The RISE Research Center was developed to support the AAFPRS members in the process of conducting quality research while providing funding to complete the essential studies that will meet the needs of the specialty. This includes providing members with academic training in the principles of clinical and basic science research, design, research management and statistical analysis as well as expanding capacity to conduct clinical and basic science research to provide scientifically based evidence to support treatment decisions and recommendations.
Our goal is to provide a world class Research Center for members and industry to collaborate while discovering opportunities to improve patient care. In addition to the grants listed the Foundation also provides grant recipients with access to mentors. These individuals are leaders of the foundation as well as AAFPRS members with success in executing research projects.
To assist in achieving these goals, the AAFPRS Foundation EBM/Research Committee has established a RISE Review Group. This group developed and implemented a review program to receive, review and assess applications received for the three Leslie Bernstein grants. Implemented in 2022, in addition to identifying those applications that are meritorious for funding, they are also building a team of reviewers that are experts in the area of facial plastic surgery and are experienced in the review process.
In 2024, the RISE Review Group is led by John Chi, MD, Committee Chair, Myrian Loyo Li, MD, Committee Senior Advisor and Amar Suryadevara, MD, Committee Vice Chair. The Foundation also acknowledges the following 2024 Reviewers. Chaz Stucken, MD, Shiayan Yang, MD, Jessyka Lighthall, MD, Frank Garritano, MD, Matthew Miller, MD, Mark Mims, MD, Andrea Park, MD, Tessa Hadlock, MD, Anthony Sclafani, MD, Emily Spataro, MD, Hillary Newsome, MD, Jordan Garcia, MD, Nneoma Wamkpah, MD, Lamont Jones, MD, Suresh Mohan, MD, Dane Genther, MD and Peter Vila, MD.
"The future of facial plastic surgery depends upon delivering the best possible Patient care through innovation and research. Through the AAFPRS RISE program we have made a significant investment in the most valuable part of our specialty - our membership. The development of innovation of our research pipeline is reliant upon the AAFPRS research grant mechanisms -both for funding and the professional development of our researchers." - John Chi, MD EBM/Research Committee Chair