RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS FORUM
Welcome to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Residents and Fellows,
Welcome to the Residents and Fellows Forum of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons! Whether you are beginning your journey in plastic surgery or in your final year of training, this is an exciting time in your career — and participating in the ASPS Residents and Fellows Forum will provide access to invaluable experiences and opportunities as you take the next steps to becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon.
In my path to becoming a plastic surgeon, I earned my medical degree from The Ohio State University and then completed a general surgery residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital. The experience led me to pursue a second residency in plastic surgery at Duke University, focusing on microvascular reconstruction for cancer. After serving as an associate professor, division vice-chief, director of research and director of breast reconstruction at Duke, I am now the chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery, Maxillofacial and Oral Health at the University of Virginia. As president of ASPS, I will continue to work toward unifying the specialty and organization toward critical missions, such as ensuring access to plastic surgery services, continued advancement in patient safety, and reinforcing the importance of consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon when considering any cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
Being a member of the world’s largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons has been immensely beneficial to me personally and professionally. ASPS has provided opportunities to become involved in many aspects of the specialty over the years, including serving as chair of the Education Strategy Advisory Council and the Resident Curriculum Development Committee. It is a tremendous honor to serve as ASPS president, and my involvement in the Society has enriched my career and introduced me to colleagues from across the United States and around the world. Membership in ASPS can lead to amazing opportunities and experiences, and I hope you’ll take advantage of the many benefits our Society has to offer.
Being a plastic surgeon during this era of rapid innovation is amazing. Looking ahead to the next chapter for both plastic surgery and ASPS, our foundational commitment to improving patient outcomes by member surgeons around the globe remains as vital as ever before, and the tools we have at our disposal to treat our patients continues to expand.
Plastic surgery is a small specialty with boundless potential. We find strength in numbers as members of ASPS, and we are in the unique position to make a meaningful, long-lasting impact on the lives of our patients and the future of the specialty.
Thank you for your commitment to our great specialty, and welcome to ASPS!
Sincerely,
Scott T. Hollenbeck, MD, FACS ASPS President
Dear Plastic Surgery Residents and Fellows,
Hello and welcome to the Residents and Fellows Forum of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons!
Whether you are in your first year of training or finishing up fellowship, I invite you to get involved with ASPS as I believe you will find contributing to the Society to be a rewarding experience.
Mentorship opportunities await, both through involvement in the Society’s committees and special interest groups, as well as through participating in programs such as PROPEL (Professional Resource Opportunities in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Education and Leadership). You can also apply to be part of the International Residents Forum, which is open to all residents in Global Partner countries.
You will also find many educational resources within the Resident Education Center (REC). These span all topics within plastic surgery and include instructional videos along with presentations from leaders in the field. Additional educational opportunities exist through the annual Senior Residents Conference (learn what to expect after training ends), Oral Board Preparation course, and Resident abstracts at the annual Plastic Surgery The Meeting (PSTM).
Additional benefits of the Residents and Fellows Forum include subscriptions to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Plastic Surgery News – as well as discounts for educational symposia including Plastic Surgery The Meeting, and grant opportunities through the Plastic Surgery Foundation.
Let us help you get your career off to a great start! We invite you to be a leader in plastic surgery and look forward to the innovations and accomplishments you will undoubtedly bring to our field. Let us know how we can we help and let’s do this together!
Sincerely,
Jing Qin Tay, MBBCh, MRCS, PhD, MBA Plastic Surgery Resident
Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom Chair, ASPS International Residents Forum
YOUR CAREER IN PLASTIC SURGERY STARTS WITH ASPS
ASPS members represent the best and brightest minds in the specialty, committed to rigorous standards to maintain excellence in medical and ethical conduct. ASPS works tirelessly to position our members for success in a highly competitive environment and we welcome board-certified plastic surgeons, residents, fellows, associates and international plastic surgeons who seek to advance te science of the specialty.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Join.
“ASPS is an open, responsive and accessible vessel that has allowed me to expand ASPS has allowed me to network with different plastic surgeons from all
–Mukami Gathariki, MD, University
BENEFITS OF THE RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS FORUM
On behalf of nearly 12,000 members worldwide, congratulations on joining the ASPS Residents and Fellows Forum, which is designed to provide you with educational tools and networking opportunities to jump-start your career as a plastic surgeon. Your Residents and Fellows Forum membership includes:
• Access to the ASPS Education Network (ASPS EdNet) and the Resident Education Center (REC)
• Access to the Quarterly ASPS Global Newsletter
• Access to the Global Partners Webinar Series in collaboration with plastic surgeons around the world
• Significant discount to attend PSTM in-person and FREE registration for PSTM On-Demand, when registered by the early bird deadline
• Members-only access to the online resources at PlasticSurgery.org, including a dedicated residents section and access to resident podcasts
• Leadership opportunities in the ASPS International Residents Forum
• Opportunity to participate in the mentorship program, PROPEL
• Network with the International Young Plastic Surgeons (iYPS) community
• Subscription to Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (PRS)
• Subscription to Plastic Surgery News® (PSN)
• Opportunity to participate in The PSF’s SHARE global health initiative
• Eligibility for The PSF grants and scholarship programs
• Opportunities to serve as resident ambassadors on PRS and PRS Global Open editorial boards
• Opportunities to participate in special-interest membership programs including International Women Plastic Surgeons Forum, Military Forum, PRIDE Forum and more!
my knowledge and expertise in the field of plastic surgery. From Nairobi, Kenya, over the world through different meetings and I will forever be grateful.”
of Nairobi School of Medicine
ASPS EDUCATION NETWORK AND RESIDENT EDUCATION CENTER
Clinical topic areas available through the REC include:
• Fundamentals of Surgery
• Plastic Surgery of the Head and Neck
• Plastic Surgery of the Upper Extremity
• Plastic Surgery of the Breast
• Gender Affirmation Surgery
• Plastic Surgery of the Trunk
• Plastic Surgery of the Lower Extremity
• Aesthetic Surgery
Non-clinical topics include:
• Patient Safety
• Physician Wellness
• Business Practice Risk Management
• Social Media Toolkit
• Medical Photography
• Interpersonal Communication
• Evidence-Based Medicine
For surgeons in training, ASPS Education Network (ASPS EdNet) offers the Residents Education Center (REC) with more than 90 learning modules among eight broad curriculum sections. The REC was developed by ASPS in concert with the American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery (ACEPS) to provide a unified online plastic surgery curriculum. These materials are reviewed and updated annually by the ASPS/ACEPS Curriculum Development Committee.
To access the REC, log in to your ASPS EdNet account and select “REC” from the top navigation bar.
ASPS EdNet is the online learning center developed by ASPS. Each month ASPS EdNet offers fresh content in all areas of plastic surgery, building upon an increasingly vast collection of multimedia learning activities for surgeons at all levels, from residency to retirement.
ASPS EdNet also debuts a variety of content for members every month, including case reports, lectures, literature reviews and procedural videos. Don’t miss ASPS EdNet’s monthly video series, “Surgery Spotlight.”
“For me being an international resident of ASPS means being part of line and accessing equal opportunities with tools such as access leaders in this field, learning from them and
– Luis Gerardo Sandoval-Ortiz, MD,
Access the dedicated residents section on the ASPS members-only website, PlasticSurgery.org, where you will receive information on the resident podcasts and other information in the “Surgeon Community.”
Access to information on The PSF grants and scholarship programs is available on The PSF website at ThePSF.org/Research.
Residents are eligible to receive discounts on ASPS educational meetings, symposia and products at ShopASPS.org.
the most prestigious community of plastic surgeons. It means following a comprehensive training to the journal, REC, among others, as pillars of our training, as well as interacting with the making interpersonal relationships with many colleagues in training.”
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru
Plastic Surgery The Meeting
Plastic Surgery The Meeting (PSTM) brings together the best and brightest surgeons in the specialty, poised to share their expertise with colleagues who arrive from countries around the globe. It is the premier educational and networking event of the year, for both domestic and international plastic surgeons.
Each year ASPS/PSF Resident Travel Scholarships are awarded to plastic surgery residents and international trainees in order to attend the annual meeting. This scholarship is intended to cultivate future leaders and allow them to experience PSTM and get more involved.
PSTM events focused on residents include:
• International Center
• Residents Lounge
• Residents Reception
• Senior Residents Conference (SRC)
• Access to all courses and sessions
PSTM2025 | Oct. 9-12, 2025 in New Orleans, LA
PSTM2026 | Oct. 15-18, 2026 in Houston, TX
PSTM2027 | Sept. 16-19, 2027 in Baltimore, MD
ASPS Global Newsletter
The ASPS Global Newsletter is issued quarterly to over 3,000 international plastic surgeons and residents in almost 100 countries. ASPS Members and Residents are given the opportunity to contribute and spread awareness of plastic surgery news happening in their part of the globe.
Global Partner Webinar Series
Created in collaboration with our partners from around the world, the Global Partners Webinar Series is an innovative educational offering that brings together international leaders in plastic surgery for in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics in plastic surgery, from best practices in breast, body and facial procedures to hot topics in education and more. Each installment of the Global Partners Webinar Series is free for members and available online on ASPS EdNet following the live event. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/GPWS.
Global Training Directory
In recognition of the importance of international training opportunities, ASPS maintains an online Global Training Directory to help members find opportunities around the world for Fellowships, Observerships, Internships, Preceptorships and Externships. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/GlobalTraining.
ANNUAL EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS
Senior Residents Conference
Gain a better understanding of what to expect and all you need to know to prepare for life after residency. Learn about the financial, legal and ethical issues of establishing and running a practice. Learn more at PlasticSurgeryTheMeeting.com/SRC.
Resident Scientific Paper Presentations
Resident authors have a unique opportunity to present their research at Plastic Surgery The Meeting The Resident Abstracts will be a hybrid event with both live and on-demand presentations. Learn more at PlasticSurgeryTheMeeting.com/Residents.
Oral Board Preparation Course
The Oral Board Preparation Course is a live, virtual learning experience that is both comprehensive and interactive. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to review board-relevant cases to build your confidence and prepare you for the certification exam.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/OBC.
In-Service Exam
The ASPS In-Service Exam is designed to assess current knowledge in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The exam is administered annually and provides residents with a comprehensive review of the core curriculum of plastic surgery with emphasis placed on Comprehensive, Hand/Extremities, Craniomaxillofacial, Cosmetic/Breast and Core Surgical Principles.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/ISE-Resident
ASPS INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTS FORUM
The ASPS International Residents Forum (IRF) gives international residents the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects within ASPS and the ASPS Global Partners, as well as develop new projects specific to residency training and beyond.
This forum serves as the primary modality through which residents can implement change on an international level and impact the future of plastic surgery. Through this program, international residents get the opportunity to gain exposure to organized plastic surgery and develop the necessary skills to pursue leadership positions in the future. of leadership.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IRF.
FUTURE LEADERS START HERE
International Women Plastic Surgeons Forum
The IWPS Forum represents and advocates for the interests and concerns of female plastic surgeons worldwide. The forum seeks to empower, promote, inspire, encourage and enable the international community of women plastic surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals, including leadership in clinical education, research, advocacy and organized medicine endeavors by facilitating collaboration, education and mentorship.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IWPS.
International Young Plastic Surgeons
Driven by a mission to better engage international members and incorporate their diverse experiences into projects that will advance the field of plastic surgery around the world, the ASPS International Young Plastic Surgeons (iYPS) Subcommittee provides a synergy that will help grow strong ties for the future of our societies and specialty.
Plastic surgeons who are younger than 42 years of age or who have been in practice for fewer than eight years are considered young plastic surgeons.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/iYPS.
Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons
The Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons (GAAPS) program seeks to build international alliances among training programs with shared goals and common clinical and research interests. GAAPS offers a true bi-directional exchange between ASPS and its Global Partners to share expertise of plastic surgeons worldwide.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/GAAPS.
International Visiting Professors
The PSF International Visiting Professors program engages ASPS Members with international trainees throughout ASPS Global Partner countries to provide a meaningful exchange of information, knowledge and interactions. The International Visiting Professors instruct these trainees using their clinical, technical and educational expertise.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/IVP.
SHARE
Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstructive, Research and Education (SHARE) seeks to enhance collaboration to improve care and surgical capacity in regions of the world with limited numbers of plastic surgeons – but high incidence of conditions requiring plastic surgery treatment. The SHARE program is tailored to local learners and their environment through education, research and collaboration.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/SHARE.
ASPS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: PROPEL
In an effort to restructure mentorship in plastic surgery, ASPS introduced a program named PROPEL (Professional Resource Opportunities in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Education and Leadership). Rather than a typical one-on-one approach, launch teams are created to provide greater collaboration and an enhanced mentorship experience. Teams consist of a combination of senior and junior faculty and residents. The goal of each group is to build relationships and create a continuum of learning opportunities that reflects the vast yet overlapping experiences between faculty members and trainees in a longitudinal fashion. This allows team members the opportunity to serve as both a mentor and a mentee in various ways.
Information on participating in the next round of PROPEL is available at PlasticSurgery.org/PROPEL
Meaningful mentorship is one of the most critical factors that can lead to a successful career. One of the biggest challenges is finding the right mentor, and figuring out ways to develop these relationships over time. Additionally, the transition from mentee to mentor is one that can be particularly challenging during the early stages of one’s career. We created the PROPEL program in response to these challenges. – Kavitha Ranganathan, MD, Harvard University
It has been a great pleasure to be involved in the PROPEL program as it has enabled myself and mentees to develop a professional and personal relationship to stimulate our practice. It is an amazing way for all plastic surgeons at different stages of training to meet and develop themselves in the future.– Dalvi Humzah, MD, United Kingdom
When it comes to advancing your career in plastic surgery, having a great mentor can make all the difference. Being a successful plastic surgeon requires more than just technical skill. I’m so grateful to have had mentors in my life who have helped me through the tough times and celebrated with me during the good times. – Hector Cesar Duran Vega, MD, Mexico
Participating in the PROPEL program was an unforgettable experience during my residency training. Advice from eminent scholars took away my anxiety and confusion. I also broadened my horizons and learned about the world’s development trend of plastic surgery. – Hayson C. Wang, MD, China
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Since 1946, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (PRS) has been the premier scientific journal for every specialist who employs plastic surgical techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon.
The journal provides reports on the most current and innovative techniques for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast, hand, peripheral nerve, pediatric, craniofacial, burn and experimental. The cosmetic section provides expanded coverage on new procedures and techniques.
Each enrolled resident will receive unlimited access to PRS, including:
• Plastic surgery videos and other web exclusives
• Mobile access
• Topical collections, including coding, safety, psychosocial insights, and more
• PRS Journal Club monthly collections: current content paired with classic materials
• PRS Journal Club podcasts
• Access to all most-cited, most-popular, and most-emailed articles
PRS uses the latest technology to deliver procedural videos and other digital items via PRSJournal.com
To access PRS online, you can login through your PlasticSurgery.org dashboard or register at PRSJournal.com
PRS GLOBAL OPEN
PRS Global Open is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focusing on all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including basic science/ experimental studies pertinent to the field and clinical articles across the specialty.
The mission of PRS Global Open is to disseminate high-quality, peer-reviewed research in plastic and reconstructive surgery to the widest possible global audience, through an open-access platform. As an open-access journal, PRS Global Open offers its content for free to any viewer. Additionally, PRS Global Open provides the rapid review and publication of accepted papers.
To access, go to PRSGlobalOpen.com PRS Global Open Resident Advisory Board
Join the growing, interactive community of residents from across the world by participating in Journal activities. Learn more at PRSJournal.com under “Residents”
Plastic Surgery News
The Society’s award-winning news publication is published eight times per year and highlights multiple areas that affect plastic surgeons, from socioeconomic issues, patient safety and practice management to federal and state legislation, health policy, CPT coding, social media use and other hot topics. In addition to print, the magazine and archived issues are accessible online. Featured stories can also be found online at psnextra.org.
also features regular “Plastic Surgery Resident” and “YPS Perspective” features geared specifically toward young plastic surgeons and residents. The features are written by residents and young plastic surgeons, covering topics that include starting a practice, preparing for fellowship, studying for oral and written boards, participating in international mission work and much more.
PSN Media Update, a weekly e-newsletter, helps keep plastic surgeons informed of the stories that their patients are reading in the mainstream media. PSN also publishes the annual, award-winning Breast Reconstruction patient-facing magazine that features insights from plastic surgeons, breast cancer survivors and patient advocates on FAQs, support groups and the multiple options available to women after mastectomy.
International Residents World Cup
This one-of-a-kind competition pits programs against each other as residents answer questions on case studies and the core curriculum of plastic surgery. Each program located within an ASPS Global Partner country may submit one team of international residents to compete for the championship.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IRWC.
“What I value about ASPS membership: ASPS does a great job trying to keep the large that physical meetings are difficult. Specifically, as a resident, I really appreciated education, but also was a nidus for interesting discussions and catching – Yoshi Toyoda, MD,
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital of Taiwan earned the title of International Residents World Cup Champions in 2024
and widespread plastic surgery community connected, especially now the Virtual Grand Rounds this spring, which not only provided great up with my co-applicant friends across the country each week.” University of Pennsylvania
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF PLASTIC SURGERY
Each year, more than 1,000 members of the Society dedicate their time and talents to serve on ASPS and The PSF committees, work groups, task forces and councils. These inspiring members are actively working not only to support and guide the future of our organizations, but also to advance the plastic surgery specialty and patient care as a whole.
Committee appointments are one year in length and commence with the ceremonial “Passing of the Gavel” at each annual meeting. The application period is Feb. 1 to May 31, and there is no better way to help shape the future of organized plastic surgery. We invite you to take part in these vital initiatives! Opportunities to serve on a committee, work group, task force or council are available within virtually every area of interest and expertise, including education, health policy and research.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Committees.
ADVANCING THE SPECIALTY
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. Founded in 1931, the Society represents 93 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States, and nearly 12,000 plastic surgeons worldwide, making ASPS a global institution and leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The mission of ASPS is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. To support its members in the provision of excellent patient care, ASPS will provide: education, advocacy, practice support and enhanced public awareness of the value of plastic surgery, while fostering the highest professional, ethical and quality standards. The Society is a strong advocate for patient safety and requires its members to operate in accredited surgical facilities that have passed rigorous external review of equipment and staffing.
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE
ASPS works in concert with The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF). Founded in 1948, the mission of The PSF is to foster innovation in plastic surgery and improve quality of life for plastic surgery patients through research and development, charitable care and enhanced public awareness of the value of plastic surgery. The PSF encourages the clinical exposure of plastic surgeons by sponsoring International Visiting Professors and the International Scholar Program. Donations to The PSF also support surgeons who volunteer abroad to help those in need.
Learn more at ThePSF.org.
THANK YOU
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the world’s leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for one reason: our members. We value your contribution to the Society and the plastic surgery specialty as a whole, and we are honored to serve our International Residents from residency to retirement. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in plastic surgery, your unwavering commitment to patient safety and your membership in ASPS. Together, we are leading the world to the future of plastic surgery!
The ASPS Member Services Center is only a phone call or email away PlasticSurgery.org | Membership@PlasticSurgery.org | +1-847-228-9900 ext. 471
Romina Valadez, International Relations Manager rvaladez@plasticsurgery.org | +1-224-330-5821
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