Dr. Haque of Queen City Plastic Surgery was selected one of Charlotte Magazine’s Top Doctors 2018 in the field of plastic surgery. Why is this a big deal, you ask? Because unlike other “popularity contest” awards, Top Doc awardees are actually voted on by their peers—the magazine asks Charlotte doctors to select physicians who exemplify excellence in their field (you can read more about it here).
The area’s Top Doc winners attended an event last week at the Mint Museum Randolph to celebrate their achievement. Dr. Haque, his wife Saira, and staff member Kristen Michaud, founder of the Inked Phoenix Project, a non-profit organization benefitting breast cancer survivors, attended the event.
We caught up with Dr. Haque and his wife Saira, and he was gracious enough to answer a few questions for us. Here’s what he had to say:
Why did you choose to specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery?
“Plastic and reconstructive surgery involves working from head to toe. On a given day, I use my training to inform my work for everything from breast cancer or skin cancer reconstruction to mommy makeovers and eye lifts.
Many patients are seeking non-surgical alternatives such as injectables and microneedling so it is great to have a variety of options to help patients depending on their needs and goals.
Plastic surgery requires attention to fine details, aesthetic and artistic sensibilities, and planning that appeals to me. There are always emerging techniques and technologies to advance the field and keep it new and exciting and I enjoy keeping abreast of these advancements and incorporating them into practice.”
Who influenced you most in your career?
“I have been fortunate to have many mentors and role models throughout my career. My parents instilled the value of hard work and importance of putting forth your best effort from a very young age.
Dr. Paul Cunningham was my surgery chair at Upstate Medical Center and he taught me by example. He embodied technical ability, caring and a sense of responsibility of the role of the surgeon during this phase of my training.
Dr. Anthony Deboni introduced me to the finer points of being a plastic and reconstructive surgeon and encouraged me to pursue this path. When I did my hand and microsurgery surgery fellowship, I was fortunate to train with one of the pioneers in this field, Dr. Harold Kleinert. He was an excellent surgeon with unparalleled levels of precision. He advanced hand and microsurgery to new levels.
In my plastic surgery fellowship, Drs. Paletta and Kramer demonstrated the value of fine nuances in plastic and reconstructive surgery in all aspects. After training, I had the honor of working with Dr. Cunningham again in a different capacity when he was the Dean of Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and I joined the faculty of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.”
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
“Building long term relationships with my patients and their families. I have many patients who come to me for one thing, such as injectables or for breast cancer reconstruction and then I see them for other procedures as well, and then I see their families too, which is gratifying. We get to know our patients well and enjoy long-term relationships with them.”
Why is winning the Charlotte Top Doc award so special?
“The Charlotte Magazine Top Doctor Award is unique because it is based on surveying other physicians. One of the biggest compliments a physician can give to another is to entrust you with the care of their family, friends and patients. I have enjoyed a collegial, collaborative relationship with other physicians in Charlotte since founding Queen City Plastic Surgery and look forward to continuing that going forward.”
What’s your favorite thing about living and practicing in Charlotte?
“We moved to Charlotte from Eastern North Carolina and enjoy living here. Charlotte provides the perfect balance of the amenities of a larger city but a smaller town feel. Practicing independently allows me the opportunity to devote time and attention to each of my patients so I can customize their plan so we can achieve their goals.”
How do you like to spend your time off?
“Whenever I have free time, I enjoy spending it with my family. My wife and I have two elementary-school aged kids and they keep us busy. They enjoy going to different parks, riding bikes and visiting Charlotte’s many ice cream shops.”
Congratulations, Dr. Haque!
Looking for your own “Top Doctor” for your cosmetic and plastic surgery needs? Dr. Haque provides truly excellent care—even his peers think so! Why not schedule a free consultation today?