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Video

Professional and Personal Development

(A1021) Pathways to Leadership in Facial Plastic Surgery: A Comprehensive Analysis of AAFPRS Presidents’ Profiles

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Raisa Chowdhury, MSc

    Medical Student
    McGill University
    Montreal, QC, Canada

    • Co-Author(s)

  • NA

    Nisreen Al-Musaileem, MD

    Kuwait ministry of Health, Kuwait City, Kuwait, United States

  • PS

    Philip Solomon, MD

    Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • RR

    Richard Rival, MD

    lecturer
    Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

Introduction: Leadership within the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) has played a pivotal role in advancing facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS). This study evaluates AAFPRS presidential leadership trends over the past two decades, identifying patterns in academic background, clinical expertise, professional development, and humanitarian contributions.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of AAFPRS presidents from 2004–2025 was conducted using institutional profiles, CVs, peer-reviewed literature, and AAFPRS records. Data extracted included medical school, residency, fellowship, academic rank at the time of presidency, practice setting, subspecialty focus, leadership positions, peer-reviewed publications, humanitarian involvement, and notable awards.

Results: Among the presidents, 85% trained at U.S. institutions, with Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and UCSF most represented. All completed Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery residencies and FPRS fellowships, with OHSU and UCSF as the most common sites. At the time of presidency, 45% were full professors, 30% associate professors, and 25% assistant professors. Practice settings included academic (55%), private (30%), and mixed (15%). Rhinoplasty (85%) and facial rejuvenation (75%) were the predominant subspecialties. Leadership roles included department chairs (35%) and division directors (50%), with a mean of >100 peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, 70% participated in international surgical missions, primarily for cleft lip/palate repair and craniofacial reconstruction. Most received national recognition, including Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctors.”

Conclusions: AAFPRS presidents typically follow an academic trajectory, though private practice leadership is increasing. Humanitarian efforts are a common component of their careers. These findings provide insight into leadership development pathways in FPRS and inform mentorship strategies for future leaders.