WHO: The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), the world’s largest association of facial plastic surgeons. FACE TO FACE is a humanitarian and educational surgical exchange program sponsored by the Educational and Research Foundation for the (AAFPRS).
WHAT: An interdisciplinary medical team of 16 including six AAFPRS facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon members will soon travel to the Ukraine on a medical mission to assist those with facial injuries suffered because of the Russia/Ukraine conflict.
The AAFPRS, with its extensive network of board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons, is working to partner with local organizations in Ukraine and adjacent countries to share members’ expertise in the management of complex facial injuries and to send facial plastic surgeons into a safe environment where care can be provided to those who are injured and in need of reconstructive and urgent facial surgery services. The AAFPRS will also treat injured Ukrainian refugees, providing pro bono care through its network of FACE TO FACE members.
FACE TO FACE is coordinating with various organizations including Razom, and Dr. Ivanka Nebor, founder of InGenius, as well as individuals on the ground in Ukraine, to get a better understanding of how AAFPRS members can safely and productively assist with local partners.
This trip was initiated by AAFPRS member and facial plastic surgeon John Frodel, MD. "When I started watching the horrors that were happening in Ukraine at the end of February, I couldn't help but think that this was going to be very bad, as it involved over 100,000 invading Russian troops. It became obvious that there were going to be many soldiers and civilians involved with potentially devastating injuries. It seemed to be a time for FACE TO FACE to offer some assistance.”
FACE TO FACE Committee Chair Manoj Abraham, MD immediately assembled a group of AAFPRS physicians with experience in organizing and conducting medical trips around the world. Dr. Abraham has extensive experience in this area and has been instrumental in orchestrating medical trips to Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia, India and multiple other international sites. AAFPRS President, Dr. Corey Maas, MD, among others, will also make the trip.
WHEN: The nine day mission is scheduled for mid-September to two hospitals.
INTERVIEWS: For more information or to connect with an AAFPRS spokesperson, please contact - Pattymathews@kelzmedia.com.
ABOUT THE AAFPRS:
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. It represents more than 2,200 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. The AAFPRS is a National Medical Specialty Society of the American Medical Association (AMA), and holds an official seat in both the AMA House of Delegates and the American College of Surgeons board of governors. AAFPRS members are board certified surgeons whose focus is surgery of the face, head, and neck (inclusive of Rhinoplasty and Facial Rejuvenation). More information at [www.aafprs.org]www.aafprs.org.
ABOUT FACE TO FACE:
Founded in 1992, FACE TO FACE is a humanitarian and educational surgical exchange program sponsored by the Educational and Research Foundation for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). Both in the United States and abroad, AAFPRS surgeons and other medical professionals provide complimentary care to those who suffer from facial deformities caused by birth or trauma. To date, it is estimated that FACE TO FACE volunteers have helped over one thousand people worldwide.
Source:
AAFPRS
