From a childhood injury that sparked his dream of becoming a doctor to advanced training across Jamaica, Detroit, and Toronto, Dr. Hector Campbell’s journey to medicine has been driven by compassion and purpose. Today, as a plastic surgeon at Truyu Aesthetic Center, he combines his expertise in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery with a passion for restoring both form and function. Whether he’s helping patients heal after cancer, repairing injuries, or performing life-changing cosmetic procedures, Dr. Campbell sees every day as an opportunity to make a positive impact. His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a deep commitment to helping others become whole again.
What are your educational background and career history?
I began my medical journey at The University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, where I completed medical school. From there, I pursued General Surgery training at Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, followed by a Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the same institution. To further specialize, I completed a Hand Surgery Fellowship at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, which gave me a strong foundation of expertise across multiple surgical disciplines.
What inspired you to start practicing medicine?
I knew I wanted to become a doctor when I was 12 years old. I badly injured my left forearm while playing soccer and both bones were broken. I was placed on antibiotics because of the high risk of bone infection. I remember feeling scared of losing my arm. I then had surgery to fix both bones. The doctors and nurses not only took care of me but made me feel cared for. The experience inspired me to do the same for others.
What made you choose plastic surgery as a specialty?
I was a General Surgery resident and was assigned to assist the Plastic Surgeon in the operating room. I did not have an interest in Plastic Surgery at the time, and did not want to cover the case. The patient was a 4-month-old baby boy with a cleft lip deformity. The Plastic Surgeon explained the technique, and performed the cleft lip repair. I was totally amazed at the return of form and function. The surgery changed the patient’s life forever.The experience was satisfying and impactful. I wanted to help patients in their journey to become a better version of themselves. I wanted to help restore form and function. Plastic surgery allows me to express my creativity and innovation with a scalpel.
What are the top procedures you work on at Truyu?
As a Plastic Surgeon, I have been trained to perform an array of surgical procedures to serve the community. My practice is a combination of reconstructive procedures including skin cancer, breast cancer, soft tissue defects resulting from accident or injury, and nerve surgery for amputees with phantom limb pain. I also specialize in cosmetic breast and body contouring.
What is the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is I get an opportunity to help patients along their journey be whole again. It is a privilege to help others.
Best moment of your career thus far?
The best moment of my career so far is joining the team at Altru and Truyu! I am proud to be part of an institution that aligns with my purpose and mission in wanting to provide compassionate care for our community. The culture of care and support at Altru is phenomenal! It is that support that allowed us to become the first health system in North Dakota to perform Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR) to help our amputees suffering from phantom and residual limb pain. The sky is the limit.
How do you measure success?
Success for me is the measure of the positive impact I have on the lives of others.
Describe your typical workday.
Three days per week I see patients in clinic at Truyu. We have a strong team with a focus on quality experience for our patients. I determine the patients goals and provide an objective realistic, and safe plan of care. Two days per week I’m in the operating room performing surgery. The operating room is my happy place! This is where I express my creativity.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I enjoy hanging out with my wife and our 3-year-old Portuguese water dog. I also enjoy traveling, cooking, listening to music, working out (not because I love it, but because I need it), and watching old western movies (something my Dad and I did growing up).
If you had an extra hour every day, what would you spend it doing?
I would spend it with my family.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Campbell, call 701.780.6623.