Joseph R. Kolb, MD
Plastic Surgery of Eastern Indiana
1050 Reid Parkway | Richmond, IN 47374 | P: (765)962-4872 | F: (765)939-9314
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Meet Dr. Kolb: Sword to Scalpel
Joseph R. Kolb, M.D., on May 7, 2007 opened Plastic Surgery of Eastern Indiana with a pledge to take care of his patients.
"My philosophy is simple," said Dr. Kolb. "I present the facts, dispel the rumor and attempt to support the patient's wishes."
While simple, Kolb's philosophy springs from rich experience and the maturing mental focus, analytical ability, habitual energy and aptitude for the appropriate decision that carried him through his cadet years at West Point, multiple infantry deployments with the 101st Airborne Division, medical school and a military medical career culminating in his term as chief of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the Army's Walter Reid Medical Center. He retired as the multiply decorated Col. Kolb.
"The media tend to portray plastic surgeons primarily as cosmetic surgeons and present many false impressions about what we can and cannot do," noted Dr. Kolb. "However, our expertise encompasses breast, facial and other medically required reconstruction. In many cases, restoring or improving appearance can be the most important step in a healing process."
One of the leading personalities in one of the world's oldest surgical traditions, Dr. Kolb has spent his professional life sensitive to the unique blend of physical and emotional health confluent in his ministry, and he cited Reid Hospital's resolve to wholeness in mind, body and spirit as crucial to his decision to base his practice in Richmond, Indiana.
On behalf of his patients, said the multiply certified Dr. Kolb, he prefers time-honored techniques.
"Those ‘newest techniques' tend to come and go. It's only with the advantage of several years' hindsight that we can properly evaluate a procedure," Dr. Kolb said.
"If I think something doesn't work or is inappropriate, I tell folks," he said. "I will not be an Armani-suited slickster. I do not need to focus on performing high-volume, fad procedures to improve the bottom line."
Married with four children, Dr. Kolb has made an avocation of physical fitness. His wife and daughter are competitive equestriennes.
-- from Sketches, Eastern Indiana Roadside Writers
Practice notes
Dr. Kolb's practice provides "spa services" such as Botox, chemical peels and removal of unwanted hair. While these almost routine services often can be obtained through store front operations, they remain serious medical undertakings, Dr. Kolb cautions. Complications can result, though rarely on the turf of a properly trained staff like that of Plastic Surgery of Eastern Indiana.
His affiliation with Reid Hospital & Health Care Services backs his patients and office with the full resource of a top-rated, modern hospital, Dr. Kolb observed.
This website discusses modern plastic surgery, whether elective to enhance appearance or reconstructive to repair damage or a problem present from birth. For a complete list, see Procedures.
To schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Kolb on personal goals and options, call (765) 962-4872.
Experience
Chief, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C. (2007)
Consultant to the United States Surgeon General, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2007)
Senior Surgeon, 249th General Hospital, Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan (2005-2006)
Performance Improvement Coordinator, Department of Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center (2001-2003)
Plastic surgeon, Walter Reed Army Medical Center (2000-2007)
General surgeon, Fort Lee, VA (1995-1997)
Infantry officer, 101st Airborne Division (1982-1986)
Certifications, Honors, Achievements
Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
President, Society of Military Plastic Surgeons (2000)
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
Honors Ratings in Surgery, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology and Pediatrics Clinical Clerkships
Outstanding Student, Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University (1990)
Awards and Decorations
Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (2006)
Meritorious Service Medal (2002, 2003)
Army Achievement Medal (2002)
Army Commendation Medal (2001)
Multiple physical fitness awards (1982–2007)
Multiple Letters of Commendation (1982–2007)
Specialized Career Education
Command and General Staff College (2004)
Course: Medical Effects of Ionizing Radiation (2001)
Course: Medical Management of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Casualties (2000)
Designed for Joseph R. Kolb, M.D. by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons