Iraqi Surgeons Visit U.S. for Education Exchange of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Techniques

12/15/2003

From: Theresa Hill or Kathleen Corcoran of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 847-228-9900 ext. 349, 350 or media@plasticsurgery.org

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Dec. 15 -- Six Iraqi physicians, including four plastic surgeons, are traveling the United States in an educational exchange of reconstructive plastic surgery techniques. Today these surgeons met with President George W. Bush and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D.

Plastic surgeon Bernard Alpert, M.D., San Francisco, met the physicians while on a humanitarian mission to Iraq to evaluate the medical situation in the war-torn country. Through continued communication with the Iraqi physicians and U.S. plastic surgeons, a grant from the Willa Dean Lyon Center for International Reconstructive Surgical Education and Research at the University of Southern California (USC) brought the physicians to the U.S.

"Iraqi physicians have had years of government-imposed sanctions and professional isolation," explained Dr. Alpert. "Now it is important for the physician community to reach out and assist Iraqi physicians. The sooner the Iraqi medical community is reconnected to the rest of the world, the sooner Iraq's people will be healthier and safer."

While in the U.S., the physicians will learn reconstructive plastic surgery techniques. Their observation began at USC's Keck School of Medicine under the direction of Randy Sherman, M.D., chief, plastic and reconstructive surgery.

"For better of for worse, amazing advances in plastic surgery occur in times of war," said Dr. Sherman. "During World War I physicians developed innovative ways to restore extensive facial and head wounds caused by modern weapons. Many of these techniques became the basis for today's plastic surgery. It is only fitting that the specialty reaches out during the war in Iraq to teach, learn and most importantly heal."

In addition to today's meeting with President Bush, Quraish Al-Kasir, M.D., president of the Iraqi Society of Surgery, sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, spoke at the Surgical Caucus of the American Medical Association Meeting on Dec. 5. Dr. Al-Kasir presented information on Iraq's health care system, the impact of the war on the system, civilian casualties and lessons learned. U.S. Army Surgeon General, LTG James Peake participated in the session.

"The mission of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons is to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients," said Rod Rohrich, M.D., president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "This mission does not stop at U.S. borders. We welcome these visiting plastic surgeons so they can learn, teach their fellow surgeons and care for their patients."

Continuing their trip throughout the U.S., the plastic surgeons will rotate to other medical centers across the country and attend educational meetings. Already they have observed burn care, microscopic and endoscopic procedures and hand surgery at USC and other Los Angeles medical institutions.

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons in your area and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call the ASPS at 888-4-PLASTIC (888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org.