
Orange, CA – August 7, 2024 – The Arthur L. Garnes Society (The Garnes Society), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion in plastic and reconstructive surgery, recently announced a collaborative initiative with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) to endow the Ferdinand Ofodile Lecture on Diversity in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Designed to foster critical conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the specialty, the planned debut of this prestigious lecture will be at Plastic Surgery The Meeting (PSTM) 2025.
The Garnes Society seeks to raise $100,000 to endow the landmark lecture, ensuring its ongoing presence at PSTM and its lasting impact on the field. Funds will support ongoing speaker fees, travel expenses, and program development.
“We are thrilled to partner with ASPS and PSTM on this important initiative,” says Dr. Paris Butler, founding member of the Garnes Society. “The Ferdinand Ofodile Lecture will provide a platform to elevate diverse voices and foster meaningful conversations about inclusion within plastic and reconstructive surgery. By establishing an endowment, we ensure this vital dialogue continues for years to come.”
ASPS is also excited about the development of this new lecture series. The lecture series honors the legacy of Dr. Ferdinand Ofodile, Clinical Professor Emeritus and Special Lecturer in Surgery at Columbia University, former Chief of Plastic Surgery, Program Director, Associate Director of Surgery, and Site Director at Harlem Hospital, the nation’s first plastic and reconstructive surgery training program at a predominantly Black hospital, and protégé of Dr. Garnes.
“ASPS is honored to partner with The Arthur L. Garnes Society on this important initiative,” says Peter Taub, MD, ASPS Board Vice President of Education. “Dr. Ofodile’s steadfast commitment to promoting diversity within plastic surgery make him an ideal namesake for the lectureship.”
The Garnes Society invites individuals and organizations to contribute to this critical initiative. Donations of all sizes are welcome and can be made securely online or by mailing a check to The Arthur L. Garnes Society, 960 N. Tustin St. #330, Orange, CA 92867.
About the Garnes Society
The Garnes Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing diversity and inclusion within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The Society works to create a more equitable environment for all patients and surgeons through education, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives.
About the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 11,000 physician members worldwide, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 92 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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. 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.
About Plastic Surgery The Meeting
Plastic Surgery The Meeting brings together the best and the 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.
The conference is intended for plastic surgeons, trainees and other allied health professionals interested in translating their expanding knowledge into practice, improving patient care and outcomes. Plastic Surgery The Meeting has provided generations of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons the education they need to grow all aspects of their surgical career and practice.