Dr. Roger Simpson: Nip/Tuck With a Heart

If one were to step into Dr. Roger Simpson's private office at the Long Island Plastic Surgical Group (LIPSG) in Garden City, one would not be taken aback by the awards, plaques and diplomas that line the red walls.

Because he doesn't have any up.

Recently named one of Long Island's top doctors by Newsday, Simpson maintains a humble demeanor and brags of his grandchildren, not about his many life-changing operations.

"That's what we do," Simpson, a Merrick resident since 1981, said of his operations. "It's a very rewarding speciality."

A native of Long Beach,  Simpson began his journey at Syracuse University and completed an internship at the University of Brussels before returning for his residency in surgery at Nassau County Medical Center, later to be named Nassau University Medical Center. After concluding a fellowship in hand surgery at Roosevelt Hospital in New York,  Simpson entered practice with the LIPSG in 1981.

"I took over the residency program in 1989," Simpson said. "It's been very successful and continues to grow every few years."

The three-year program -- which, Simpson said, has been named one of the best in the United States -- trains residents of all specialities, including medical, nursing and pharmacology students. Under the tutelage of a self-trained plastic surgeon in Belgium, Simpson discovered a passion for his specialty. With his genteel nature, it seems fitting that Simpson would want to pass his educational values to others.

"He gives people confidence to be able to believe that they can achieve in life," said his wife, Shirlee Simpson. "Very silently and very behind the scenes, it takes an incredible person to know how to do this."

Simpson directs LIPSG's Center for Facial Paralysis and focuses on burn reconstruction and hand surgery. He also provides general plastic and reconstructive surgery for patients. Simpson spoke of the traumatic  experience of working with burn victims.

"It's a very different type of care," he said. "Our staff either leaves after a few days or stays."

Simpson's work is not solely cosmetic. His range of operations include people with facial paralysis to the reconstruction of a patient's hand. And he speaks of his work with fond enthusiasm. 

Yet,  Simpson is more than a gracious surgeon-- he is a husband, a father of three and a grandfather of four. Although much of Simpson's time is in the operating room, he maintains a strong bond with his family.

"Even if he is not physically there, he's there," Shirlee Simpson said. "He's always calling and worrying about me."

Simpson places a high value on education. He encouraged his wife, even when she was pregnant with their second child, to finish her master's degree and to continue on to teach, which she described as "the most wonderful time of her life."

"He's always studying and always learning as much as he teaches," she said.  "He likes to learn, he can't learn enough."

Shirlee Simpson remains loyally by her husband's side, traveling with him across the country when he speaks and helping her husband with his busy schedule at the office every so often.

Roger Simpson certainly has more than his share of duties. Along with treating patients, teaching residents and speaking across the country, he also publishes his work in a variety of medical journals and textbooks.

"Dr. Simpson is emblematic of why this specialty started in the first place," said Natalie Mines, a LIPSG spokeswoman. "To hear that his work is not only his life's work but basically his hobby is so special in this day and age."