Mentorship and Meaning in Medicine
Dr. Losee appears on The DIEP End podcast, sharing his unconventional path from EMT and paramedic to medicine. A pivotal moment with mentor Dr. Joseph Serletti sparked his passion for plastic surgery, showing how chance encounters and strong mentorship can permanently shape a career.
As program director at Pittsburgh, Dr. Losee championed competency-based training, emphasizing that ability should be measured by skill rather than time alone. He stresses that true mentorship cannot be forced—it grows through genuine connection and shared commitment—and that meaningful leadership requires showing up for trainees in both their professional and personal lives.
Looking at the bigger picture, he argues that leadership is learned, not innate, and urges aspiring leaders to seek formal training, such as an MBA, earlier rather than later. His broader philosophy blends saying yes to opportunities, embracing relationships, and planning deliberately, while recognizing that leadership carries real costs but offers deep personal and professional fulfillment.
The DIEP End Podcast: A Conversation with Dr. Joseph Losee
