I am incredibly proud to be President of the rebranded, The Aesthetic Foundation! Like I said at the Business Meeting in Vancouver, Caroline Glicksman certainly set me up for success with all the progress of her year, and I know working with President-Elect, Pat McGuire, and the whole Foundation Board will lead to another year of growth and impact on our specialty. Thanks to the new website (https://www.theaestheticfoundation.org/) I plan to focus on initiatives to create more widespread awareness and support for The Foundation and the work we do.
In speaking with colleagues around the country, it has become clear to me that many did not know what ASERF is or does. Changing the name to The Aesthetic Foundation and modernizing the website were the first steps in the process to change this.
Our new name well describes our involvement in Aesthetic Surgery/Medicine; however the membership should be aware that The Aesthetic Foundation frequently funds education and research on breast cancer and post-mastectomy reconstruction topics. Over the past few years, The Foundation has launched new programs and funds to server a wide breadth of our specialty and our patients:
RESEARCH GRANTS:
At the core of so much of what The Aesthetic Foundation does revolves around the funding of research. The Scientific Research Committee and Board will consider budget requests for projects of any amount. Much of the research funded results in publications in Aesthetic Society Journal. As you can see below, the list of topics covered is diverse and easy to search. More Info
EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
Helps make aesthetic education more accessible by providing medical students mentorship opportunities and increased exposure to aesthetic plastic surgery and research. Provides mentorship opportunities for Society members to shape the next generation. More Info
PATIENT ASSISTANCE FUNDS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS:
Helps uninsured, under-insured, and financially strained breast cancer patients get the care they need and deserve. From diagnosis to breast reconstructive surgery and beyond. More Info
JAMES STUZIN AESTHETIC EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARD:
Provides financial assistance to residents, fellows, and graduates looking to pursue aesthetic educational opportunities beyond their training programs. More Info
RESIDENT TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS:
Makes aesthetic education more accessible by offering qualifying residents and fellows a $2,000 merit-based scholarship to offset travel costs associated with attending The Aesthetic Meeting. More Info
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This year, it's important for me to spread the word about digitally registering breast implants with our FDA-recognized app, Aesthetic One. This free resource makes implant registration easy and secure, allowing instant sharing of ID cards with patients and ensuring unmatched accuracy and reliability through ARISE, The American Registry for Breast Implant Surveillance.
With faxing registrations soon to be phased out, now if the perfect time to make the switch to electronic registration for a safer, more informed future. You can sign-up today for this free resource or schedule a personal demo to see it in action. I look forward to the year ahead and continuing to champion The Foundation and the work we do!
Sincerely,
Oni Garcia Jr., MD
The Aesthetic Foundation President
