Erlanger Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Dedication to Details
As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Todd Thurston has impacted the lives of countless clients who have elected to receive his care. Putting patients first is key for Dr. Thurston, and he strives to ensure that he and his patients stay on the same page throughout every step of the treatment process. “Making sure that both surgeon and patient have the same expectation for care is paramount to a great outcome,” he says. Equipped with curiosity and problem-solving skills honed during the past eight years in his role, Dr. Thurston seeks to continually make care safer and more effective, with a “desire to continually advance the practice of medicine.”
Dr. Thurston has consistently provided exceptional care since our son’s initial appointment. His dedication to delivering high-quality treatment not only reflects his passion for his work but also instills confidence in us as parents. We are truly grateful to have him as a vital part of our son’s provider team.”
– Kelly M.
My Credentials
EMG Leadership Committee, 2024-2025
The Coddington Award, UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga, 2018
Best Teacher Award, Department of Plastic Surgery, UTHSC College of Medicine-Chattanooga, 2017
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
Craniofacial Surgery
Orthognathic Surgery
1. What influenced you to pursue your career?
When I was a teenager, one of my family members was in a severe car accident. The trauma surgeons saved their life, but the plastic surgeons gave them their quality of life back. This event reshaped my future into pursuing not only medicine but specifically plastic surgery.
2. What is your philosophy when it comes to the care of your clients?
A combination of ensuring that the patient and I have the
same expectation of care, truly informed decision-making, and
custom care for each patient. In short, I have no VIP patients as
they are all VIP.
3. What’s the key to making a great first impression?
Be present. To this end, I do not take my cell phone into a patient room. When I am with a patient, they are my focus. Staying positive and being yourself go a long way, but I think that being there in the moment with that patient is paramount.
4. What’s the most rewarding part of your profession?
I get the opportunity to watch some of my patients grow up from infancy to adulthood, and to watch the impact of their care in their transition to adulthood is one of the most rewarding parts of my practice.
5. What is your best advice for clients?
Be honest and ask questions. When a patient and a physician are on the same page in relation to goals and expectations, both benefit and the patient ends up with the best outcome possible.
