Valentine Group Health
Guest (s) Title (s) and Affiliation (s):
- Dr. David Low
Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- Mr. Clark Natali
Husband, stepfather, grandfather, retired insurance professional, real estate investor
Background:
Dr David Low is Professor of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, with additional training in general surgery and plastic surgery at the University of Pennsylvania
Attending Surgeon at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia since 1989
Clark Natali is a husband, stepfather, grandfather, retired insurance professional, real estate investor and avid golfer. He attended Los Angeles City College, Saint Joseph’s University and was in the US Coast Guard. His business acumen and creative vision lead him to design and build custom homes, develop two multi-unit apartment complexes on historic properties, while owning and managing a successful insurance business.
In 1993, when Clark met Anita, he considered himself a confirmed bachelor. As their relationship grew, he was determined to win her heart, as well as the affection of her sons. Skiing vacations that Anita and Clark took together, later became family adventures including Anita’s boys. Clark and Anita have since replaced skis for golf clubs and enjoy spending time together on the course perfecting their game. They continue to travel but focus on warm locations.
Oral cancer and the effects of radiation have presented numerous challenges for Clark, but his positive attitude and calm demeanor have guided him through difficult times. He is thankful that Anita was with him throughout his illness and feels certain he could not have done this without her.
Overview:
- Over the past 6 years, Clark Natali and his wife endured more than 8 complex operations to cure his oral cancer and reconstruct the right side of his jaw and face.
- Facial deformities from cancer, traumatic accidents, and congenital birth defects present some of the most difficult challenges for plastic surgeons. Each case presents an opportunity to combine innovation with prior experience to arrive at the best possible solution.
The program focuses on the collaborative relationship between a surgeon, part of a multi member surgical team, and the patient/ family. Despite problems and setbacks, the outcomes were positive. The mutual respect that the physician and patient have for one another is visible and serves as an example of the kind of positive results that can come from treating such a complex illness even when the going gets rough .
3 Key Points:
- Plastic surgery encompasses both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery
- Plastic surgery patients range from infants to the elderly
- Plastic surgeons collaborate with many specialists in other fields to offer comprehensive multidisciplinary care
