Dr. Alex Lecthman, a plastic surgeon with Visalia Medical Clinic, was honored by the Tulare County Medical Society as the “George Tiss Physician of the Year.”

A plastic surgeon in Visalia has been recognized for his work not only in the local community, but also abroad.

Dr. Alex Lechtman, a plastic surgeon with Visalia Medical Clinic, was honored by the Tulare County Medical Society as the “George Tiss Physician of the Year.” He was formally presented the award on Dec. 7, 2017.

“So essentially, what they look for is a candidate who has served the community,” said Dr. Ralph Kingsford, the CFO for Visalia Medical Clinic and a pediatrician. “Who has served the practice of medicine as a whole and who has been involved at both the practice as well as other community efforts to help improve our community.”

Dr. Lechtman, who works with the clinic’s Aesthetic Center, has been on the staff since 1999. His volunteer contributions include his work with InterFACE, a group of physicians who travel to Mexico to perform cleft lip and palate surgeries. Dr. Kingsford said he makes these trips annually. He further uses his affiliation with the Kaweah Delta Health Care District to help with cleft lip and palates in Tulare County.

“As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lechtman has a skill that can change lives, and he willingly donates his time and expertise to do just that,” added Richard Strid, executive director of the Kaweah Delta Medical Foundation. “We are pleased to see him receive this well-deserved honor.”

In addition, Dr. Lechtman serves a chaplaincy role with Visalia Medical Clinic and Kaweah Delta Medical Center for the local Jewish community.