Arizona Company, Dermacare Plastic Surgery Donates Supplies, Creates Masks for First Responders and Workers During COVID-19 Crisis
By Lisa Padilla -
Friday Apr 03, 2020
In an effort to lessen the burden personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages have placed on first responders and health care workers, Dermacare Plastic Surgery is focusing on creating vitally needed items such as masks. They intend to lessen the potential impact of COVID-19 on the community by helping to flatten the curve.
Licensed practical nurse and surgical assistant Julie Porter has taken charge of the task at hand. She has experience sewing and has shifted the hobby to lead the staff in creating fabric masks that are reusable after sterilization.
The most recent donation was to home health care company ABRiO Care. Dermacare provided 150 homemade masks and 900 disposable gloves to support personal protection while ABRiO Care continues providing services. Other donations have included masks and gloves to the Goodyear Police Department.
To comply with social distancing and limit any risks of spreading the virus, the staff have worked to reschedule patients and starting Monday they will shift their focus to sewing masks for future donations. Staff will continue receiving pay during this time, and any patient needs will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
About Dr. Reza Rod:
Dr. Reza Rod obtained his undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended medical school at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. He then completed his surgical residency at the Phoenix Integrated Surgical Residency Program where he trained for five years in general and vascular/trauma surgery. Having realized his passion for plastic surgery during the excellent training he received as a general surgeon here in Phoenix, Dr. Rod was honored to be selected for a plastic surgery fellowship at the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. It was there that Dr. Rod received superior training in cutting edge cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Dr. Rod is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery, both of which have long been recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Rod is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
About Julie Porter, Licensed Practical Nurse / Surgical Assistant:
Julie has been working with Dr. Rod for over six years. She acts as Dr. Rod’s second set of hands in surgical procedures and patient care performed in the office. She started her schooling in 2005 when she moved to Arizona with her husband and son. She had her second son in 2007 while in her nursing program. Her nursing career started in 2009 working in a vascular surgeon office but felt that she was needed elsewhere. She has worked in several surgical offices and feels more relatable to the patients in the plastic surgery field. Julie especially enjoys the plastic surgery where her past experiences with boy scout leadership and crafting skills help people with their pre-operative and post-operative care. She enjoys seeing the gratitude and satisfaction in patients as they undergo elective procedures, and finds it extremely rewarding to witness their new-found confidence.
