Congratulations to our past president, Bob Havlik on our 2009 meeting. In spite of the state of the economy, Bob successfully managed this superb meeting and realized a modest profit. However, with the current economy, I believe we all would have been pleased with breaking even. Kudos and thanks to Bob!
Congratulations to the newly-elected Executive Committee Member-at-Large, William Wooden, M.D., Indianapolis, IN. Our 2009-2010 slate of Executive Officers includes:
Bryan Michelow (Cleveland) – President
Joseph Losee (Pittsburgh) - President Elect
Gregory Fedele (Cleveland) - Vice President
Adam Cohen (Indianapolis) - Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Havlik (Indianapolis) - Past President
Ronald Taddeo (Cleveland) - Historian
Members-at-large:
Anne Taylor (Columbus)
John Kitzmiller (Cincinnati)
Andrew Lee (Pittsburgh)
William Wooden (Indianapolis)
The 2010 meeting plans are ongoing. The invited guest faculty for the 2010 conference includes such distinguished innovators as William Kuzon, MD, who is the current President of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF); Peter Rubin, MD, the past Chairman of the Plastic Surgery Research Council; Michael Miller, MD, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Ohio State University Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio: and Ernest Manders, MD, Professor of Plastic Surgery in Pittsburgh, PA. Please check the website for updates as plans evolve. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Arun Gosain, MD., for his participation as Scientific Program Chairman.
Save-the-Date postcards were mailed in July. The room block at the Ritz Carlton is already open so please make your reservations as soon as possible by calling 216-623-1300 or 800-241-3333. The rate is an unbelievably low $159 per night! Remember, you can cancel the room if your plans change. However, once the room block is full, the rate will increase.
Our Saturday night dinner dance will be at the Great Lakes Science Center in Downtown Cleveland. The exhibit areas will be open for touring and an IMAX show is included. The Ray Porello Jazz Band has been contracted and I am sure you will find them most entertaining.
Of note, the abstract deadline is April 1, 2010. This date must be firm due to the new regulation in 2009 that requires all named authors to have "signed disclosure forms" on file with the ASPS Accreditation Office prior to the start of the meeting. With the significant number of papers we typically receive (over 60 this past year) the task of collecting these disclosures is ominous. Therefore, we will appreciate your help in disseminating this information to all members and residents. I am hopeful that online submission of the disclosure form will be available, but this is in process and will require final approval from the ASPS.
Attention Residency Program Directors: Please assist us by ensuring that your residents and fellows are apprised of the abstract deadline, the need for signed disclosure forms by all authors, the necessity to register for the meeting and the need to make timely hotel reservations (if necessary).
Calling New Members… The value of our society is reflected by the caliber of our members. Please advise us of any prospective new members in your respective areas. Simply send the prospective candidates' names to Darlene Lyons (lyons@ovsps.org), and a letter of invitation will be sent. However, a personal invitation from you to the prospective candidate inviting him or her to become a member is encouraged. I believe this personal touch speaks volumes and will enhance the chances of recruitment. Prospective members can then apply on line.
Database Updates
The 2010 dues statements are enclosed in this mailing for all active and candidate members. It is important that Darlene is advised of all status (e.g. candidate, active, emeritus) and demographic changes.
Gentle reminder: Dues paid upon receipt of the first statement eliminates follow-up mailings which, in turn, saves money in postage, envelopes, etc. When you receive your statement, please review it for accuracy. Simply making changes and returning it with your check will keep our membership database up-to-date.
Don't forget - members are eligible for emeritus status when reaching either age 65 or retirement. However, it is necessary to contact Darlene with this information.
We look forward to welcoming you, one and all, to an exciting and educational 2010 conference in Cleveland.
Contact me:
Please feel free to e-mail any questions, comments and/or suggestions to Bryan J. Michelow at Bryan@ContemporaryCosmeticSurgery.com or either call or "txt msg" to cell phone: 440-840-6000.
