American Academy Of Facial Plastic
And Reconstructive Surgery, Inc.

Foundation Awards

The AAFPRS Foundation Awards Program was instituted to recognize research completed and previously presented at an Academy meeting and members who have contributed to the Academy and to their communities.  The Foundation awards are coordinated by the Awards Committee of the AAFPRS Foundation. 

Outstanding Abstract Award

The AAFPRS Foundation offers two travel grants to encourage residents and medical students to explore careers in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and support their attendance at the AAFPRS Annual Meeting.

These grants are awarded to the most outstanding abstracts primarily authored by an AAFPRS Resident Member or Medical Student; non-member residents are not eligible for this grant.

• Winners will receive complimentary conference registration for the AAFPRS Annual Meeting and a $250 award to help defray travel costs.
• If selected, the author must present the abstract at the upcoming Annual Meeting.
• Submissions where the presentation will be oral are preferred.

To be considered for a Outstanding Abstract Award, you must submit your abstract by the deadline (January 31), and indicate you want to be considered for this grant. There is a place to provide this information in the official Call for Abstracts Submission form.

• The Call for Abstracts typically opens on November 15 the year prior to the meeting.
• Links to the submission form can be found in the ‘Key Dates and Deadlines section at the bottom of our events page https://www.aafprs.org/events.

Exemplary Community Service Award

This award may be presented each year to an AAFPRS member who has distinguished themselves by providing and/or making possible free medical service to the underserved in their chosen community. The awardee should demonstrate continued and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of the underprivileged either domestically or abroad.

Efrain Davalos Award*

The Efrain Davalos Award is an international award which may be presented every four or five years in conjunction with the Foundation’s International Symposia. The award recognizes those outside the U.S. and Canada who have made a significant contribution to facial plastic surgery.

F. Mark Rafaty Memorial Award LIfetime Achievement Award 

This award may be presented each year to any AAFPRS member who, during their professional lifetimes, have made creative and innovative contributions of outstanding significance to the specialty of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and the missions of the Academy and the Foundation. The recipient should have contributed through involvement in AAFPRS educational programs along with contributions in the areas of research and service. The nominee should have demonstrated leadership through participation on the AAFPRS Board of Directors and/or Academic or Foundation committees.

The Fatima Porter-El Mitchell Excellence in Fellowship Award
This new award strives to recognize an AAFPRS Member who exemplifies a prevailing effort and attitude of excellence in a significant way, within the context of the AAFPRS Fellowship Program.

John Dickinson Teacher of the Year Award

This award honors an AAFPRS Fellow or Member who has demonstrated excellence in teaching in the area of Facial Plastic Surgery. The recipient  should possess a track record of superb teaching at any level and across any medium. This can include traditional, didactic style teaching of medical students, residents, fellows, or peers, or alternative teaching methods such as creation of online educational content or hands-on training sessions. Superbly qualified nominees may have developed high-quality, enduring educational content that applies to a wide audience, or contributed similarly to the education of Academy members.

John Orlando Roe Award*

This award, named for John Orlando Roe, the surgeon who accomplished the first rhinoplasty in 1887, includes a certificate and recognition along with 2 hours of research mentoring time to the graduate fellow who submits the best clinical research paper written during fellowship.

Sir Harold Delf Gillies Award**

This award is named for Sir Harold Delf Gillies, a British otolaryngologist who in September 1917 described the tubed pedicle flap. Dr. Gillies frequently visited the U.S. and lectured widely to surgeons of various specialties and was given the title “Father of Plastic Surgery.” A certificate and recognition is provided along with 2 hours of research mentoring time to the graduate fellow who submits the best science research paper written during fellowship.

William Wright Award for Excellence in Mentorship and Service

This award may be presented each year to an AAFPRS member who has made outstanding contributions to facial plastic and reconstructive surgery by demonstrating a continual commitment  to mentorship of younger members in the Academy or noteworthy service to the AAFPRS.

AAFPRS Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

This award may be presented each year to an AAFPRS member who has distinguished themselves through exceptional contributions to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the field of facial plastic and reconstructive  surgery. The award should demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, promoting equitable opportunities, and advocating for diverse representation in clinical practice and academic (and/or other organizational) leadership. Their efforts should have a significant and lasting impaction the Academy and the broader community, setting a standard for others to follow in making the specialty more accessible and welcoming to all.

AAFPRS Rising Star AwardThis award may be presented each year to an AAFPRS member in the first decade of their career who has demonstrated exceptional promise, commitment, and potential in the field of facial plastic and reconstructive  surgery. The awards should exemplify the qualities of a future leader through their contributions to clinical practice, research, education, or service to the AAFPRS. Their dedication and achievements during the early stages of their career should set them apart as a rising star, poised to make significant and lasting contributions to the specialty.

To nominate a fellow AAFPRS member for one of the above awards, please complete and return the Foundation Awards Nomination Form

*Coordinated by the International Symposium Committee and the AAFPRS Foundation Board of Directors.
**The Roe and Gillies Awards are automatically selected from papers submitted by Academy fellows during their fellowship year. Paper should not be published prior to review.