To all of our patients, friends and supporters, we hope you’re enjoying a wonderful holiday season! 2021 has been a busy year at FORM. We recently welcomed a new member to the team—Savera, our Medical Receptionist—with more plans to add to the team in the new year. We also completed the renovation and expansion of our clinic with some sleek touches and custom art. As aesthetic specialists, it’s only right that our space should be as beautiful as our results! As we reflect on the past year and what’s next in store for us, Dr. Somogyi and Dr. Jalil are here to share their thoughts.
Looking back at 2021, what’s something you’re proud of—personal or work related?
Dr. Jalil: 2021 has presented many unique and interesting challenges in Year #1 of FORM Face + Body. It’s crazy to think we only announced our rebranding a little over 13 months ago. I am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the clinic in such a short amount of time and given the extraordinary obstacles. I have to say we exceeded even my most grandiose expectations. I am super excited for what 2022 has in store for FORM, I think it will be absolutely spectacular.
Dr. Somogyi: Our team! We managed to get through a very difficult year with ups and downs, closures and restrictions; all the while maintaining our incredibly high level of patient care. This could not have been done without the truly incredible dedication of our whole team!
What’s a meaningful surgical result or patient moment that stands out for you?
Dr. Somogyi: There are so many great moments, I almost didn’t have a standout….Until last week when a patient’s husband told us that they had been to see several plastic surgeons over the years and had multiple procedures, and that nobody ever looked after them the way we did. This is our standard and we’re so proud to deliver!
Dr. Jalil: Throughout the year we always have special patients and results that truly stand out. Recently we had a patient who made the brave decision to elect prophylactic mastectomy due to having a rare gene that placed them at increased risk for getting breast cancer in the next few years. These journeys can be really scary and overwhelming for patients, but this sometimes only comes to light in subtle ways. In this specific patient, it was only at their last post-operative visit that they told me, “Everyone here has been extraordinary since the beginning, the team has been so attentive and helpful which was extremely important for me because I was at my most vulnerable state thinking I was about to lose an aspect of my femininity. Not only am I thrilled that my surgical result has me looking and feeling better than before surgery, but you guys also paired it with truly special care and attentiveness.”
It is really a special feeling to see a patient’s smile and hear the joy in their voice at the care they received. Just one case makes all the hard work worth it and can inspire you for decades.
What’s something you’re looking forward to in the new year, or something you’d like to accomplish?
Dr. Jalil: I am looking forward to finding new and interesting ways to give back, either locally in the community or more broadly in the global sense. At FORM we have been so lucky to be a part of some amazing societies involved in cancer care, but it’s also been a great interest of mine to try and find time to do volunteer or mission work as a surgeon in developing countries. Hopefully with easing travel restrictions I can find some time to do this.
Dr. Somogyi: I’m so excited about our new team members. We’ve brought on some serious talent and great personalities. I’m looking forward to working with this team to make FORM Face + Body better than ever!
Have you made any resolutions?
Dr. Somogyi: I think I make the same one every year?! I’m working toward better balance. My kids are growing up so quickly but I’m operating more than ever—I hope to make it to way more of their hockey games!
Dr. Jalil: I’ve started to call them failed attempts rather than resolutions…lol. But I think 2022 will hopefully start to resemble something close to normality and with that I am making my resolution clear and easily achievable: decrease screen time and get back to being more social with friends and family!
What’s your favourite holiday tradition?
Dr. Jalil: We don’t typically get a lot of days off, but when we do we like to revisit all the cozy little traditions we’ve had since we were young. I am a relatively simple guy and for me it’s all about food and TV! There is nothing better than indulging in your favourite treats mom made you while your favourite movie or sports game is on in the background. Extra points if you get to wear your ugliest and comfiest pyjamas.
Dr. Somogyi: Sitting in front of a fireplace, enjoying a warm drink (hot toddy!) and watching a movie. I don’t know how that became a holiday tradition, but it always feels like one of the best parts of this time of year!
Is there anything you’d like to express to your patients and supporters?
Dr. Somogyi: Stick with it! It’s been a crazy year and the craziness may not be over. Despite this, we have much to appreciate and even more to look forward to. Only together can we make 2022 the best year ever!
Dr. Jalil: Just remember that we have to roll with the punches and adapt to new challenges. There’s a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt I read in school that always kept me motivated: “If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavour!” So let’s get our Frank’s Red Hot sauce ready for 2022!
