Leading a Foundation at the Forefront of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
The Plastic Surgery Foundation (The PSF) has announced the appointment of Dr. Babak J. Mehrara, MD, FACS, as its new president. Officially assuming the role on October 12, 2025, during Plastic Surgery The Meeting in New Orleans, Dr. Mehrara will guide The PSF through a pivotal period of growth, research expansion, and global collaboration. His term is slated to run through October 18, 2026.
“It’s an honor to lead The PSF, and I look forward to building on its legacy of excellence in plastic surgery research and innovation,” Dr. Mehrara said. “I am deeply committed to the advancement of scientific discovery and supporting the work of residents, early-career researchers and emerging innovators. Throughout my presidency, I will champion new ways to strengthen and expand The Foundation’s mission of research and education.”
Why Dr. Mehrara, a Leaders in Oncologic Reconstruction, Makes Sense for The PSF
Dr. Mehrara is widely recognized for his expertise in oncologic reconstruction, a field that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge science and compassionate patient care. As Chief of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and holder of the Peter G. Cordeiro Endowed Chair, he brings a unique blend of clinical leadership and scientific inquiry to The PSF. His dual roles—clinical service and research leadership—position him to advance The PSF’s goals of funding high-impact studies and fostering international collaboration among plastic surgery researchers.
In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Mehrara is a key figure in the study of cancer-related lymphedema, an area requiring both sophisticated surgical technique and ongoing basic science investigation. As a professor of surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College, he mentors the next generation of surgeons, while at MSK he directs the NIH-funded Lymphatic Biology Laboratory. Under his leadership, this lab has pursued innovative therapies with the potential to transform patient outcomes, underscoring the kind of multidisciplinary approach The PSF seeks to champion across the field.
A Vision for The PSF’s Future
During his tenure, Dr. Mehrara is expected to shape The PSF’s strategic direction by prioritizing high-impact research and expanding partnerships that broaden access to safe, effective, and affordable plastic surgery care worldwide. His emphasis on education mirrors The PSF’s enduring mission to support residents and early-career researchers, helping cultivate a pipeline of innovators who will drive future breakthroughs. The president’s responsibilities will also include reinforcing The PSF’s international volunteer programs, visiting professor initiatives, and grant programs that enable transformative science to move from the lab to the bedside.
About The PSF and Its Collaborations
The PSF, established in 1948, advances research and international activities affiliated with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The foundation’s grant programs, international collaborations, and visiting professorships work in concert with ASPS to improve patients’ quality of life through scientific discovery and education. ASPS, founded in 1931, is the world’s largest association of board-certified plastic surgeons, representing thousands of physicians dedicated to cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
Looking Ahead
With Dr. Mehrara at the helm, The PSF aims to accelerate discovery, broaden access to innovative treatments, and reinforce a culture of rigorous scientific evaluation in plastic surgery across borders. The Foundation’s leadership is poised to catalyze new partnerships, attract diverse talent, and support the next wave of studies that will define best practices in reconstructive care for cancer patients and beyond.
About The PSF and ASPS contact information is typically provided through official releases. For further updates and detailed program information, refer to The PSF and ASPS communications channels.
