Bryan's Story
The text below was written by one of Dr. Hobar's patients as one of his college essays.
It was fate. As I stood among thousands of silent Dallas Stars hockey fans, a dark suited man, who would soon change my life, was hurriedly escorted onto center ice. Minutes before, an opposing player collided head first into a sharp corner of the penalty box door, causing him to lay motionless in his own pool of blood. The eerie hush of the stunned arena was interrupted by an attractive woman standing next to my mother. "Let's say a prayer for this injured player and know that he's in the talented hands of the most amazing doctor that I work for, Craig Hobar." Ironically, Mom was familiar with his name, as it kept resurfacing in our quest to replace my former surgeon.
Several months later, right before my tenth birthday, my family and I waited nervously for two hours in an overcrowded waiting room full of children with various birth defects to meet Dr. Hobar. He not only serves as a team surgeon for the Dallas Stars, he also runs the Pediatric Craniofacial Center at Children's Medical Center*. As soon as he bolted through my exam room door, dressed in another dark suit and surrounded by an entourage of doctors and nurses in white lab coats, anxiety gripped me. He immediately put my fears to rest as he shook my hand and directly addressed me.
"Hey Bryan, I'm Dr. Hobar. How are you, buddy?" He engaged me in questions and soon discovered my passion for hockey. We established a rapport then that continues to make an incredible impact on my life now.
One of my most memorable experiences occurred soon after I met Dr. Hobar. During my pre- surgery office visits, I'd quiz him about the latest condition of Mike Modano, my favorite Dallas Stars player. As team surgeon*, he'd often be quoted in the newspaper about Mike's facial injuries. Then, a close family friend, who knew Modano's neighbor, arranged a surprise visit for me. It was the thrill of a lifetime!
After signing my jersey and having our picture made, Mike talked about my upcoming surgery with Dr. Hobar. "Bryan, you're in the best hands. Look what a great job he did with my nose when I got slashed last week and had twenty-five stitches. I'll be praying for you guys." To a ten year old boy, there couldn't be a better endorsement.
The summer before sixth grade, Dr. Hobar performed a cancellous bone graft (taking bone from the hip and packing it into the alveolar ridge in the mouth to stabilize the upper jaw). The surgery went well, but I missed the first six weeks of school. Concerned about my class work, Dr. Hobar helped arrange for a homebound tutor, and my transition back to school was successful. He also supported my desire to play hockey, allowing my swift return to the ice (with an appropriate helmet). As a thank you, I presented Dr. Hobar with a picture of me and Modano in a talking frame. My recorded message said, "Dear Dr. Hobar, Thanks for all you do. From your two biggest fans." It still sits in a place of honor on his desk.
I continued to see Dr. Hobar twice a year for follow up visits throughout the next six years. Customarily, he'd enter the exam room in his signature dark suit, followed by his entourage, and we'd visit about important topics: the Stars, my athletics, and school. It was important to him that I felt good about myself, thereby appointing himself quarterback of my medical team. He worked closely with my orthodontist in properly aligning my teeth and palate. He also monitored the growth pattern of my lower jaw, the magical component of my next surgery. Once I reach full adulthood and my lower jaw exhibits no more growth for a year, I'll be ready to tackle my most difficult, and life-changing surgeries.
My final journey through eighteen years of craniofacial surgeries ended this summer. After an eight hour LeFort 1 procedure to move my entire facial structure forward an inch, Dr. Hobar added the finishing touches two months later. He removed cartilage from my floating rib bone to reconstruct my nose, and revised my cleft lip scar. Although I'm still healing, the results are phenomenal! I feel more self-confident and I'm anxious to tackle my life goals.
Dr. Hobar's vision, along with his talented surgical skills, created a better life for me. His laid back, confident approach and willingness to devise a treatment plan allowing me flexibility and input was crucial to my success. He also serves as a powerful role model in his private life. Sixteen years ago, he formed the LEAP (Life Enhancement Association of People) Foundation, a medical mission that each year provides free reconstructive surgical procedures to young patients who live in poor countries. His committed team has traveled to India, Laos, and Belize, helping hundreds of needy children. I've learned a great deal about life, compassion, and humanity in my association with this remarkable man.
* Dr. Hobar was team Plastic Surgeons for the Dallas Stars from 1994 to 2005, when he stepped down to be able to take more mission trips with LEAP. Dr. Hobar was at Childrens Medical Center from 1990 to 2010, but has relocated his practice to Medical City Childrens Hospital, where he is Director of International Craniofacial Development at one of the largest and most comprehensive craniofacial programs in the world.
