About Derek L. Masden, MD
Derek L. Masden, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and Assistant Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Georgetown University School of Medicine. He specializes in all aspects of reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery including wound reconstruction, reconstruction after cancer treatment and excision, body contouring, and elective breast surgery including reduction, enhancement and rejuvenation. He also specializes in treating disorders of the hand and wrist. Dr. Masden's methods include using a combination of both invasive and minimally invasive surgical techniques. His clinical interests include reconstructive surgery after cancer treatment, trauma reconstruction of the hand and wrist, as well as elective hand surgery for disorders such as carpel tunnel and arthritis, body contouring, breast reconstructive surgery, and fat grafting. Dr. Masden received his medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine, where he graduated in the top of his class, earning him a membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He then moved to the DC area to complete a 6-year residency in integrated plastic surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital before completing a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Curtis National Hand Center in Baltimore. Dr. Masden is an advocate for treating breast and body contouring problems as well as hand and wrist pain at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He would like to see an increase in the use of a patient's own tissue to synthesize reconstructive options as opposed to using prosthetics. Using the body's own natural tissue for skin replacement for large wounds or cancer excision yields better results without the risk of the body producing an autoimmune response. When not in the operating room, Dr. Masden enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, enjoying the Chesapeake Bay waters and traveling. He has also participated in healthcare medical missions in countries such as the Dominican Republic. I'm a firm believer that patients need to be actively involved in their own care as well as the decision-making process. I, as their physician, am an informed guide to help them make the right decisions for them. Through compassion and understanding, I build strong, trustworthy relationships with my patients. I am always open to discussing the potential risks and benefits of alternative plans that fit into their treatment model. I feel proud when my patients tell me that they would send a family member to me for care.
