“THERE’S NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL ANSWER FOR EVERYBODY. I TRY TO LISTEN TO EACH PATIENT’S GOALS AND HELP THEM FEEL CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE IN THEMSELVES.”
Candice Leach, MD
Education
Dr. Leach earned her medical degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health after graduating magna cum laude from St. Norbert College, where she completed the honors program. She began her surgical training with a general surgery internship at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, followed by additional training at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Leach completed her general surgery residency at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she served as administrative chief of the general surgery residency program. She went on to complete a plastic and reconstructive surgery residency at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, then further specialized with a fellowship in microsurgery at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Credentials
Dr. Leach is board-certified by both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is a member of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) and the American Medical Association (AMA), and she serves as an instructor in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). Dr. Leach is a veteran of the United States Navy, where she served for four years as a general medical officer based in Okinawa, Japan. During her military service, she deployed to Afghanistan and participated in global training exercises across Cambodia, Korea, and Japan.
Why Plastic Surgery in Portland, Maine?
Dr. Leach joined Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates in 2026. Originally from Wisconsin, she felt an immediate connection to Maine’s natural beauty. “I really fell in love with the city of Portland and just Maine in general,” she says. “The lake life, the woods – all of it – reminded me of home.” She was equally drawn to the practice’s strong culture of collaboration. “Seeing how well the team worked together made me excited to join them.”
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Leach specializes in breast reconstruction, including microsurgical reconstruction and aesthetic flat closure, with a deeply personal approach to care. “There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for everybody,” she says. “I try to listen to each patient’s goals and help them feel confident and comfortable in themselves.” She believes in making sure patients feel supported every step of the way. “I hope that they feel comfort – like somebody is there helping them through this – while they are making the decisions,” she says. “We’re working together.”
Beyond the OR
Dragon boat racing has become a meaningful tradition for breast cancer survivors worldwide, bringing people together through healing, strength and community. Dr. Leach first discovered the sport while stationed in Japan, when a friend invited her to join a group of Navy women on their team. At the time, she didn’t realize its deep connection to breast cancer – but learning that later gave the experience even more meaning. Though she hasn’t raced since returning to the U.S., she still has a passion for the sport and hopes to join a local team someday. Outside of work, you’ll often find her by the water with a book and a cup of coffee.