Meet Dr. Wakelin

Dr. John K. Wakelin III describes himself as an "all in one" plastic surgeon because of the wide variety of patients he is able to help. That variety makes each day special for this certified Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. "There isn't a day that goes by that I don't love what I'm doing," he beams.

He credits his extensive training and meticulous attention to detail for being able to apply his breadth of knowledge in the treatment of his patients. "I try to approach each patient as an individual in order to really understand that patient's expectations and goals," explains Dr. Wakelin. He believes strongly that carefully listening to each patient enables a surgeon to "formulate a comprehensive surgery and treatment plan tailored to each individual's needs."

Additionally, Dr. Wakelin is enthusiastic about his work with numerous charity organizations. His missions with Operation Smile, an internationally respected charity, have taken him to developing countries like Honduras and Peru, where he performed reconstructive surgery on children and adults with cleft lips and palates. While discussing these activities, Dr. Wakelin states, "I feel a strong sense of responsibility to use my talents and training to help others in my community as well as other regions of the world."

Although this Ohio native will occasionally relax by running, sailing, mountain biking or cooking, much of his time is spent learning about the newest surgical techniques through reading and attendance at conferences. "I have always been very dedicated to maintaining and updating my knowledge. My involvement in teaching residents and medical students further drives me to stay on the cutting edge." Dr. Wakelin is a member of the clinical faculty at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, and was selected as one of "America's Top Plastic Surgeons" in 2006 by the Consumers' Research Council of America.

Dr. Wakelin received his medical degree from the Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, in Columbus, Ohio. He trained in General Surgery Residency at Mount Carmel Medical Center, and then he completed a Plastic Surgery Residency at the Ohio State University Medical Center. Dr. Wakelin is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.