Detlev Erdmann, MD, is Chief, Section Plastic Surgery, at the Durham VA Medical Center and Director of the resident aesthetic clinic.

Dr. Erdmann is currently focusing on research concerning the engineering of new bone tissue. His work will ultimately lead to the improvement of current operative techniques and postoperative treatments.

He presently serves as the Director of Clinical Research at Duke and specializes in all aspects of aesthetic surgery; including liposuction, post-bariatric surgery, general reconstructive surgery, and microsurgery.

Over the years he has published more than 50 articles in nationally as well as internationally recognized journals. He has participated in several Interplast missions to third world countries where he provided plastic surgery to children and adults with severe congenital or acquired deformities of the face, trunk, and extremities. Through these missions and all of his work, Dr. Erdmann has found the perfect medium: a way to make other people happy and be happy with himself.

Recently, he sat down for a brief Q&A session.

Where did you go to med school? Undergraduate school?
University of Berlin and Munich, Germany

How long have you been a Duke physician?
Since 2000 with a 1.5 year break to complete PhD thesis at the University of Heidelberg, Germany

Where did you work prior to coming to Duke?
Attending Surgeon and Plastic Surgeon, University of Heidelberg Germany

Have you received any awards or honors? Do you sit on any boards or journals?
Reviewer for Plast Reconstr Surg since 2001

Invited Visiting Professor:
The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto (Canada), Topic: “Noma – Reconstructive Opportunities” June 2001

Two-time participant in the Biomedical Sciences Exchange Program (DAAD sponsored) between Germany and the USA

Third place residents competition: Erdmann D., Zamboni W.A., Hussmann J., Bergman B.A., Cooper M.D., Smoot E.C., Russell R.C.: Hyperbaric Oxygen treatment improves the outcome of Streptococcal myositis in mice. Annual Scientific Meeting Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, June 1995, Palm Beach, Florida

Best poster award: Sundin B.M., Erdmann D., Moquin K.J., Young H., Georgiade G.S.: Vascular delay in unipedicled TRAM flap reconstruction of the breast: a review of 76 consecutive cases. 70th Annual Scientific Meeting American Society of Plastic Surgeons, November 2001, Orlando, Florida

Best paper award European Federation Societies Hand Therapy, Colditz J.C., Erdmann D., Levin L.S.: Lumbrical tightness: testing and stretching.
Congress EFSHT, May 2002, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Best paper award American Society Hand Therapists, Colditz J.C., Erdmann D., Levin L.S.: Clinical implications of differential testing and stretching of the interosseous versus the lumbrical muscles of the hand.
Annual meeting ASHT, September 2002, Ottawa, Canada

Best video award American Society Surgery Hand, Heitmann C., Erdmann D., Germann G., Levin L.S.: Intrinsic flaps of the hand: anatomical study, clinical applications.
ASSH Annual meeting, October 2002, Phoenix, Arizona

Best scientific paper award World Society Reconstructive Microsurgery, Heitmann C., Khan R., Erdmann D., Levin L.S., Klitzman B.: Sutureless anastomosis of a vein graft using magnets.
Kongress World Society Reconstructive Microsurgery, June 2003, Heidelberg

What led you into the practice of aesthetic surgery?
Basic and fundamental techniques of Plastic Surgery are applied in Aesthetic Surgery.

What are your areas of specialty and how have things changed since you entered the field?
All aspects of aesthetic surgery including liposuction and post-bariatric surgery (gastric bypass procedures); and general reconstructive surgery including microsurgery.

Are you involved with any clinical trials or research studies?
‘Engineering’ of new bone tissue (animal studies); outcome after repair of decubitus ulcers (pressure sores); bone grafts for spinal fusion, and others.

What is the focus of your current research?
Clinical outcome studies; ‘engineering' of bone tissue

How will your research contribute to the field of medicine?
Improvement of current operative techniques and postoperative treatment; replacement of lost bone due to operative resection (e.g. after tumor removal) or trauma.

What are some things you’ve discovered during the course of your research?
Expression of growth factors in tissue

What do you love about your work?
The two most important things for me in life are (1) make other human beings happy and (2) be happy with yourself. My profession certainly helps me to achieve both every day.

Do you have any special stories to tell about your experience as a physician?
I participated in several Interplast missions to third world countries providing plastic surgery to children and adults with severe congenital or acquired deformities of the face, trunk, and extremities. I enjoy the happiness and gratefulness of the patients and I feel very lucky to live where I live and to be in an environment like Duke.

What do you think sets Duke Aesthetic Center apart from other aesthetic practices in the area?
One of the rare Academic Aesthetic Centers in the country, higher safety, profound training of surgeons.

Do you have any personal hobbies or interests that you would like to share?
I like sports like working-out, soccer, swimming, tennis; I like to spend time with my family and children; history and arts.