The ASOPRS Foundation: Supporting Education, Humanitarian Projects, and Research

The Oculofacial Podcast

If you're an ASOPRS Member, Surgeon or Trainee and are interesting in hosting a podcast episode, please submit your idea by visiting: asoprs.memberclicks.net/podcast

About the Guests:

• Scott M. Goldstein, MD: Dr. Scott Goldstein, Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon in the Philadelphia, PA area is the current Finance Director of ASOPRS, an adjunct Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania and a busy clinician dedicated to helping patients of all ages. He is also involved in promoting medical education as well as advocacy for patients & the field of ophthalmology.
• John Holds, MD, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgeon: Dr. John Holds is an esteemed ophthalmic plastic surgeon based in St. Louis, Missouri. An integral part of the ASOPRS community, Dr. Holds is the chair of the ASOPRS Foundation Board and has made substantial contributions to its growth.
• James Chris Fleming, MD, FACS: Dr. Fleming is the past chair of the Hamilton Eye Institute, University of Tennessee Department of Ophthalmology and past president of ASOPRS. With significant experience in oculofacial plastic surgery, he has been a key figure in the early operations of the ASOPRS Foundation and involvement in several humanitarian endeavors.
• Ralph E. Wesley, MD: Dr. Wesley is an influential former president of ASOPRS and a critical force in the establishment and operation of the ASOPRS Foundation. His professional journey started at Emory and progressed to Vanderbilt, contributing to the evolution of oculoplastic surgery as a recognized subspecialty.
• Craig N Czyz DO: Dr. Craig Czyz is an active and generous member of the ASOPRS Foundation Board. Practicing in Columbus, Ohio, he brings new insights to the board, emphasizing the importance of integrating new members and legacy donations.

In this remarkable episode, we venture into the charitable realm of the ASOPRS Foundation, exploring its multifaceted contributions to education, humanitarian initiatives, and research in oculofacial plastic surgery. Showcasing the foundation's journey, the episode brings together pioneers like Drs. John Holds, Chris Fleming, Ralph Wesley, and the newest board member, Craig Czyz, to shed light on the organization's milestones, significant projects, and vision for the future.

As we delve into the valued traditions and the ongoing mission of nurturing global talent in oculofacial plastic surgery, our guests recount anecdotal experiences, guiding principles, and the ASOPRS Foundation's unique role in advancing the field. Their discussions highlight the power of collective philanthropy and how strategic humanitarian efforts shape the landscape of oculoplastic surgery worldwide. This episode not only addresses the essence of the foundation but also reinforces the impact of individual contributions to sustain and propel its endeavors.

Key Takeaways:

• The ASOPRS Foundation is essential in supporting education, humanitarian projects, and research in oculofacial plastic surgery.
• Key contributions have been used to fund lectures and honor distinguished society members, while also emphasizing the need for wider member participation.
• Projects have spanned from practical courses to training oculoplastic surgeons in underserved areas like Ethiopia and Honduras.
• The integration of new members and fostering diversity within ASOPRS through grants and educational support is paramount.
• Legacy donations are highly encouraged to ensure the foundation's future growth and capabilities.
• Visit ASOPRSFoundation.org to learn more and donate

Notable Quotes:

• "You make a living by what you earn. You make a life by what you give away." - Ralph E. Wesley, MD
• "The main thing I see is the foundation needs to get some big, audacious goals and make something." - Ralph E. Wesley, MD
• "If every single ASOPRS member would give us $100 a year, I could probably fund a lot more projects." - John Holds, MD
• "You have to do good things with the foundation and figure out how to do that." - James Chris Fleming, MD, FACS