Doctor Profile: Dr. James F. Paul, D.D.S., M.S., M.D. FACS
« View the directory listing for James F. Paul, D.D.S., M.S., M.D.
The Mississippi Valley Health Network of practices brings together a comprehensive group of physicians who share common values of patient-focused care in partnership with the Mississippi Valley Surgery Center. In each issue, we’ll spotlight one of our network physicians who lives our mission to ensure patients have access to the best, most affordable and technologically advanced care in an outpatient setting – where we treat patients so they can fully recover and get back to their homes, families, and lives.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Monmouth, Illinois, a great place to grow up, an hour south of the Quad Cities.
Tell us about your family:
I have been married to my wife, Amy, for 16 years. We have 3 children, Kari age 15, Brian age 13, Emily age 9. We live in Bettendorf, Iowa.
What inspired you to study dentistry first?
I grew up working part time in my father’s dental practice in Monmouth. In his lab, it was interesting to make things by casting crowns, fabricating dentures, or learning about color. I also learned about dental surgery and the importance of taking care of friends and neighbors. In college, my undergraduate advisor was on the dental school faculty. She alerted me to the opportunity of early acceptance into dental school at Iowa. Later, I continued my medical training.
How did your early interest in dentistry evolve into other plastic and reconstructive surgeries?
Shortly after starting dental school, I spent time in the operating room with the oral and maxillofacial surgery residents at Iowa. I became fascinated with complex facial surgery and reconstruction. Historically, plastic surgery evolved from treatment of maxillofacial injuries during World War I by surgeons who were “dental surgeons.” Later I became interested in plastic surgery of the whole body, and continued my training so I could also perform general plastic surgery.
What are some of the latest advancements in plastic surgery?
Interesting applications in my practice include the use of resorbable plates and screws used for children’s skull reconstruction. New types of prostheses are always being developed for breast reconstruction in cancer patients. I have an interest in limited access surgical incisions using endoscopic instruments so that certain head, neck or brow-lift surgeries are easier for the patient with less surgical trauma.
What should a patient consider before choosing plastic surgery?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Verify your surgeon is board certified. Also visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Web site.
We often think plastic surgery is only for cosmetic purposes. What other life-changing procedures transform your patient’s lives?
I’m routinely asked to treat trauma patients, which is a rewarding part of my practice. I also have a special interest in treating infants and children with birth defects such as cleft lip and palate. I always develop a special relationship with these patients and their families. I think all plastic surgeons that treat women with breast cancer are inspired by their strength. Breast cancer reconstruction is a significant portion of my practice.
Tell us about one patient or case that stands out in your memory.
There are many children born with cleft lip and palate in western Illinois and eastern Iowa who started their treatment in our practice shortly after birth, and have required multiple surgeries through the years. Society can judge people rather critically based on their appearance, and it is a real joy to provide reconstructive surgery that levels the playing field for these kids so they can reach their potential.
Talk about your involvement in Operation Smile mission trips overseas.
It is special to be part of a team of plastic surgeons, speech pathologists, nurses, dentists, anesthesiologists and others who share the same goal. Mission trips speak to the core values of why most of us chose to pursue health care. There is nothing better than repairing an infant’s facial cleft and getting a big hug from the child’s mother. The look on a concerned mother’s face when she sees her baby whole for the first time is priceless.
