| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC SURGERY (AACS) ANNOUNCESNEW WOMEN IN COSMETIC SURGERY SECTION FOR MEMBERS (June 17, 2021–CHICAGO, IL)— At a time when the majority of cosmetic surgery patients are women, while cosmetic surgeons are predominantly men(1) and gender inequality and harassment continue to challenge women in surgery(2), the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) has created a forum to support the professional and personal development of female cosmetic surgeon members at all career levels. The AACS is the world’s largest multi-specialty home for physicians dedicated to cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine. Known as the AACS Women in Cosmetic Surgery Section (WICS), this new subgroup provides opportunities for AACS members to network, participate in mentorship, improve leadership skills, and experience other benefits to promote their growth as cosmeticsurgeons. The WICS Section is spearheaded by Jane Petro, MD and Suzan Obagi, MD, both Past Presidents of the AACS, who co-chair the AACS Committee by the same name. Dr. Petro notes, “Our goal is to help women surgeons develop their individual potential as professionals and promote an environment within and outside of AACS that fosters inclusion, respect, and success. We applaud AACS President Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown and the Board of Trustees for approving the concept of the WICS Section, reflecting an important commitment to equality.” Dr. Obagi adds, “We are excited about the work ahead, which will focus on offering female AACS members mutual support, encouragement and mentorship so that together, we can bring positive change to the field of cosmetic surgery.” Earlier this year, Drs. Petro and Obagi published an editorial in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, which shares their insightful perspectives on the relevance and significance of the AACS’ WICS Section. The following AACS members serve on the WICS Committee: Rania Agha, MD; Cynthia A. Buono, DO; Annalise Boisvert, MD, FACOG, NCMP; Roxana Barad, MD; Jessica West, DO; Sheila Barbarino, MD, FAAO, FACS; Tiziana Lazzari, MD (international member), and Sepideh Sabooree, MD, DMD (resident member). For more information, visit: AACS WICS Section About the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) is committed to advancing the multi-specialty, global disciplines of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine for the benefit of patients and practitioners. Since its inception in 1985, the AACS has become the leading educational provider for cosmetic surgery practitioners from a diverse array of medical specialties, including dermatology, oral & maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, general surgery, ophthalmology, and plastic/reconstructive surgery. AACS comprises 1,600 members who pursue educational and training opportunities in cosmetic surgery to ensure consistently high quality patient care. References 1.Petro, J. A., & Obagi, S. (2021). Women in Cosmetic Surgery: Why the New Committee. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 38(2), 58–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/0748806821989901 2. American College of Surgeons, 2018 ACS Governors Survey: Gender inequality and harassment remain a challene in surgery, by Hiba Abdel Aziz, MBBCh, FACS, Christopher DuCoin, MD, MPH, FACS, David J. Welsh, MD, FACS, Juan C. Paramo, MD, FACS, Peter Andreone, MD, FACS, David W. Butsch, MD, FACS, Julian A. Smith, MB, BS, FACS, Susan E. Pories, MD, FACS and Nancy N. Baxter, MD, FACS, available in this link,September 2019. Contact: Nancy Balik FitzGerald | 760.333.9296 | gro.yregruscitemsoc@dlaregztifn |