Dr. Kimball M. Crofts
PHILOSOPHY OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Plastic surgery is the refined interplay of art and science. It combines the best surgical science with an innate aesthetic sense of the body’s form and function to produce a stunning result. Cosmetic plastic surgery, in a very real sense, is the surgical art of restoration and enhancement. Each individual seeking plastic surgery has either lost what once was or never had the ideal desired body image. Restorative cosmetic surgery attempts to recover body image loss secondary to age, gravity, sun, trauma, wear and tear, babies, nursing, weight loss, stress, etc. Enhancement surgery takes what has never been (small chest, disproportionate body weight distribution, etc.) and conforms it to a normal and more desirable result.
The key to great plastic surgery is first gaining an understanding of what an individual is truly concerned about. Once this is clear, then it becomes a process of clarifying the physical cause of the concern, the diagnosis, so that the appropriate solution can be applied. Beyond this, is the surgeon’s skill, experience, and perception. Finally, perhaps most importantly, is safety. It is absolutely necessary to take every step possible to ensure a safe outcome. Safe and artfully skilled surgery yields optimal sculpted bodies and happy patients.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND
Although I lived outside the state of Utah during my seven years of surgical training, I decided to return for several reasons; family, outdoor beauty, recreational opportunity and autonomy in my practice. Denver was high on my list but the practice opportunity that presented itself in Utah was better. It provided the necessary freedom for me to follow my dreams of engaging in international humanitarian healthcare - surgery in the third world where it is so desperately needed. My unique practice setup allows me the flexibility to do as my heart wishes.
One of those wishes that I have been able to achieve is having my extended family close by. Our rapport has thus far been strengthened and developed over time. One of the highlights occurred several years ago when I was able to take my sister and her 11-year-old daughter (at the time) to Africa. We helped carry out a humanitarian surgical mission to treat Buruli ulcer in the country of Ghana. It was great to spend such quality time with my sister and her bright little daughter. Experiences like these are important to me and allow me to remain close to my family while serving the community.
Utah is an incredibly beautiful state and diverse state with amazing recreational opportunities all right in my back yard. For instance, Lake Powell, one of my favorite places in the world, provides a backset of sweeping vistas in which to wake-board, water-ski and ponder. Moab, another unique playground, is where I love to mountain bike and go four-wheeling on the rugged back country roads. Many other unique sites in Utah captivate the soul: Zion's alluring vistas and magnificent hiking, White Canyon's Black Hole and Antelope Canyon's amazingly picturesque slot hikes. The breathtaking Wasatch Mountain Range is home to 7+ ski resorts. My favorite resorts are Snowbird and Alta where I ski to my hearts content. These are just a few of the reasons I love where I live. Utah is an endless natural playground that continuously renews my spirit. It brings me greater peace and understanding of who I am and what really is important in life.
Although Utah has been a great joy for me, I reflect back on my years in medical school and remember what a great experience and a difficult challenge it was. I was originally accepted to a school in New York, but in the end stayed in Utah. This was a fortunate choice, since my mother passed away shortly after I left Utah to start residency. Staying in Utah for my medical training permitted me to have four more years of my mom's wonderful friendship before she passed on. I am grateful for those years as I went on to complete my training in general surgery residency in Denver, Colorado. Subsequently, I completed my plastic surgery education first in Kansas City and then in Springfield, Illinois.
Originally, I entered medical school thinking I wanted to be an orthopaedic surgeon, but I quickly fell in love with plastic surgery. Plastics is a discipline or branch of surgery that is really quite unique to medicine. Its quintessential character is the symphony of meticulous surgical technique and artful expression that collaborate to create excellence in aesthetic surgery. I am strongly drawn to the complexity and vast variety of plastic surgery cases. The challenge of taking normal and enhancing it to a supernormal state, or to take severely injured or disfigured individual and restoring that person to near-normal state was conceivably invigorating. I had to be a part of that. I wanted to become skilled enough to be one of the great aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons in our world.
It is an honor to be a part of such great profession, to associate with such talented and caring physicians who continuously seek excellence in all they do. It is my hope and desire to fulfill the expectations of my patients through the skillful and thoughtful application of artistically delivering surgical science to achieve the best aesthetic outcome possible. It is about people, their lives and their happiness. That is what drives me to excel in this profession. It puts a smile on my heart.
IN THE NEWS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
EDUCATION
University of Utah Medical School, SLC, Utah – 1985 to 1989, M.D.
University of Utah, SLC, Utah – 1976 to 1985, B.A. (English Major, Italian Minor)
Olympus High School, SLC, Utah – 1973 to 1976
POSTDOCTORAL TRAINING
Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship – 1995 to 1996
Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
Springfield, Illinois
Plastic Surgery Residency – 1993 to 1995
Kansas University Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas
General Surgery Residency – 1989 to 1993
Saint Joseph Hospital
Denver, Colorado
BOARD CERTIFICATION
American Board of Plastic Surgery – 1998
Diplomat of the National Board of Medical Examiners – 1990
CERTIFICATION
ACLS-September 2005
Contour Threads Course Certification-July 2005
Transilluminated Powered Phlebectemy Course – May 2000
Advanced Wilderness Life Support Course – September 1999
Ultrasonic Liposuction Certification – August 1997
Carolina Hyperbarics Course Certification – February 1995
University of Utah Microsurgery Course – March 1994
Kansas University Microsurgery Course – August 1993
HONORS AND SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Cum Laude (University of Utah)
Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society (University of Utah)
Gamma Kappa Alpha Italian Honor Society (University of Utah)
Alpha Epsilon Delta Honor Society (University of Utah)
Golden Key National Honor Society (University of Utah)
Kansas University Residents Association Committee Member (Kansas University)
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
American Association of Hand Surgery – 2000
Fellow American College of Surgeons – 2000
American Medical Association – 2000
American Society of Plastic Surgeons – 1998
Utah State Plastic Surgery Society – 1998
Rocky Mountain Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons – 1998
Utah Medical Association – 1997
ACTIVITIES
HART, Chairman of the Board – 2004 - present
HART, Medical Director of Board – 1997 to Present
Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, University of Utah – 1976 to 1980
BOOK CHAPTERS
Crofts M. Kimball , Williams Todd. “Microsurgery-Free Joint Transfers”. Plastic Surgery: Indications, Operations and Outcomes. Bruce M. Achauer, Elof Eriksson, Bahman Guyuron, John J. Coleman III, Robert C. Russell, Craig A. Vander Kolk.
Vol 4: Chapter 124: 2173-2180. 2000.
RESEARCH ACTIVITY AND PUBLICATIONS & AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA
Crofts KM: “Healthy Living-Sagging Arm Skin Surgery”
KUTV News, 2007.
Crofts KM, P. Chaffin, P. Hullett, L. Wallin: “Buruli Ulcer Disease – A Review
Pending Publication
June 2004 – Present
Crofts KM: “Liposuction – What’s new?”
Daily Herald News, 1997.
Crofts, Russell: Microsurgery – Free Toe Joint Transfer Instructional Video
Crofts KM, Murr P, Wong D: “Anterior Paramedian Retroperitoneal Approach to the Spine.” Orthopedics, August 1994.
POSTERS
North American Society: “Anterior Paramedian Extraperitoneal
Approach to Spine,”
Crofts, Murr, Wong. August 1990
PRESENTATIONS
Career Step Kimball M. Crofts,
“Volunteer Surgery in Africa and The Buruli Ulcer:
A Clinic in Denkyira, Asikuma”
Springville, UT, November, 2006
EMSA Conference: Kimball M. Crofts,
“ Fundamental Techniques of Suturing”
Salt Lake, UT, November, 2006.
LDS- Physician Missionary Program Kimball M. Crofts,
“Volunteer Surgery in Africa and The Buruli Ulcer”
Salt Lake, UT, October, 2006.
Saint Joseph Hospital Kimball M. Crofts,
“Buruli Ulcer & International Volunteer Surgery in
Africa”
Denver, Colorado
September 16th, 2005
Women’s Town Club of Utah Kimball M. Crofts,
“Buruli Ulcer, Chicken & Rice”
“Town Club of Salt Lake Quarterly Dinner
Salt Lake City, UT
January 27th, 2005
Chinese Plastic Surgery Symposium Kimball M. Crofts,
“Breast Augmentation: My Approach”
Beijing University, Schenzen Hospital
June 7th & 8th, 2004
“Breast Reconstruction – A Review”
Beijing University, Schenzen Hospital
June 7th & 8th, 2004
Sino-America Seminar of Plastic & Aesthetic Kimball M. Crofts,
Surgery “Breast Augmentation: Correct Concepts
Guanzhou, China
June 10, 2004
“Reconstructive Brest Surgery: My Approach”
Guanzhoa, China
June 10, 2004
27th Annual Castle Country Spring Symposium Kimball M. Crofts,
“Surgical Management of the Rheumatoid Hand”,
Price, UT, June
2003 6th World Health Organization AD HOC
Advisiory Group Meeting on Buruli Ulcer: Kimball M. Crofts,
Buruli Ulcer Education & Surgery – A Core Curriculum
Geneva, Switzerland, March, 2003
International Health Care Graduate Course Kimball M. Crofts,
University of Utah, (DeVon Hale, M.D.) “International Voluntary Healthcare & Buruli Ulcer
Disease”
Salt Lake City, UT, October, 2002
President Kufour’s Reception Dinner Kimball M. Crofts,
Marriott Hotel “Buruli Ulcer Disease in Ghana & Hart’s Mission”
Salt Lake City, UT, October, 2002
EMSA Conference: Kimball M. Crofts,
“ Principles of Acute Wound Trauma Management”
“ Fundamental Techniques of Suturing”
Salt Lake, UT, November, 2002.
International Health Care Graduate Course Kimball M. Crofts,
University of Utah, (DeVon Hale, M.D.) “Treatment of Buruli Ulcer Disease”
“Health Care Delivery in 3rd World Countries”
Salt Lake City, UT, September, 2001
4th World Health Organization AD HOC
Advisory Group Meeting on Buruli Ulcer: Kimball M. Crofts
“HART- Surgical Management of
Buruli Ulcer Disease”
Geneva, Switzerland, March 6,2001
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Kimball M. Crofts,
“Dunkwa & Our Approach to Surgical Treatment of
Buruli Ulcer Disease”
Accra, Ghana, January 1-10, 2001.
CastleView Hospital 19th Annual Clinic: Kimball M. Crofts,
“ Trauma- Face, Hand & Soft Tissue”,
“ Management of Epitheliomas & Sarcomas; Excision & Reconstruction.”
“ Humanitarian Services in 3rd World Countries.”
Price, UT, November 17, 2000
EMSA Conference: Kimball M. Crofts,
“ Principles of Acute Wound Trauma Management”
“ Fundamental Techniques of Suturing”
Salt Lake, UT, November 2,3 &4, 2000.
Utah State Surgery Society: Kimball M. Crofts,
“ Africa: 3rd World Volunteer Surgery”
Salt Lake City, UT, March 11, 2000.
Rocky Mountain Plastic Surgery Society: Kimball M. Crofts,
“Africa: 3rd World Volunteer Surgery”
Kauai, Hawaii, February 18, 2000.
American Health Network Video: Kimball M. Crofts,
“Breast Augmentation”
USA, June 19, 1999.
Utah Valley RN Association: Kimball M. Crofts,
“Plastic Surgery- It Ain’t Magic”
Provo, UT, March 17, 1998.
Central Utah Medical Society: Kimball M. Crofts,
“Plastic Surgery”
Richfield, UT, February 12, 1998.
Mammographers of Utah: Kimball M. Crofts,
“Update on Breast Implant Surgery”
January 1997
Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons: Kimball M. Crofts, Hill, Hiebert,
“Tuberous Sclerosis- A Case Presentation,”
June 1995.
Plastic Surgery Senior Resident’s Conference: Kimball M. Crofts, Hiebert,
“An Approach to Mobius Syndrome – Surgery and Biofeedback,”
Ann Arbor, Michigan, April 1995.
Midwestern Association of Plastic Surgeons: Kimball M. Crofts, Serales, Heibert,
“An Approach to Reconstruction of the
Diabetic Plantar Ulcer.”
Peoria, Illinois, May 1994.
Western Orthopedic Association: Kimball M. Crofts, Murr, Wong
“Anterior Paramedian Retroperitoneal
Approach to the Spine,”
Monterey, CA, October 1992.
AVOCATIONS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Ceramic pottery
Italian cuisine
Scuba
Animals/Pets (Great Danes)
Softball and basketball leagues
Snow skiing and water skiing/ wake boarding
Travel
Camping and hiking
Mountain biking
Inline skating
COMMUNITY INTERESTS AND SERVICES
1) Asikuma, Denkyira. HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Humanitarian mission to Ghana, West Africa Grand Opening of Medical Clinic.
Kenya- To prepare for future medical mission
November 2007
2) Asikuma, Denkyira. HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Humanitarian mission to Ghana, West Africa to Break Ground for Construction of Medical Clinic.
May 2007
3) Shenzen, China: “GHOST MD” (Global Humanitarian Outreach Surgical Team)
Surgical Mission to Treat Orphans for Congenital Deformities (Cleft Lip & Palate, Microtia, Hand)
Bejing University, Schenzhen Hospital
June 2005
4) Goaso, Ghana (West Africa): HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Mission to Treat Buruli Ulcer Disease
November 2004
5) Shenzhen, China: “GHOST MD” (Global Humanitarian Outreach Surgical Team)
Surgical Mission to Treat Orphans for Congenital Deformities (Cleft Lip & Palate, Microtia, Hand)
Beijing University, Schenzhen Hospital
June 2004
6) Goaso, Ghana (West Africa): HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Mission to Treat Buruli Ulcer Disease
November 2003
7) Goaso, Ghana (West Africa): HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Mission to Treat Buruli Ulcer Disease
December 2002 – January 2003
8) Amasaman, Ghana (West Africa): HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Mission to Treat Buruli Ulcer Disease.
June 2001.
9) Accra, Ghana (West Africa): HART (Humanitarian Aid Relief Team)
Administrative Project to Set Up Humanitarian Service in Ghana.
Establish NGO Status in Ghana.
January 2001.
10) Chigombero, Kenya (East Africa): Choice Humanitarian
Family Practice Clinic and Minor Surgery.
July 2000- August 2000.
11) Dunkwa, Ghana (West Africa):&nb