Amanda Goslawski ’13

Amanda Goslawski ’13 works as a plastic surgery fellow specializing in gender-affirming facial plastic surgery in Boston. Her work combines helping patients align their outer appearance with their inner sense of self. "Partnering the skills we've learned with surgery to help people become who they want to be is something you can't beat,” she said.

Goslawski describes her work in gender-affirming surgery as a partnership of art and science. Surprisingly, she credits much of the creativity she applies today to her time with Terpsichore Dance Collective (TERP), a student organization she was actively involved in throughout her years at Knox. 

She recalls rushing from the chem lab to dance practice at the Aux Gym. Even during her residency in Cleveland, she continued to take dance classes, keeping that inspiration alive. 

At Knox, Goslawski benefited from close faculty mentorship and a diverse and collaborative learning environment. The College’s intimate community, the dance program, and the strong pre-med program influenced her decision to attend Knox. Wanting to stay closer to home in Chicago, she revisited Knox and fell in love with the campus atmosphere. She notes the influence of professors like Judy Thorne and the pre-health department, which provided her with strong mentorship and foundational knowledge.

“I think that what you get at Knox is something that's so special,” she said. “You get a low faculty-to-student ratio. You get that one-on-one teaching and mentorship. I think that has helped me immensely.”  

Goslawski pointed out that gender-affirming surgery was not something she initially saw as a career possibility until her residency. She had a patient who was transitioning, and Goslawski and her team were able to help match their inner sense of self with their facial appearance. “I think it's a great way to really talk to people, figure out how they perceive themselves, and what you can do to help them live in the world as who they're meant to be," she said. 

Goslawski’s work extends beyond gender-affirming care to include facial trauma repair, domestic violence cases, and facial reconstruction. She is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for her patients because she has seen a lot of people who’ve had negative experiences in the past. “I make sure everybody has a great experience because those things are formative, it's something that sticks with you,” she added.

Goslawski is passionate about mentoring future medical professionals, especially women and those interested in surgery or gender-affirming care. She hopes more people recognize the need for this care and understand its importance.

“I hope one day this care is universally covered by insurance, so it’s accessible to everyone who needs it,” she said.