Dr. Mark Barlow MD, Plastic Surgeon in Houston, Clear Lake, Texas

Hello, I'm so glad you found us! I'm Eileen, the practice leader. To say that I'm passionate about changing the face of medicine may seem like a pun when coming from someone who is part of plastic surgeon's team, but those who know me would not laugh. I believe that there is something very sacred between a doctor (including the staff that supports him/her) and a patient. I believe every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. Quite honestly, I feel those things are missing in most medical practices and businesses today.

I've spent over 22 years in medicine. During my undergraduate education, I worked with solo plastic surgeons in private practice and a larger group plastic surgery practice. Following graduate school I worked in the academic setting with two large plastic surgery departments. I know what works and what does not work. I know that a well-educated patient is the best patient. I know that a patient can and should have a surgeon who is regarded equally for his/her excellent bedside manner and surgical skill. I know that a wise surgeon would only enter into a partnership with a patient who is compliant and willing to own their responsibility in their care by following directions. When all of that works, patients are informed, at ease, have the most optimal outcome, and the best experience.

We are on a mission to provide unparalleled care. Being better than our competition would not be a high enough standard for us. We don't have competition, so for us, it isn't good enough unless it is our very best. Every day we ask ourselves “How can we do more for our patients?” We look for even the smallest thing to make this journey you are taking with us more comfortable for you. Dr. Barlow would be the first to say, “Even the best surgeon is either limited or enhanced by his/her staff!”

One of my favorite things about our practice is that we made a strategic decision to keep the staff small. Although Dr. Barlow teaches and mentors high school H.O.S.A. students, medical students and plastic surgery residents, our core team that supports you is small. Every Wednesday, following Dr. Barlow's last case, we hold a staff meeting instead of seeing patients in our clinic. We discuss every patient we will schedule for surgery, those we have scheduled for surgery, those who have just had surgery as well as any other patient questions, ideas, or concerns. We have very detailed systems in place that track each phase of your treatment plan. You may be a medical patient, and Carol would be your patient coordinator, but be clear, everyone at our office knows every detail (or can find it perfectly documented) related to your case. You won't be lost in the shuffle or fall between the cracks with us. We discuss ideas, pass along suggestions, and always read our love letters from patients!

Our mission is to make each patient feel as though they are our only one! This was a missing component in Dr. Barlow's academic experience. He could not control when clinic was held or how his patients were scheduled, he did not have a say in which staff they hired or fired, and he could not discount a fee or give free gifts with purchase. What he did love was teaching others. Now, as a Clinical Professor at U.T.M.B., he has the opportunity to teach, mentor, train, and influence future plastic surgeons, and as a private practitioner he has complete control over his schedule, support staff, and his patient's experience. He calls it the best of both worlds.

When I'm not leading the practice team in relationship building, patient care, proper risk management, and marketing, I'm lobbying for you as a patient. I want you protected through proper scope of practice guidelines and holding insurance companies accountable. I want only those who receive the proper training in an accredited program recognized by the Board of Medical Specialties to perform those procedures. Right now, in Texas, anyone can call themselves a “cosmetic surgeon.” Only those with the proper and recognized training can call themselves Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. No hospital would credential a physician operating outside the scope of their official training. But as the law currently stands, anyone, without even ONE SINGLE DAY of surgical training, can open an operating facility in his or her office. Not just limited to surgery and liposuction either: many untrained physicians inject Botox, facial fillers, perform laser services and more. BEWARE.

I hope to check in with you from time to time to evaluate our relationship with you. I hope you will let me know how we are doing and if there is any way we can make this experience even better for you and those you refer to us!

I am at your service.