Services
Dr. Steffen specializes in plastic, reconstructive, and hand surgery. Reconstructive surgery is performed to treat structures of the body affected aesthetically or functionally by congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors or disease. It is generally done to improve function and ability, but may also be performed to achieve a more typical appearance of the affected structure.
About Caleb Steffen, MD
Director of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Steffen, wife and their children reside in the Jefferson City area.
Medicine has always been a calling for Dr. Steffen. He says, “I have wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. I’ve always liked science, but the human element was the real draw. I believe God has created every person uniquely valuable. I try to affirm that belief through treating my patients with kindness and compassion. To sum it up, I chose medicine because I want to help care for people, ease suffering, and improve lives.”
He chose plastic and reconstructive surgery because he has “always been so inspired by the way plastic surgeons help and restore patients in so many different ways. There is no specific body part or organ system which defines plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is all about the optimization of form and function. Whether patients have congenital differences, breast cancer, carpal tunnel syndrome, or traumatic wounds, plastic surgeons have been trained to help restore them from head to toe. From skin grafts to microsurgery, we have been pioneers in surgical advancement. With my affinity for the artistic and attention detail, I knew that Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery would be a great fit for me as well. It really has been! I have had the pleasure of providing reconstructive and aesthetic surgery for people from head to toe. In my training, I have specialized in breast reconstruction, microsurgery, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face and body, and surgery of the hand and upper extremity. The ability to help people of all ages and all walks of life is truly rewarding. Just one part of that is helping people feel better about their appearance. It’s especially rewarding to help close difficult wounds, fix dysfunctional hands, or repair bodies damaged by trauma or cancer.”
Dr. Steffen says his Christian faith is the core of his family values. He adds, “I do my best to live by the Golden Rule, treating others the way I would want to be treated.”
Academics
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga, TN
Resident, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, July 2015 – June 2018
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Chief Resident, General Surgery, July 2014 – June 2015
University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE
Resident, General Surgery, 2010 – 2014
University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO
Doctorate of Medicine, May 2010
Evangel University, Springfield, MO
Bachelor of Sciences, Summa Cum Laude, May 2006
Certifications
Dr. Steffen is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Awards / Honors
2017 – Podium Presentation/1st Place Award. “Vertical Inset of Latissimus Dorsi Flap Improves Reconstruction Aesthetics By Reducing Scar Burden in The “Social Breast”. Glancy Competition. 60th Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. June 2017. Sea Island, GA.
2017 – Delegate to the Tennessee Medical Association. Passed two-fold resolution urging state legislative body to curb childhood media violence exposure.
2016 – Poster Presentation/2nd Place Winner. “Same-Day Reconstruction of Mohs-Related Soft Tissue Defects, A Collaborative Approach.” Research Day, UTCOM. May 2015.
2015 – Senior ABSITE Award. High score on surgical in-service training exam, University of Nebraska Medical Center. Omaha, Nebraska.
2015 – Resident Enthusiasm for Teaching Award for outstanding medical student teaching. University of Nebraska Medical Center.
2015 – Inducted to Gold Humanism Honor Society (GHHS). The mission of GHHS is to recognize individuals who are exemplars of humanistic patient care and who can serve as role models, mentors, and leaders in medicine
2013 – 2015 – Vice President, House Officers Association. University of Nebraska Medical Center. Omaha, Nebraska.