Opening of Clinique K in Old-Longueuil: our founder, Dr. Karl Schwarz, explains why he chose Dr. Joan Sauvageau to helm his newest clinic

The meeting of two young surgeons

Dr. Schwarz has known Dr. Sauvageau since his very beginnings as a plastic surgeon in Montreal, when he practiced at the McGill University Hospital Centre.

They have worked alongside each other since the beginning of Dr. Schwarz’s medical training and he has therefore witnessed her professional evolution. Dr. Schwarz has always had considerable respect and admiration for her, first for her professional approach but also for her warm and empathetic personality.

Having practiced cosmetic surgery since 2008, Dr. Joan Sauvageau now has more than 20 years of experience in the health care sector. She worked for many years at Charles-LeMoyne Hospital as a plastic surgeon, specifically in breast reconstruction, breast, hand surgery, microsurgery and skin cancer.

"She is not only a technically excellent surgeon, she also has a good heart and is fundamentally a good person. That's why it was a good fit with Clinique K's vision and values."

The main value pillars at Clinique K are empathy, respect, excellence, safety and teamwork.

Mutual admiration

Dr. Sauvageau also admires Dr. Schwarz first and foremost for his human side:

"He is a man who is really able to listen to patients, and that is quite rare."

According to Dr. Sauvageau, Dr. Schwarz is a very gifted surgeon, with exceptional skilled hands. She also appreciates the family-like atmosphere at Clinique K.

“The staff is dedicated and knowledgeable. We feel the strength of a supportive and solid team.”

An environment for women to shine

Cosmetic surgery is a male-dominated industry, one where women are far outnumbered by men. A 2017 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery - Global Open study found that the female-to-male ratio of surgeons performing plastic surgery is approximately one to five.

In Quebec, the Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery Specialists of Quebec (ASCPEQ) reveals that 60% of surgeons performing plastic surgery are men.

Organizations are implementing approaches to achieve parity and ensure a place for women in the field of cosmetic surgery. With this in mind, Dr. Karl Schwarz is welcoming a female surgeon to his practice for the first time so that she can take the reins of the newest Clinique K.