THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS
WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS!
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is honored to count you as an International Member of the world’s leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. The core values of ASPS embody excellence in plastic surgery through education, research, intellectual exchange and patient safety. The Society represents the interests of all highly-trained plastic surgeons across the globe – innovators and visionaries recognized, trusted and respected worldwide under the ASPS Symbol of Excellence.
Thanks to International Members like you, ASPS is able to translate its core values into action. Since 1931, ASPS has worked tirelessly to support the ongoing success of each plastic surgeon the Society has had the privilege to represent. From cutting-edge education and research to expanding global partnership and advancing patient care, ASPS is committed to serving your needs.
The plastic surgery specialty has grown monumentally since the Society’s founding, and it will continue to do so as time progresses. One constant, however, is our dedication to you, from residency through retirement.
We value your contribution to the Society and the specialty as a whole.
Thank you for being an International Member of ASPS!
MISSION DRIVEN
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is guided by a mission to advance quality care to plastic surgery patients around the world by encouraging high standards of training, ethics, physician practice and research in plastic surgery. To support its International Members in the provision of excellent patient care, ASPS provides education, practice support and enhanced public awareness of the value of plastic surgery. The Society fosters the highest professional, ethical and quality standards and is a strong advocate for patient safety.
To review the ASPS Code of Ethics, please visit PlasticSurgery.org/CodeofEthics.
WHY ASPS?
ASPS … from Residency through Retirement
Recognized, trusted and respected by the public, organized medicine, industry and regulators as the authoritative voice of plastic surgery, ASPS is the world’s largest specialty organization of plastic surgeons. Founded in 1931, the Society represents nearly 12,000 members worldwide, making it a premier global institution and the leading authority on reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery.
International Members of ASPS represent the very best and brightest minds in the specialty, committed to rigorous standards to maintain excellence in medical and ethical conduct. ASPS works tirelessly to position our members for success in a highly competitive environment and we welcome plastic surgeons, residents, fellows and associates who seek to advance the science of the specialty.
In addition to leading the specialty on an international level through the Global Leadership Forum platform, ASPS provides International Members with all the resources and information they need in one convenient, easily accessible online destination.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/International.
A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Answering the Need for Ongoing Education
From procedure-specific presentations and insightful case reviews to leadership training and practice management, ASPS provides industry-leading education and networking events for every vital area of interest within the specialty.
PSTM2025 | Oct. 9-12, 2025 in New Orleans, LA
PSTM2026 | Oct. 15-18, 2026 in Houston, TX
PSTM2027 | Sept. 16-19, 2027 in Baltimore, MD
PLASTIC SURGERY THE MEETING: THE LARGEST SCIENTIFIC SPECIALTY MEETING OF THE YEAR
Every year, the world’s leading plastic surgeons converge at Plastic Surgery The Meeting to share their expertise, network with colleagues, discuss leading-edge scientific advancements and explore the latest surgical techniques. With instructional courses, educational sessions, hands-on training, social gatherings, networking events and hundreds of exhibits, Plastic Surgery The Meeting is the annual, global flagship event for the absolute latest in the plastic surgery specialty.
Learn more at PlasticSurgeryTheMeeting.com.
ASPS EdNet and ASPS University
Developed to support plastic surgeons throughout all stages of their careers, the ASPS Education Network offers fresh content every month with an increasingly vast collection of multimedia learning activities.
From introductory courses, podcasts and the Resident Education Center to case reports, surgical videos and deep-dive topics, ASPS EdNet provides a full continuum of free and premium learning resources to keep your skills sharp on your own schedule.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Education.
Global Partners Webinar Series
Created in collaboration with our partners from around the world, the Global Partners Webinar Series is an innovative educational offering that brings together international leaders in the specialty for in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics in plastic surgery, from best practices in breast, body and facial procedures to hot topics in education and more.
Each installment of the Global Partners Webinar Series is free for members and available online on ASPS EdNet following the live event.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/GPWS.
THE PSF
Advancing the Science of Plastic Surgery
The Plastic Surgery Foundation is the most distinguished research foundation in the specialty and collaborates with the AAHS, AAPPS, AAPS, ACEPS, ASMS, ASRM, ASPN, CSPS, and PSRC. Supported by member donations, The PSF not only promotes, encourages and fosters the next generation of researchers, but also provides meaningful data, develops clinical trials and sponsors programs programs such as the Breast Reconstruction Awareness Campaign, Visiting Professors, International Visiting Professors, Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons (GAAPS), Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE) and the International Scholar Program with Smile Train and The Peer Foundation scholarships and more.
Research and global outreach embody the core values of The PSF, and programs such as International Visiting Professors and The PSF Grants Program help advance the specialty and standards for patient care across the globe. Providing high levels of financial support for investigator-initiated research helps ensure plastic surgeons have the necessary resources to develop tomorrow’s treatments – and supporting plastic surgeons who volunteer internationally gives patients who are most in need access to today’s best care.
Opportunities for participation in The PSF Grants Program are available to surgeon scientists from pilot research grants and research fellowships to support for residents and junior faculty, to The National Endowment for Plastic Surgery Grant designed to translate clinical or basic science research into clinically relevant advancements with a high likelihood of impacting daily practice and patient care within the next few years. The PSF Grants Program also offers multiple grants focusing on specific areas of interest, including wound healing, breast implant safety, breast reconstruction, allograft tissue transplantation and more.
Learn more at ThePSF.org.
International Visiting Professors
The PSF International Visiting Professors program engages ASPS Members with international trainees throughout ASPS Global Partner countries to provide a meaningful exchange of information, knowledge and interactions. The International Visiting Professors instruct these trainees using their clinical, technical and educational expertise.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/Intl-Visiting-Professors.
Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons
Global Advancement for Academic Plastic Surgeons (GAAPS) is an international exchange program that provides a mechanism for academic programs in the United States and Canada to engage in meaningful educational exchange and training opportunities with plastic surgery programs worldwide.
The program seeks to build international alliances among training programs with shared goals and common clinical and research interests. GAAPS offers a true bi-directional exchange that draws on the expertise of Global Partners to offer opportunities to academic centers, which highly value international relationships but may not otherwise have the means to provide or administer an exchange program for a plastic surgery division or department.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/GAAPS.
International Scholars
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Plastic Surgery Foundation’s (The PSF) International Scholar Program enables plastic surgeons from abroad to study at several host plastic surgery institutions in the United States. The plastic surgeons selected for this program have completed their plastic surgery training and are in the developmental stage of their clinical or research studies.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/Intl-Scholars.
PIONEERING RESEARCH
Leading the Way to Tomorrow’s Treatments
Charged with identifying emerging and ongoing plastic surgery areas in need of further scientific research, The Plastic Surgery Foundation’s Research Oversight Council has identified the following high-priority research areas in plastic surgery: tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, fat grafting and adipose matrices, allograft dermis/epidermis for wound healing, vascularized composite allograft, breast reconstruction, the use of biologics in breast reconstruction, surgical education, safety, outcomes and health services research studies, comparative effectiveness/cost studies, breast implants and ALCL.
Opportunities for participation in The PSF Grants program include SmileTrain, Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day, The Peer Foundation, International Visiting Professors and SHARE.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/Research.
PUBLISHING EXCELLENCE
Scientific Journals
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
There’s a reason why Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is the No. 1 plastic surgery in the world: Since 1946, it has been an unfailingly exceptiona who employs the broad spectrum of plastic surgery techniques or works in conjunction with a plastic surgeon.
As the official journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, peer-reviewed publication that brings readers breakthrough research, in-depth studies and necessary follow-up in the latest techniques and trends across all areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including post-cancer breast surgeries, cosmetic outcomes and advances in reconstruction.
PRS is also recognized among the most innovative of all medical journals, video, podcasts and social media to offer the most vibrant reader experience imaginable. Visit online at PRSJournal.com.
PRS Global Open
PRS Global Open, the official open-access journal of ASPS, publishes the latest peer-reviewed updates and advances in plastic surgery from nearly 60 nations, including experimental laboratory research, intriguing and perplexing case reports, personal operative and clinical technique videos, and relevant original content. educates patients, the public and affiliated specialists about p surgery to improve safety, outcomes and care worldwide, one open-access article at a time.
Offering researchers an accelerated time from acceptance to publication, has become a destination for authors to rapidly publish peer-reviewed, cutting-edge manuscripts that can be accessed worldwide in an open-access format. is discoverable in PubMed and indexed in PubMed Central, Directory of Open Access
Journals and Emerging Sources Citation Index. PRS Global Open received its inaugural impact factor in 2023. These milestones are a testament to the high quality of the journal and its peer-review process.
Visit online at PRSGlobalOpen.com.
News Publications
Plastic Surgery News
The Society’s award-winning news publication is published eight times per year and highlights multiple areas that affect plastic surgeons, from socioeconomic issues, patient safety and practice management to federal and state legislation, health policy, CPT coding, social media use and other hot topics. In addition to print, the magazine and archived issues are accessible online. Featured stories can also be found online at psnextra.org.
PSN also features regular “Plastic Surgery Resident” and “YPS Perspective” features geared specifically toward young plastic surgeons and residents. The features are written by residents and young plastic surgeons, covering topics that include starting a practice, preparing for fellowship, studying for oral and written boards, participating in international mission work and much more.
PSN Media Update, a weekly e-newsletter, helps keep plastic surgeons informed of the stories that their patients are reading in the mainstream media. PSN also publishes the annual, award-winning Breast Reconstruction patient-facing magazine that features insights from plastic surgeons, breast cancer survivors and patient advocates on FAQs, support groups and the multiple options available to women after mastectomy.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Publications.
ASPS journals and periodicals maintain active international relevance through the inclusion of editorial representation from members in our Global Partners Network.
THE TECHNOLOGY TO SUCCEED
PlasticSurgery.org: Where Patients Begin their Search
The ASPS website welcomes more than 11 million online visits from the public each year, giving worldwide access to individuals with an interest in plastic surgery a resource to find trusted information on plastic surgical procedures, pose questions to board-certified plastic surgeons and find ASPS members in their local region and country. The ASPS website (PlasticSurgery.org) is an authoritative source on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, providing before-and-after photos, video content, blogs, interactive features and much more. PlasticSurgery.org educates patients about safety, preparation, recovery, results – and the importance of consulting an ASPS member for any plastic surgery procedure.
Digital Destination for ASPS Members
The ASPS mobile app and website also provide members with vital information, including a complete membership roster, committee information, discussion board, calendar and the latest information in the specialty and the Society. Download the free ASPS Mobile App for Apple and Android devices, or login to your Member Dashboard at PlasticSurgery.org to maximize your ASPS experience.
A SOCIETY WITHOUT BORDERS
Global Partners Network
To advance patient care and plastic surgery on a global scale, ASPS actively seeks to foster a worldwide community dedicated to excellence within the specialty. To achieve this goal, ASPS has formalized agreements with over 50 national plastic surgery societies from around the world.
Each national plastic surgery society with which ASPS partners has achieved high standards in plastic surgery – and in a mutual recognition of standards, governance and ethics, all members of each National Society are eligible to join the other as an International Member.
ADVANCING THE SPECIALTY
Shape the Future of Plastic Surgery
Each year, more than 1,000 members of the Society dedicate their time and talent to serve on ASPS and PSF committees, work groups, task forces and councils. These inspiring members are actively working not only to support and guide the future of our organizations, but also to advance the plastic surgery specialty and patient care as a whole, both domestically and internationally.
Committee appointments are one year in length and commence with the ceremonial “Passing of the Gavel” at each annual meeting. The annual application period is Feb. 1 to May 31, and there is no better way to help shape the future of organized plastic surgery. We invite you to take part in these vital initiatives!
Opportunities to serve on a committee, work group, task force or council are available within virtually every area of interest and expertise, including education, health policy and research.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Committees.
FUTURE LEADERS START HERE
Networking and Career Development
International Women Plastic Surgeons Forum
The IWPS Forum represents and advocates for the interests and concerns of female plastic surgeons worldwide. The forum seeks to empower, promote, inspire, encourage and enable the international community of women plastic surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals, including leadership in clinical education, research, advocacy and organized medicine endeavors by facilitating collaboration, education and mentorship.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IWPS.
International Young Plastic Surgeons
A vital resource for young plastic surgeons, the iYPS Forum acts as a liaison between plastic surgeons in the early stages of their careers and established ASPS member surgeons. Among the many initiatives of iYPS is PROPEL, an innovative team-based approach to mentorship in plastic surgery. Through programs like PROPEL and others, the diverse iYPS community is afforded opportunities for networking, collaboration, political advocacy and leadership development.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/iYPS.
SHARE
Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstructive, Research and Education (SHARE) seeks to enhance collaboration to improve care and surgical capacity in regions of the world with limited numbers of plastic surgeons – but high incidence of conditions requiring plastic surgery treatment. The SHARE program is tailored to local learners and their environment through education, research and collaboration.
Learn more at ThePSF.org/SHARE.
International Residents Forum
The ASPS International Residents Forum (IRF) gives international residents the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects within ASPS and the ASPS Global Partners, as well as develop new projects specific to residency training and beyond.
This forum serves as the primary modality through which residents can implement change on an international level and impact the future of plastic surgery. Through this program, international residents get the opportunity to gain exposure to \organized plastic surgery and develop the necessary skills to pursue leadership positions in the future.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IRF.
PROPEL
Professional Resource Opportunities in PRS Education and Leadership (PROPEL) is a mentorship program that brings together teams of plasticsurgeons at varying points in their careers to foster greater collaboration and a meaningful mentorship experience. Teams consist of a combination of senior and junior faculty and residents and are curated based on individual preferences and interests. The goal of each group is to build relationships and create a continuum of learning opportunities that reflects the vast, yet overlapping experiences between faculty members and trainees in a longitudinal fashion, offering participants the opportunity to serve as both a mentor and a mentee.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Propel
International Residents World Cup
This one-of-a-kind competition pits programs against each otheras residents answer questions on case studies and the core curriculum of plastic surgery. Each program located within an ASPS Global Partner country may submit one team of international residents to compete for the championship. Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/IRWC.
The following residency programs from ASPS Global Partner countries competed in the 2024 International Residents World Cup:
University Hospital Brussels (Belgium)
Universidad Federal do Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)
Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia (Indonesia)
Shaare Zedek Medical Center (Israel)
University of Genoa (Italy)
Central South High Specialty Hospital (Mexico)
Hospital Ruben Lenero (Mexico)
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru)
SPCPRE Training Program (Peru)
PAPRAS TrainingProgram (Philippines)
Agrippa Ionesco Bucharest (Romania)
Saudi Plastic Surgery CentralRegion (Saudi Arabia)
Seoul National University Hospital (South Korea)
Cathay General Hospital (Taiwan)
Selcuk University (Turkey)
Queen Victoria Hospital (United Kingdom)
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital of Taiwan earned the title of International Residents World Cup Champions in 2024
ASPS Global Leadership Forum
An international platform for global plastic surgery leaders, the ASPS Global Leadership Forum provides opportunities for international leaders in plastic surgery to discuss best practices from around the world as well as cutting-edge techniques and issues specific to their home countries. Through the Global Leadership Forum, members have the opportunity to share ideas and generate innovative solutions that advance the specialty on a global front.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/GlobalPartners.
PRODUCTS & SERVICES
Peer-Reviewed to Support Your Practice
The Society offers a one-stop shop to expand or establish a practice through a vast array of membership products and services, including plaques, certificates and other membership accessories. In addition, the Society also offers a full suite of peer-reviewed materials to not only help educate your patients, but also keep your practice top of mind following a consultation.
Build Trust with a Custom Online Profile
Millions visit the ASPS website to get informed, be prepared and find a great surgeon — like you! With a custom online profile, your practice microsite is visible throughout PlasticSurgery.org, so potential patients are introduced to you, not just your practice information. Plus, ASPS members with custom online profiles enjoy five times the consultation requests through the ASPS referral service and patient community. Set up your profile today and be the answer on the international platform where patients search.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/Shop.
Global Training Directory
In recognition of the importance of international training opportunities, ASPS maintains an online Global Training Directory to help members find opportunities around the world for Fellowships, Observerships, Internships, Preceptorships and Externships.
Learn more at PlasticSurgery.org/GlobalTraining.
ASPS Global Newsletter
The ASPS Global Newsletter is issued quarterly to over 3,000 international plastic surgeons and residents in almost 100 countries. ASPS Members and Residents are given the opportunity to contribute and spread awareness of plastic surgery news happening in their part of the globe.
THANK YOU!
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the world’s leading authority on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures for one reason: members like you. We value your contribution to the Society and the plastic surgery specialty as a whole, and we are honored to serve our International Members from residency to retirement. Thank you for your dedication to excellence in plastic surgery, your unwavering commitment to patient safety and your membership in ASPS. Together, we are leading the world to the future of plastic surgery!
