From the President

Message from the President - March 2010

In the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, we are all asking ourselves how we can help. How can I best donate money or volunteer? The easy answers are via organizations such as the American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) or Doctors Without Borders (www. DoctorsWithoutBorders.org). Maybe you are interested in volunteering, but now is not a good time. Don't let these good-natured thoughts get away from you. Start planning now for an opportunity to use your surgical skills on a mission trip in the next year.

As a plastic surgical Physcian Assistant, you are useful in the OR and medical world in a variety of settings. But, if you would like to get involved specifically in a mission related to plastics, try a group sponsored by The Smile Train, such as the Surgical Volunteers International (SVI) (http://www.surgicalvolunteers.org/). This group focuses primarily on cleft repair in countries such as Guatemala, Haiti, Egypt and next month they will be traveling to the West Bank of Israel. Additionally, the SVI, recently returned from Viet Nam where the majority of surgeries were on burn victims. This month, the SVI is also traveling to Haiti for assistance with the hurricane relief effort, although their focus will shift to the post-traumatic needs of the Haitians.

Being a surgical PA enables you to help others in ways that many others cannot. Take some time to reflect on what you are able to give to those in need. A little goes a long way…

If you prefer to stay closer to home, consider volunteering with the APSPA Board of Directors. Please plan to attend our annual board meeting at IMPACT 2010. During this meeting, the positions for President-Elect and Student Representative will be up for election. We welcome any members that would like help us strengthen our alliance with the ASPS and increase our involvement with other physician organizations (i.e. ASAPS) or other plastic surgical conferences.

Sincerely,

Kris Marsack, PA-C
President, APSPA