As a cosmetic surgeon with Washingtonian Plastic Surgery, Singh also spends time performing corrective surgery on veterans who have served in the Middle East through Operation Iraq Star. He has worked with the program for two-and-a-half years. Tell me about the program – what does it do?
It’s something designed for the wounded warriors, soldiers and other service personnel that have been injured in Iraq. They’ve had all their life-saving and important medical work diligently performed at Walter Reed, but the ones that need some cosmetic touchups, like scar revisions or hair grafts … this organization provides funding for plastic surgeons to be able to perform these procedures for the warriors.
Why get involved?
I came from a military family. My grandfather and father served. I’m the first generation not to serve in the military. I think there’s other ways to serve your nation and fellow citizens, and this is one small way that I could continue to do that.
Is there any particular veteran that stood out to you?
There’s one guy named Ryan Cules. He lost an arm and a leg, and his story’s amazing because his wife told him that as soon as he’s able to get out of his wheelchair she expects him [to be] changing diapers and pushing a stroller, and that’s what he’s doing. I helped in a small role by removing some scars on his face. Interestingly the most prominent scar he had on his face he didn’t want fixed. That was his badge of honor, how he remembered his battalion mates and other people involved in the conflict.
Why are these cosmetic procedures important for veterans?
They obviously are proud of their service. But the unwanted attention – either kids will stare or somebody will make a comment that can be destructive to their self-esteem – it’s just a way of rehabilitating a person, body and soul, and integrating them back into society. – Ben Giles
