By Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain, President, Cosmetic Surgery Foundation

As I sat down to write this article, I reflected on the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation’s Webster Society and why I have chosen to maintain my membership in it. I found myself thinking about my career and the joy that being a cosmetic surgeon brings me.

My first thoughts were about the society’s namesake, Dr. Richard Webster, who I had the pleasure of meeting during my residency. Dr Webster’s vision of shared knowledge and mentorship made him a true pioneer and innovator. He was the first voice to define the practice of cosmetic surgery. Dr. Webster was also a living example of his values: sharing knowledge, building an inclusive professional community, and, perhaps most importantly, helping and supporting others. It was my respect for Dr. Webster’s legacy and my interest in giving back that led me to become and remain a member of the Webster Society.

The Webster Society is the backbone of the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation, recognizing those who make an annual leadership gift of $1,200 or more. It provides much needed resources, allowing CSF to offer research grants to budding scientist and scholarships to residents and AACS Training Fellows. In many ways, the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation draws on our specialty’s proud past while ensuring our future success and sustainability.

For the year ahead, the Foundation has set some ambitious goals, including:

• Funding four research projects that advance patient safety and scientific knowledge and uncover new methods of cosmetic surgical care
• Providing The Art of Aesthetic Surgery book to all AACS Training Fellows
• Creating a national service program to provide care to members of the armed services wounded in the line of duty and victims of domestic violence

CSF will be hosting two exciting events as part of the AACS 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting:

• Webster Lecture and Research Grant, February 2, 2021, 2:00pm central time: The recipient of the 2021 Webster Award is Peter B. Canalia, JD. Many of you know Peter as the Executive Director for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and as a tireless advocate for cosmetic surgery. Peter’s 30 years of service to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and his loyalty to AACS made him the perfect choice as this year’s recipient.
• Webster Society Virtual Dinner, February 2, 2021, 7:00pm central time: Planning is underway for a virtual dinner event that will include a cooking class and many more surprises. Every Webster Society member will get a ticket for two to participate. We’ll share more details soon! Mark your calendar now and if you haven’t already, make a donation so you’ll be able to attend.

We all know how difficult year the past year has been. Many of us were forced to close our practices for months, and yet still maintained the highest level of patient care and provided support for our families and employees.

Nonetheless, we are the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation, and we must not falter. We must overcome these obstacles and distractions, and demonstrate our commitment to those we serve. We have an exciting year planned, but we cannot make any of it happen without your generous support. As such, I hope you will join me in supporting the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation. Giving is an honor to those we help, not just another check we write.

Please make your Webster Society donation of $1,200 today by visiting us online or mailing a check to Cosmetic Surgery Foundation, 225 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60606. Our goal is to renew all Webster Society members by December 31, 2020.

You can also support us by designating CSF as your charity on Amazon Smile. Then, when you shop, Amazon will donate a portion of all your purchases to the Foundation. Visit the CSF website for more instructions on how to get started.

Your donation today helps ensure the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation will be there to advance the art and science of cosmetic surgery tomorrow.

Learn more about the Cosmetic Surgery Foundation or make a donation.