start.”
Israel has far more experience and passion to share. We welcome him to the staff at Garnes Society, and we invite you to spend a few minutes with him at PSTM22. Ask which presentation was most exciting or share a favorite recipe. You’ll find Israel Falade’s easy smile and personal warmth a bright moment in your trip to PSTM22.
