by Dr. Robert Jackson, AACS Past President

Ronald A. Fragen, MD, a founding member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and former member of the Board of Trustees, passed away on May 28, 2020 in Palm Springs, California.

I have known Dr. Ron Fragen since medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine. He was a couple of years ahead of me. I remember him as someone who made a freshman feel better about the rigors of that first year in school.

Ron was one of the pioneers of this Academy and dedicated himself to advancing education in cosmetic surgery. He served on the AACS Board of Trustees and planned many Annual Scientific Meetings and live surgery workshops as a longtime member of the Education Committee. He also served as an examiner for the oral exam for the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.

Dr. Fragen was known for his dedication to teaching others. He taught current AACS President Dr. Mandell-Brown how to use the Iconoclast instrument for breast capsule surgery at one of my cosmetic workshops. Thereafter, Dr. Mandell-Brown and his office referred to the tool as the “Fragen Iconoclast” in honor of his teaching.

Most importantly, Ron was a dear friend and colleague. He and his wife Carol have so many friends in this organization who will feel a real sense of loss at Ron’s passing. Dr. Ron Fragen was a good man, a good surgeon, a good father and grandfather, and a great friend. He will be missed by this Academy.

Dr. Fragen will be remembered for his influence on cosmetic surgery and his positive effect on the lives of all those who knew him.