"It was a cold and grey January day in Vienna when I first stepped into Radetzky Villa—the former residence of one of Austria’s most prominent 19th-century military leaders. With its yellow façade, lush garden, and serene pond, the villa is an oasis and a stunning location for the clinic of Dr. Klepetko and her team, who warmly welcomed me at the start of my ISAPS fellowship.

Over the next three months, I had the privilege of experiencing a wide range of procedures in chest, facial, and body contouring surgery. The most common interventions included facelifts, upper and lower eyelid surgery, mastopexy, breast augmentation, liposuction, and lipofilling. Dr. Klepetko proved to be not only a highly skilled and precise surgeon but also a patient and dedicated mentor. With one to two surgeries per day, the schedule allowed me to absorb key learnings while thoroughly preparing for each procedure.

Beyond the operating room, Vienna itself was an incredible place to spend these months. Rich in history, art, and culture, the city offers everything from opera and theater to contemporary youth culture and a vibrant culinary scene. Walking through Vienna often felt like exploring an open-air museum, making every moment outside the clinic a pleasure.

In summary, this fellowship was a transformative experience. Dr. Klepetko became a mentor, teaching me not only surgical techniques but also the art of patient communication. I leave with an expanded perspective and invaluable knowledge that will shape my future as a plastic surgeon."