Medical volunteers and philanthropic supporters, including MTF Biologics, enable Mission Plasticos to provide free allograft tissue for reconstructive breast surgery. This ensures access to surgery for women regardless of their economic situation, organization officials say.

“At MTF Biologics, we are committed to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions and impactful collaborations, and are proud of our work with Mission Plasticos, an organization that shares our vision of making a positive difference in the world,” says Joe Yaccarino, CEO of MTF Biologics. “As the 2023 Corporate Humanitarian Honoree, we are truly honored to be recognized for our efforts.”

“Together,” Yaccarino says, “we are addressing the challenges to improve the lives of women during their difficult journey with breast cancer, empowering them to lead healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.”

Susan Williamson, executive director at Mission Plasticos, also spoke out about the gala, commenting: “Without corporations like MTF Biologics and their philanthropic investments, we would not be able to provide treatment to as many patients as we currently do. Their dedication to ensuring that every woman receives a full journey of care is a quality that we at Mission Plasticos deeply appreciate and for which we are immensely grateful.”

Helping Burn Victims in Ukraine

Ukraine has a high number of burn victims across the country. Most patients come from areas that don’t have a safe way to heat their homes, have unsafe cooking situations, unsafe water heaters setup, or other unsafe living conditions which result in serious burns. Their living conditions have been made worse by the conflict, with the demand for procedures increasing.

But this is where Brown and his team come in. Each year, Brown selects two plastic surgery residents from the University of Michigan to accompany him on a trip to Ukraine to assist Ukrainian surgeons in burn procedures.

Due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine though, this year’s trip instead headed to to the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Lecnza, Poland. “Despite not being able to enter Ukraine, I felt that it is important to continue with the trip and make every effort to help where we could,” says Brown. “We were able to successfully operate on some difficult pediatric cases and set these children up to continue to grow into healthy adults.”

Treatment Across the Border

Typically, the group performs around 50 procedures over the course of a week. But this year, 21 pediatric patients needed extensive, complex surgeries. The nonprofit group who funded the trip, Doctors Collaborating to Help Children, paid for the patients’ travel expenses to cross the border and receive their treatment.

“Normally we are going to the children in their own country. Being in Poland changed how much this trip would cost so we had to be selective,” says Brown. “Some of the children we saw traveled over 30 hours to come receive treatment.”

Artem Posunko, MD, a plastic surgeon from the Regional Medical Center of Family Health in Dnipro, Ukraine, helped Brown and his team identify children across Ukraine that would benefit from the team’s work and needed to be operated on soon due to burns inhibiting their quality of life.

The burns endured by some of these patients were all in locations that were inhibiting their bodies to grow, – such as the backs of their legs or on their hands. Without proper removal of the scar tissue, their skin would not be able to rejuvenate, resulting in difficulty walking or completing daily tasks as they grew older.

“The surgeons in Ukraine are more than capable of performing these procedures, the issue lies in a lack of ability to get proper supplies,” says Brown. “We rely on their team to guide us to the severest cases, and they rely on our team to bring supplies that they may have limited access to that are needed to perform these procedures. We aim to work with the Ukrainian surgeons, not for them.”

In tandem with Polish surgeons, Brown and plastic surgery residents from U-M, Gina Sacks, MD, and Alfred Yoon, MD, worked alongside a team of 10 who traveled from Shriners Children’s Boston, Harvard University, Washington University, and places in Texas to assist in reconstructing the skin of these patients.

Yoon recalled the positive attitude of one patient after a particularly difficult procedure. “I was amazed at the resilience and strength of the children of Ukraine. Even the day after a complex hand reconstruction, the children were moving around and smiling as if nothing happened,” says Yoon. “It was evident that because of the war and resulting adversities, their personalities have hardened, and they did not consider recovering from surgery to be difficult at all.”

The team noticed many similar reactions from patients and their families as well. Despite the complexity of the procedures, or the pain of the recovery, they expressed gratitude towards the team for providing such care.

Leaving an Impact

Brown describes his experience as a double-edged sword. “The high case load combined with the jet lag can be physically exhausting, but the experience is true and raw,” he says. “Sometimes you lose sight of how much of a difference this work can make when you are consistently performing operations here in the United States. Seeing the difference these procedures make not only in the lives of the patients but also their families remind you how meaningful this work is.”

Yoon shares a similar sentiment. “Experiences like this brings me back to why I first embarked on this journey to become a surgeon, for the patient,” he says.

Brown hopes to continue participating in these trips with other Michigan Medicine residents for years to come. “I’m grateful to the Doctors Collaborating to Help Children foundation for making these trips possible,” says Brown. “Seeing the impact our work has on these children is a truly heartwarming and grounding experience.”

Featured image: The group poses outside the Independent Public Health Care Facility in Lecnza, Poland.

While the number of women-owned businesses in the country continues to grow, and is now estimated at 42% of all businesses in the U.S., there is more work to be done, particularly in helping ideas translate into business opportunities addressing the so-called “confidence gap.”

“There were so many remarkable applications that featured thoughtful business solutions,” says Carrie Strom, president, Global Allergan Aesthetics and senior vice president, AbbVie. “BOTOX Cosmetic was born out of the entrepreneurial spirit and its more than 20-year history is rooted in people seeing a challenge and finding an answer. Each of the women selected to receive a grant saw a need for change, and set out to make a positive difference in the world. We are thrilled to celebrate them and support their businesses.”

In the coming months, the grant recipients will engage in a 10-week Crowdfunding Accelerator Program and learn from experts in various fields. The intensive coaching program curriculum will include important business topics such as network mapping, content marketing, social media, public relations, and crowdfunding for their business, helping them to further refine and optimize their strategies. In addition to the IFundWomen coaches, leaders from BOTOX Cosmetic will be joining the coaching staff for the Accelerator Program, which is a first for IFundWomen’s partnerships. 

“As a woman entrepreneur myself, I know how hard it can be to overcome the ‘Confidence Gap.’ Every day we find ourselves questioning if we have what it takes, and sometimes all we need to find that resounding ‘yes’ is a little bit of affirmation from the outside world,” says Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs Surgeon and founder of skin and aesthetic surgery of Manhattan. “I am honored to be a part of the advisory group alongside my peers to help provide these women with that affirmation. Each one of these women and their businesses are doing important work and are so deserving of these grants.”

In addition to Henry, the entrepreneur healthcare professionals who aided in the grant recipient selection included Camille G. Cash, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Camille G. Cash, MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery; Shawna Chrisman, nurse practitioner and founder of Destination Aesthetics™; Terrence Keaney, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SkinDC; Caroline Robinson, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Tone Dermatology; Sherly Soleiman, MD, board-certified physician and founder and medical director of Cosmetic Injectables Center; and Yvette Suarez, MD, FAAMM, board-certified physician and founder and owner of Bella Excellence. 

The grant winners and their businesses are:

• Adorn Me Africa: Elorm Dela-Seshie (Boston)—@adornmeafrica
• Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs: Monika Jefferson (Hampton, Va.) —@amseagency
• BlackTravelBox^®: Orion Brown (Denver.)—@blacktravelbox
• Bri’s Dance Place:  Brianna Hairlson (Gary, Ind.) —@brisdanceplace
• Everviolet: Keira Kotler (San Anselmo, Calif.) —@everviolet
• Fourplay Social: Danielle Dietzek and Julie Griggs (New York, N.Y.)—@fourplaydating
• Grounded: Danuelle Doswell and Mignon Hemsley (Washington, D.C.)—@groun.ded
• InFlow Entertainment: Lisa Crnic (Los Angeles)—@inflow_entertainment
• Kola Goodies: Sajani Amarasiri (San Francisco) —@kolagoodies
• Love Cork Screw: Chrishon Lampley (Chicago) —@lovecorkscrew
• Makhers Studio: Wanona Satcher (Atlanta) —@makhersstudio
• Money News Network: Nicole Lapin (Los Angeles) —@moneynews
• No Limbits: Erica Cole (Richmond, Va.) —@no.limbits
• Nomads Swimwear: Taylor Long (Atlanta)—@nomadsswimwear
• Postal Petals: Talia Boone (Los Angeles) —@postalpetals
• Progeny Coffee: Maria Palacio (Palo Alto, Calif.)—@progeny_coffee
• Southern Roots Vegan Bakery: Cara Pitts (Converse, Texas) —@southernrootsbiz
• SWAIR: Carrie Sporer and Meredith Krill (New York City) —@swairhair
• The Coven: Alex Steinman and Erinn Farrell (Minneapolis)—@thecoven.co
• TJL Collection: Tiffany Jones Lewis (Arlington, Texas) —@tjl_collection

Led by Manoj T. Abraham, MD, FACS, a facial plastic surgeon and senior advisor of the Face to Face committee, the team aims to provide surgical expertise to repair complex facial injuries sustained in the war and train local surgeons in Ukraine to perform these procedures.

The team will be working in Lviv, Ukraine, alongside Ukrainian physicians by official invitation from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. The mission trip is expected to serve approximately 25-30 patients, including soldiers and civilians who have suffered devastating facial injuries due to the ongoing conflict. Many of these patients require complex reconstructive surgery, including microvascular tissue transplants and the use of custom 3D implants to replace missing tissue in the jaw and facial skeleton.

The Face to Face humanitarian programs are conducted under the auspices of the Educational and Research Foundation for the AAFPRS, and the participating physicians and support staff provide their services pro bono. They also self-fund a significant portion of the costs for the expensive medical supplies and equipment needed for the mission. 

Collaborating with partners such as Razom, the third largest U.S.-based aid organization sending aid to Ukraine, Ivanka Nebor, MD, founder of InGenius, an organization designed to help train Ukrainian doctors, and Healing the Children Northeast, the mission trip is made possible with critical logistical support and funding.

Abraham, who has extensive experience in crisis relief and has been instrumental in orchestrating medical trips to various international sites, expressed admiration for the resiliency of the Ukrainian people and recognized the increasing need for medical expertise due to the expanding nature of the war. 

By training local surgeons in complex reconstructive procedures, the Face to Face team aims to have a meaningful impact and continue educational activities through the AAFPRS and Face to Face.

“Women surgeons are trailblazers and sharing their powerful stories can inspire future generations,” says Carrie Strom, senior vice president, AbbVie, and president of Global Allergan Aesthetics. “When Dr. Shuting Zhong came to us with the concept, Allergan Aesthetics partnered with these important societies to develop it into a platform to amplify these role models. Our hope is that one story shared will empower another one to begin and we will create a more equitable path forward for everyone.”

Limitless is a platform for storytelling and idea-sharing where female surgeons offer perspectives and encouragement to future women leaders in plastic surgery. The Limitless initiative includes a docuseries on a dedicated YouTube channel, a podcast series, and the Limitless Leaders Summit that provides in-person networking and collaboration.

“Limitless provides encouragement to women in medical school, residency, and beyond,” says Limitless Co-chair Anu Bajaj, MD. “We have an increasing number of women entering the surgical specialties, but biases and harassment still exist at every level. By providing a platform for discussion, sharing, and leadership training, we engage a wider audience on these issues and hope to empower generations of women to come.”

Moreover, the Limitless platform offers conversations among women plastic surgeons and features society presidents and female leaders like Lynn Jeffers, MD; Andrea Pusic, MD, MHS, FACS, FRCSC; and Camille Cash, MD. The associated Limitless podcast covers real-life topics and stories from women plastic surgeons tackling the demands of surgical careers, being mothers, and maintaining personal lives.

Program officals say the annual Limitless Leaders Summit is dedicated to promoting and breaking down barriers for early-career women plastic and general surgeons working to achieve leadership positions. This year’s summit will be held May 20-21 in Seattle, and it will feature engaging and inspiring speakers, breakout sessions and social activities to provide an unforgettable educational and networking experience, according to Allergan Aesthetics.

Hochstein adds that the high cost of medical school is making scholorships like this more important than ever. “The cost of medical school has gotten so high that it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to be able to afford it,” he says. “This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial burdens for those who want to pursue a career in plastic surgery.”

Apart from the importance of medical scholarships, Hochstein also speaks about the recognition associated with the young doctors who will be eligible for the scholarship because he knows “first-hand how much of a difference plastic surgery can make in someone’s life.” He says that it is an honor to be able to impact someone’s life in such a positive way and he is looking forward to awarding the scholarships to a very deserving student.

Layke and Danielpour say they are committed to sponsoring Smile Train surgeries to help children around the world overcome this single, solvable problem. The doctors have visited several recipients and families who have benefited from the partnership. Speaking with the families and providing hope for their children to lead a successful, fulfilling life was extremely meaningful to the surgeons.

“We believe every child deserves access to life-changing cleft treatment,” says Layke. “We are honored to be part of such an important cause, helping to make a significant positive impact in the lives of so many afflicted with this condition.”

“When we created Beverly Hills MD, we committed to a partnership with Smile Train as improving people’s lives, especially children is at the core of why we do what we do,” adds Danielpour.  “We are thrilled that Beverly Hills MD’s sponsorship has reached this significant milestone.”

According to Consumer Reports, 1 in 5 transgender people report being denied medical care. Allure Esthetic aims to provide care in the form of surgery to transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. Along with this, patients may not get a say in who their provider is or have long wait times to undergo care. 

“Many patients on state-subsidized programs have to wait years to get this life-saving surgery. Through this program, we offer these patients a chance to have the freedom of choosing their provider and undergoing the surgery in a timely manner,” Sajan says.

Allure Esthetic knows that surgery is not accessible to everyone, Sajan adds. Yet, as a procedure that reduces gender dysphoria, they created this pro bono program in an effort to perform life-saving care for individuals who may not be able to afford or seek gender-affirming surgery, he says.

To apply for the pro-bono top surgery program, the patient will need to contact the Allure Esthetic office. The application will involve submitting a personal statement, a medical history, financial statements, and photos of the surgical area. From there, Sajan and the review team will review to identify good surgical candidates and evaluate each applicant’s unique needs.

Reshaping Lives America Council of Trustees is the funding arm for Reshaping Lives America, the first nationwide program aimed at providing reconstructive surgical care at no cost to people living in poverty in the United States. Council members provide operational support and guidance on U.S. expansion and policy matters pertaining to providing access to reconstructive surgical care for patients in need. 

Reshaping Lives America will initially focus on the Reshaping Lives: Full Circle program, a partnership with Mission Plasticos and Sientra to provide breast reconstructive surgery for post-mastectomy women in the U.S. living in poverty.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Aydin join our Reshaping Lives America Council of Trustees as he aligns with our vision and commitment to bring life-changing reconstructive surgery to patients in need across America,” says Susan Williamson, executive director of Mission Plasticos. “Mission Plasticos is expanding our Council of Trustees and looks forward to working with all of our partners in making a significant impact.”

Aydin is a double board-certified plastic surgeon of the Aydin Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, N.J. He specializes in aesthetic cosmetic surgery of the face and body, including minimally invasive procedures and reconstruction of breast cancer survivors, and traumatic injuries, including hand surgery.

“I am honored to be a part of Mission Plasticos Reshaping Lives: Full Circle, a non-profit organization that understands that the road to breast cancer recovery does not end with a mastectomy. It ends with making the survivor whole, both physically and emotionally,” says Aydin. “Mission Plasticos is the road which provides this full journey of care to the women in our communities who need it the most.”

“It is my honor to offer this scholarship each year and I’m always thrilled to meet the recipients,” said Salemy. “The past couple of years have been especially tough for high school students in light of the pandemic. But many of our past scholarship recipients have also worked through multiple life difficulties and tragic personal situations—always with grit, resilience, and drive that would be the envy of any practicing surgeon. So, it always gives me great joy to acknowledge these students’ dedication.”

A board-certified plastic surgeon, Salemy is in private practice in the Seattle and Tri-Cities, Washington areas. He is a clinical assistant professor in The University of Washington’s Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery. He trains plastic surgery chief residents in the area of cosmetic surgery. Salemy is a graduate of Yale University and The Yale School of Medicine and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. 

The winning student will be awarded $1000 and will be notified by Salemy or a representative. The scholarship award is given approximately 60 to 90 days after the application deadline—in the form of a check payable to the recipient’s accepting college.

To apply for the Salemy scholarship, students must submit a written application, personal statement, three references (teachers/employers), and participate in an in-person of other interview. Official school transcripts are not required. Applications are due June 30, 2022.