Portland Plastic Surgeons Focus on Innovations in Patient Education

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - Nov 13, 2012) - The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery, a center for plastic surgery in Portland, strives to empower patients through education because it is near and dear to the center's physicians and staff, and integral to a successful procedure. Recent technological acquisitions by the practice such as the Vectra M3 imaging device and the new TouchMD, which has just been implemented in August, are evidence of the center's investment in patient education. Dr. Kathleen Waldorf and Dr. Shannon O'Brien, each a Portland plastic surgeon at the center, are committed to facilitating patient-physician communication through visualization in the office and enabling patients to revisit important pictures, educational videos, anatomical images used in the consultation, and pre- and post-operative care instructions from the comfort of their homes.

Vectra M3 is an imaging system designed to allow patients to envision how a breast augmentation might rejuvenate their appearance. Using the device, the Portland surgeons can create a 3D, high-resolution projection of each patient's body in order to simulate a variety of outcomes based on different breast implant sizes. Dr. Waldorf says the device essentially allows the patient to see a "preview" of how her breast augmentation would look once completed. Dr. O'Brien adds that utilizing Vectra M3 has greatly enhanced the initial consultation process and has helped patients become more involved in the construction of a customized procedural plan to best fit their specific needs.

Similar to the Vectra M3 system, Touch MD also helps Drs. Waldorf and O'Brien enhance their patients' experiences through education. The product operates by use of a touch screen and provides detailed information about potential procedure outcomes for everything from breast augmentation and tummy tuck surgeries, to a number of other body contouring procedures. Dr. O'Brien says patients can use Touch MD to access and review their consultation notes, photos, procedural videos, and more from home on a private and personalized site. She adds that the access also gives patients the ability to share that information with family and friends.

Both surgeons agree the two new additions align with their center's goal of providing the highest level of patient care, and they believe both will have a positive effect on each patient's surgical experience. Dr. Waldorf also states that she feels the technologies have helped their practice make great strides in its mission to break down educational barriers and empower patients with information on how to achieve their cosmetic and reconstructive goals.

About Kathleen Waldorf, MD

Dr. Kathleen Waldorf is a board-certified member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. She is a graduate of Georgetown University's medical school where she also received her general surgery training. She completed her residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University.

About Shannon O'Brien, MD

Dr. Shannon O'Brien is a board-certified member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. She joined The Waldorf Center in 2008 after serving as the Chief Resident at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She earned her Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio where she was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

To contact The Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery, visit their website at waldorfcenter.com or call 503-646-0101. Their office is located at 9775 Southwest Wilshire Street, Portland, OR 97225.