The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) is pleased to announce that Edward H. Farrior, MD, FACS of Tampa, Florida, has been elected President of the organisation and will serve the 2013–2014 year term, taking office in October 2013. He brings more than 25 years of experience as a leader in the field of facial plastic surgery, as well as academic appointments at the University of South Florida and the University of Virginia.

The AAFPRS is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. The organisation’s mission is to educate medical professionals, government and the general public about facial plastic surgery as a specialty that requires intensive training and competence, embodies high ethical standards, artistic ideals, commitment to humanitarian service, and a desire to enhance the quality of human life.

‘It is an honour to be elected as president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by my peers,’ said Dr Farrior. ‘I hope to continue the mission of outgoing president Dr Robert Kellman and will maintain the focus of executing the AAFPRS’ goals of education and service in this specialty.’

Dr Farrior comes from six generations of surgeons and his father, Richard T. Farrior, MD, was one of the organisation’s founders as well as its fourth president. Dr Farrior’s advanced knowledge and training is evident through his dual-board certification from the American Board of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Since beginning his practice in 1987, he has become a leader in the field of facial plastic surgery. He founded the Farrior Facial Plastic and Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery Center in 1995, a state-of-the-art office-based surgical center in South Tampa that’s fully accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Healthcare Centers.

Dr Farrior is renowned for his expertise in facial plastic surgery, with a particular focus on rhinoplasty. He has had more than 40 publications and lectures on a national and international level. ‘Facial plastic surgery is constantly changing, and I have made a commitment to staying current in my field through education and training.’

Knowing the importance of giving back, Dr Farrior provides free medical service to those in need. ‘I feel privileged to be able to serve my local community and we make that central to my practice, as I encourage my staff to serve others as well,’ said Dr Farrior. He is actively involved in the Spring of Tampa Bay, a local shelter for abused women and children, including serving on the Board of Directors.

He also participates in the AAFPRS’ FACE TO FACE programme, which provides pro-bono cosmetic and reconstructive surgery services to abused women. In 2000, Dr Farrior was awarded the Physician Humanitarian Award for his contributions to the community, as well as the Community Service Award from AAFPRS in 2002.

AAFPRS Meetings

New Orleans played host to the 48th annual American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) Fall meeting, which was held on 19–21 October, 2013.

This 3-day meeting comprised thought-provoking panels, informative sessions and a roster of 80 instructional courses. Speakers from multiple specialties, including facial plastic surgery, plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and dermatology were present, and the focus was on surgical innovations as well as neurotoxins, fillers, lasers and light based systems, and minimally-invasive options. There was also a practice management track to help teach attendees how to manage, market and enhance their practices. 

In honour of the AAFPRS 50th anniversary, the 11th International Symposium on Facial Plastic Surgery will take place on 27–31 May, 2014 in New York City at the Marriott Marquis.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the world’s largest specialty association for facial plastic surgery. It represents more than 2700 facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons throughout the world. For further information visit www.AAFPRS.org