SUBJECT: 2025 ANNUAL REPORT—ABFPRS KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND BETTER
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” Abraham Lincoln
It just doesn’t seem possible that I took the ABFPRS examination over 30 years ago as a requirement for completion of my AAFPRS fellowship with Drs. Ira Papel and John Frodel. When I sat for the exam in 1994, the ABFPRS was just getting off the ground (ABFPRS was officially created in 1986) and our Board’s future, unlike today, was anything but secure. But here we are—38 years later, and our Board is preparing for another record-breaking year in 2025. Thanks to a unique composition of surgeons who knew and know how to develop the highest examination and credentialing standards, ABFPRS’s already impressive standing in the public’s perception and the medical community grows stronger every year. I think all ABFPRS diplomates can appreciate Lincoln’s quote and understand that the ABFPRS has been able to predict our successful future because we believed in our education, training, and experience and wanted to prove our unique qualifications to our medical colleagues and the public. As a result, we created a certification program via a multigenerational commitment to OUR BOARD. . .OUR BRAND. . .OUR BOND that will ensure the ABFPRS is “Here To Stay” (thinking of you, Bob Simons) for existing and future generations of facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
Please allow me to share some recent ABFPRS updates and highlights that illustrate this point.
THE 2024 ABFPRS EXAMINATION WEEKEND
ABFPRS diplomates’ dedication to the Board’s continued success was never more evident than the ABFPRS 2024 examination. When the call went out to serve as an in-person examiner for our June 29-30, 2024, examination, the ABFPRS was able to count on our diplomates from all over the U.S. and Canada, as well as Colombia, to come to Washington, D.C. to conduct our examination. All of these remarkable surgeons volunteer their time and expenses to administer the ABFPRS examination—some are volunteering for the first time—others have been volunteering for a quarter century. But no matter how many years they have been coming, all these individuals are a reflection of our diplomates’ unshakeable dedication to our Board’s programs and values.
Pictures from the 2024 Exam Weekend
Click on pictures to enlarge and view them individually.
2024 ABFPRS Examiners, Proctors, and Staff
Oral Protocol Review for Examiner Training
Golden Rhino Recipients
“After Hours” Examiner Cocktail Hour
Drs. David Stepnick, Peter Adamson, Jorge Espinosa, and Peter Hilger
Drs. Thomas Le, Noah Meltzer, and James Owusu
Drs. Tom Wang, Randy Jordan, Gene Alford, and Mary Lynn Moran
Drs. William Binder, Ira Papel, Patrick Byrne, and Peter Hilger
Drs. Sam Oyer, Matthew Brace, and Scott Walen
Drs. Ivan Wayne and Roxanna Cobo
Drs. Patrick Byrne and Scott Tatum
Drs. Jorge Espinosa and Minas Constantinides
Drs. leslie Kim and Grace Peng
Drs. Dominic Vernon, Linda Lee and Matthew Miller
2024 ABFPRS EXAMINERS
Peter A. Adamson, OOnt, M.D.
Anurag Agarwal, M.D.
Eugene L. Alford, M.D.
Khalid Ansari, M.D.
William J. Binder, M.D.
Matthew Brace, M.D.
Edward Dean Buckingham, M.D.
Patrick Joseph Byrne, M.D.
Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.
Roxana Cobo, M.D.
Minas S. Constantinides, M.D.
Timothy David Doerr, M.D.
Terry L. Donat, M.D.
Harley Seth Dresner, M.D.
Jorge Alberto Espinosa, M.D.
Oren Friedman, M.D.
Andres Michel Gantous, M.D.
Neal D. Goldman, M.D.
Mark M. Hamilton, M.D.
Peter A. Hilger, M.D.
David B. Hom, M.D.
Christopher R. Hove, M.D.
James Randall Jordan, M.D.
Natalie Justice, M.D.
Leslie Kim, M.D.
Theda C. Kontis, M.D.
Russell W.H. Kridel, M.D.
Thomas Thong T. Le, M.D.
Deirdre S. Leake, M.D.
Linda M. Lee, M.D.
Noah Meltzer, M.D.
Mary Lynn Moran, M.D.
Jeffrey Scott Moyer, M.D.
James Owusu, M.D.
Samuel Oyer, M.D.
Ira D. Papel, M.D.
Krishna G. Patel, M.D.
Grace Lee Peng, M.D.
Vito C. Quatela, M.D.
Jennifer Parker Porter, M.D.
Philip G. Schoenfeld, M.D.
David A. Sherris, M.D.
Douglas M. Sidle, M.D.
Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, M.D.
David W. Stepnick, M.D.
Babar Sultan, M.D.
Scott (Sherard) A. Tatum, M.D.
Scott J. Trimas, M.D.
William H. Truswell, M.D.
Dominick Vernon, M.D.
Scott Walen, M.D.
Tom D. Wang, M.D.
Ivan Wayne, M.D.
Andrew A. Winkler, M.D.
2024 ABFPRS PROCTORS
Anya Casteloe, M.D.
Matthew Miller, M.D.
William Novitsky
Lexie Wang, M.D.
2024 ABFPRS PRIMARY EXAMINEES
The ABFPRS Board of Directors and I were thrilled to know that the 2024 examination had 87 primary examinees (58 AAFPRS fellows, 8 regular candidates, and 17 International candidates, and 4 MOC in FPRS® candidates sitting for the in person ABFPRS examination in Washington, D.C. To continue a tradition the ABFPRS started in 2022, we once again hosted an examinee reception after the written examination to celebrate the end of the first day of testing to help examinees relax and reintroduce themselves to friends and colleagues.
2024 ABFPRS EXAM WEEKEND
Click on pictures to enlarge and view them individually.
2024 Examinees taking the Written Examination in Washington, D.C.
2024 ABFPRS Examinee Reception after first day of Written Examination
2023 AND 2024 JACK ANDERSON AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Catherine Winslow presents Dr. Eric Barbarite with the 2023 Anderson Award
Dr. Theda Kontis and Judy Anderson present Dr. Nima Vahidi with the 2024 Anderson Award
After administering the 2023 and 2024 examinations, the ABFPRS was fortunate to be able to honor 2 Anderson Award recipients for receiving the highest scores in those years.
Dr. Eric Barbarite is the 2023 Anderson Award recipient and now an Assistant Professor in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. His practice consists of both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures that will focus on cosmetic facial surgery, functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, facial reconstruction after cancer removal, and facial paralysis.
Dr. Nima Vahidi is the 2024 Anderson Award recipient and has joined the faculty in the Otolarygology Department at Virginia Commonwealth University as well as practicing in the Richmond community. He hopes to provide a broad and comprehensive patient care experience by performing the full spectrum of cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgery.
I know Dr. Jack Anderson would be extremely proud to see this new generation of surgeons following his example with their expertise and dedication to our specialty. On behalf of ABFPRS diplomates, I wish these outstanding physicians every success as they pursue their careers and, hopefully, continued involvement with the ABFPRS and its certification program. For more information about the Jack Anderson Award click here.
On top of impressive examinee numbers for 2024, 52 facial plastic surgeons submitted their applications with two-years of operative experience to complete ABFPRS primary certification requirements. We’re thrilled to welcome these surgeons as new diplomates and want to assure them that completing certification requirements can be just the beginning of a long and fulfilling involvement with our Board and their fellow diplomates.
THE CLASS OF 2024 NEW ABFPRS DIPLOMATES
Nigar Ahmedli, M.D.
Jonathan Cabin, M.D.
Jordan Austin Cain, M.D.
Julia Comer, M.D.
Steven Curti, M.D.
William “Taylor” DeBusk, M.D.
Jacob Dey, M.D.
Deepak Dugar, M.D.
Michael Eggerstedt, M.D.
Danielle Eytan, M.D.
Zachary Farhood, M.D.
Shekhar Gadkaree, M.D.
David Gerth, M.D.
Jared Goldfarb, M.D.
Mingyang Gray, M.D.
Ashley Guthrie, M.D.
Andrea Hanick. M.D.
Jennifer Harb Hanlon, M.D.
Jeffrey Harmon, M.D.
William Harris, M.D.
Steven Hoshal, M.D.
Houmehr Hojjat, M.D.
Adrian House, M.D.
Brittany Howard, M.D.
Joanna Kam, M.D.
Richard Kao, M.D.
Sarah Kidwai, M.D.
Anisha Kumar, M.D.
Andrew Lee, M.D.
James Jin Kun Lee, M.D.
Garrett Locketz, M.D.
Namita Murthy, M.D.
Mathew May, M.D.
Wesley McIlwain, M.D.
Clelie “Claire” Melancon, M.D.
Samuel Moak, M.D.
Matthew Miller, M.D.
Celeste Nagy, M.D.
Kate O’Connor, M.D.
Shannon Rudy, M.D.
Allison Slijepcevic, M.D.
Tom Shokri, M.D.
Joel Stanek, M.D.
Daniel Sukato, M.D.
Duc Tien, M.D.
Prem Tripathi, M.D.
Jacob Tower, M.D.
Jenna Van Beck, M.D.
Brandon Wachal, M.D.
Lexie Wang, M.D.
Jeffrey Watson, M.D.
Jacqueline Wulu, M.D.
55 TIME-LIMITED DIPLOMATES SUBMITTED MOC IN FPRS® APPLICATIONS AND RENEWED THEIR ABFPRS CERTIFICATION
MOC IN FPRS® applications pile up at the ABFPRS office
In addition to those impressive primary numbers for the 2024 cycle, 55 ABFPRS diplomates sent in MOC in FPRS® applications to fulfill the MOC IN FPRS® requirement for review of operative experience every ten years. After completing the annual FACEforward program in 2024, all 55 time-limited diplomates’ applications were approved for another ten years. Well done, TEAM!
2025 ABFPRS CERTIFICATION CYCLE REACHES OFF THE CHARTS PARTICIPATION NUMBERS!
As if 2024 participation numbers weren’t impressive enough, I have to let you know that 2025 is going to be another record-breaking year for ABFPRS participation levels. Although we’re in the midst of the 2025 credentialing period, we have a jaw-dropping number of applications in for review. Just to give you a preview of those numbers, the 2025 certification cycle includes 88 examinees, 60 applications for completion of primary certification and 82 applications for fulfillment of MOC in FPRS® requirements! That’s 230 participants in the 2025 cycle, which is no small feat when you consider that we have only three full-time ABFPRS staff members to review applications, complete exam scheduling, and coordinate exam weekend functions, among countless other responsibilities. I know for a fact that Lisa Novitsky, ABFPRS Director of Credentials and Administration, is working nights and weekends to complete the preliminary application reviews which include working with applicants to make sure that their required materials are submitted and their questions are answered during the certification cycle. Missy Harp, ABFPRS Director of Finance and Examinations, hasn’t left her desk, either. She helped me invite 53 examiners and 5 proctors in addition to sending out the details for examination weekend to all 146 participants. On top of all that, Missy is working on scheduling and producing 150 individual timetables for all 2025 examination participants. Laurie Wirth, ABFPRS Executive Director, helps Lisa with the review of applications and works with Missy to proof all of the schedules in addition to her ongoing responsibilities for coordinating examination weekend functions with the hotel, developing board meeting agendas, writing publications and policies, and interacting with board members and diplomates to ensure that requirements and board policies are in keeping with directives given by the Board.
In spite of all the jobs completed by our volunteer examiners, proctors, and hard-working ABFPRS staff, I want to acknowledge and applaud the ongoing work performed by our volunteer ABFPRS committees to complete vital assignments necessary to qualify candidates to sit for an examination that is recognized for excellence around the world. This is especially true of our Credentials and Examination Committee members who labor for months to ready examination and credentialing materials. Although all members involved in these committees have my heartfelt appreciation for all they do, there are too many names to include in this report, so please allow me to publicly thank the Chairs of these Committees on behalf of all:
Click on pictures to enlarge and view them individually.
CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE James Randall Jordan, M.C., Chair
WRITTEN REVIEW GROUP David B. Hom, M.D., Chair
ORAL EXAM REVIEW GROUP Catherine P. Winslow, M.D., Co-Chair
ORAL EXAM REVIEW GROUP Cynthia M. Gregg, M.D., Co-Chair
WRITTEN EXAM DEVELOPMENT GROUP Theda C. Kontis, M.D.., Chair
ORAL EXAM DEVELOPMENT GROUP Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., Chair
FACEforward REVIEW GROUP James Randall Jordan, M.D., Chair
FACEforward DEVELOPMENT GROUP Catherine P. Winslow, M.D., Chair
2023 and 2024 LARRY D. SCHOENROCK AWARD WINNERS
Dr. Greggory Branham with his wife, Cynthia, accepting the 2023 Schoenrock Award
Dr. Richie Younger accepting the 2024 Schoenroock Award from Dr. Theda Kontis.
The Schoenrock Award is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the integrity of the ABFPRS examination and certification programs for facial plastic surgery. The ABFPRS is extremely fortunate to have two such exemplary individuals who have served the Board in many capacities for over thirty years. The 2023 and 2024 Schoenrock Award winners are:
Gregory Branham, M.D., 2023 Schoenrock Award winner:
Dr. Gregory Branham has served on the ABFPRS Board of Directors and is a valued Senior Adviser who has also served on the ABFPRS Examination Committee. It should be noted, however, for the past 14 years Dr. Branham has continued his service by adding his sage perspective and advice as a stalwart member of the ABFPRS Credentials Committees as well as serving on the newly formed ABFPRS FACEforward Review Committee. In addition to of all that, Dr. Branham has volunteered as an examiner for over 15 years and is known as one of the ABFPRS diplomates who doesn’t say “no” when called upon to help our Board.
Ritchie A.L. Younger, M.D., 2024 Schoenrock Award winner:
Dr. Ritchie Younger is one of ABFPRS’s first Canadian diplomates, having completed certification in 1991. He was a fellow of Drs. M. Eugene Tardy and Claus D. Walter, and is the longest serving member of the ABFPRS Credentials Committee—from 1996 to the present—29 years. Dr. Younger has reviewed over 330 ABFPRS primary and MOC in FPRS® applications which means that he has evaluated a large percentage of the 1,350 ABFPRS diplomates who have completed and maintained certification requirements during his tenure on the Credentials Committee. To say that Ritchie is one of the most steadfast committee members the Board has ever had would be an understatement.
For more information about the Schoenrock Award click here.
FACEforward is a huge hit with ABFPRS diplomates!
We’re sure most time-limited diplomates are familiar with all the e-mails and letters that have been sent about FACEforward and know that this MOC in FPRS® program gives diplomates the opportunity to reaffirm and expand their knowledge base for the betterment of their practices. FACEforward Development and Review Committee members have worked tirelessly to create 2025 protocols that have practice-relevant content for cosmetic, reconstructive, and combined surgical practices. Time limited diplomates must complete the program annually to fulfill Part III MOC in FPRS® requirements. Just remember, FACEforward opens every year on March 31st and closes on October 31st so mark your calendars! An added bonus—all ABFPRS diplomates who are current AAFPRS members are eligible to receive 15 CME credits from the AAFPRS for successful completion of FACEforward.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the ABFPRS offices at (703) 549-3223 or e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]. Diplomates can also watch the Introducing FACEforward video on their member portal on the ABFPRS website: www.abfprs.org
For those of you who haven’t checked out the ABFPRS Physician Finder lately, please visit your member portal to make sure your contact and mailing information is accurate. You can enter your updated contact information and a photo on the website via the Member Portal. Or, you can e-mail Missy Harp, ABFPRS Director of Finance and Examinations at: [email protected] for help to make sure your profile provides an accurate reflection of you and your practice.
Also important—Your ABFPRS member profile in the ABFPRS Physician Finder includes primary certification and renewal dates that pertain to completion of MOC in FPRS® requirements (which includes completion of FACEforward every year) for time-limited diplomates. All time limited diplomates will have their current MOC in FPRS® status listed as YES or NO, (YES OR NO reflects having completed FACEforward on a yearly basis if you are a time-limited diplomate) which will be available for public viewing. Help your patients, providers, and peers find the most up-to-date information about you and your practice.
IBCFPRS CONTINUES TO SPREAD GLOBALLY
Seeing the IBCFPRS program expand to have such an impact on international certification in our specialty is something all diplomates should take great pride in. I’d like to congratulate Dr. Santdeep Paun, the new IBCFPRS President, Dr. Roxana Cobo, the immediate IBCFPRS Past President, and Dr. Peter A. Adamson, IBCFPRS Global Ambassador, for their diligence and dedication to the international certification programs. Because of their efforts and the efforts of the IBCFPRS Board, we all broaden our horizons through increasing interaction, expanding educational opportunities, and lasting friendships with our international colleagues. After being in existence for only 12 years, the IBCFPRS has now certified 200 surgeons across the globe.
2024 Claus Walter Award
Dr. Stephen Wilson is the 2024 Claus Walter Award winner after achieving the highest score among international candidates during the 2024 IBCFPRS examination. Dr. Wilson did his fellowship in South Africa with Dr. Cameron McIntosh and Dr. Marshall Murdoch (who won the Claus Walter award in 2022) and is building his practice in South Africa to specialize in facelifting and rhinoplasty procedures.
The IBCFPRS is planning to administer the exam to international candidates from India, Australia, China, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil in Arlington, VA, June 28-29, 2025. The European Board for Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (EBCFPRS), working with the IBCFPRS, plans to welcome candidates from all over Europe to sit for the upcoming EBCFPRS/IBCFPRS examination on July 12-13. 2025, in Munich, Germany.
We celebrated 30 years of Missy Harp’s incredible and continuing service to the ABFPRS
The ABFPRS is so fortunate to have Missy Harp, ABFPRS Director of Finance and Examinations, as such a valued member of the ABFPRS team—well, family, actually. I’ve known Missy for close to 30 years and I have to say those years have forged a working relationship into one that feels like a dynamic family. That’s because we love the people we work with, but it’s also because Missy’s detailed and unstoppable work ethic infuses almost all the people she comes in contact with. Her work ethic revolves around attention to detail, dedication, and a sassy sense of humor.
IN CLOSING
ABFPRS Executive Committee members from left to right: Drs. Chris Putman, Bill Truswell, Cynthia Gregg, Theda Kontis, Ed Buckingham, Ira Papel, Peter Adamson, Laurie Wirth, Randy Jordan, David Stepnick, and Mark Hamilton. Not pictured: Drs. Catherine Winslow and David Hom
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Elizabeth Andrew
As I write this, commitment to our Board’s mission expands to new levels due to the determination and energy of all the ABFPRS and IBCFPRS diplomates who volunteer their time and resources so tirelessly. Their dedication strengthens the Board, strengthens the bond, and ultimately, strengthens the brand for facial plastic surgeons around the world. Our diplomates have made the ABFPRS credential a symbol of pride and accomplishment for all who achieve it and I am incredibly honored to work with so many of you to secure our legacy for the next generation of facial plastic surgeons.
OUR BOARD. . . .OUR BRAND. . .OUR BOND
I’m proud to be a part of such a legacy and I thank you for the privilege of serving you as ABFPRS president.
Presidents of the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies
Santdeep Paun, M.D., IBCFPRS President
Roxana Cobo, M.D., IBCFPRS Immediate Past President
Peter A. Adamson, OOnt, M.D., ABFPRS & IBCFPRS
Global Ambassador
Abel Jan Tasman, M.D., EBCFPRS President
Holger Gassner, M.D., EBCFPRS Past President
Steven Jurich, AAFPRS Executive Vice President
Brian Nussenbaum, M.D., ABOto Executive Vice President
David R. Nielsen, M.D., AAO-HNS, Executive Vice President
Parker Sanders, Esp., ABFPRS Legal Counsel
Samuel E. Krug, Ph.D, ABFPRS Test Consultant
Mr. Shane Larrabee, FatLab, Inc.
Ms. Judy Anderson Mrs.
Diane Schoenrock
The 2025 ABFPRS President’s Report is now available for you to review electronically here or you can download the print-friendly version if that is your preference. (Note: Print-friendly version does not have active hyperlinks.)
