Chairman's Corner and Departmental News
Awards and Presentations
Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence Awards
Congratulations to Nina Ringelman for her induction into the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence (MCACE) as the winner of the Annual ‘Clinical Excellence Award for Non-Physicians’. This honor is awarded to one non-physician in each Department who exemplifies clinical excellence.
Congratulations to Dr. Scott Sylvester for his election into the Miller Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence (MCACE) as a winner of the Frank L. Coulson, Jr. Award for Clinical Excellence! This honor is awarded annually to one resident in each program who exemplifies clinical excellence.
The MCACE defines clinical excellence as achieving a level of mastery in the following 6 areas as they relate to patient care: i. communication & interpersonal skills, ii. professionalism and humanism, iii. diagnostic acumen, iv. skillful negotiation of the healthcare system, v. knowledge, vi. scholarly approach to clinical practice, and exhibiting a passion for patient care, and explicitly modeling this mastery to medical trainees.
Josh Puthumana Fulbright Award
Congratulations to Josh Puthumana who received the Fulbright-Austrian Marshall Plan Foundation Award for Graduate Studies in Science and Technology for academic year 2024-2025! This award is a reflection of his leadership and contributions to society. It is made possible through funds appropriated annually by the US Congress and in many cases by contributions from partner countries and private parties. The 12-member board that selects and supervises Fulbright recipients is presidentially appointed.
The Fulbright program is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Fulbright is the world's largest and most diverse international educational exchange program. As a Fulbright scholar Josh will join the ranks of many distinguished program participants. Fulbright alumni have become heads of state, judges, ambassadors, cabinet ministers, CEOs and university presidents as well as leading journalists, artists, scientist and teachers. They include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur fellows and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors. Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 Fulbrighters have participated in the program.
PSTM23
We finished PSTM23 with 46 presentations/posters. Great work from our students, research fellows and residents! Please see the additional awards below.
- Maclsaac, MF, Wright, JM, Halsey, JN, Rottgers, SA. Barriers to obtaining orthodontic care for patients with orofacial clefts: A survey of orthodontists and families. Outstanding Paper Presentation Award, Craniomaxillofacial Session #8
- Hassan B, Hricz N, Er S, Yoon J, Resnick E, Liang F, Manson PN, Yang R, Grant MP. Development and Validation of a Risk Calculator for the Prediction of Postoperative Diplopia Following Orbital Fracture Repair in Adults. Outstanding Paper Presentation Award, Craniomaxillofacial Session #11.
- Aslami ZV, Weitzner AS, Padovano WM, Rowley EK, Ghergherehchi CL, Wu E, Suresh R, Lee EB, Tuffaha SH. Peripheral nerve injury as treatment for muscle spasticity: understanding mechanisms and improving surgical interventions. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Plastic Surgery the Meeting; Oct 2023; Austin, TX. | DOI: 10.1097/01.GOX.0000992196.49362.d9. Top Scoring Medical Student Abstract, Outstanding Paper Presentation Award, Hand session #2
- Rowley E, Zamore Z, Padovano W, Aslami Z, Weitzner A, Lee E, Tuffaha S. Preliminary results: Autologous fascia nerve wrap as an adjunct to primary epineurial repair. American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Plastic Surgery The Meeting; October 2023; Austin, Texas. Outstanding Paper Presentation Award, Hand Session #3
Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Update
An update from Dr. Richard Redett, chairman of the Johns Hopkins Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery:
I am writing to share some news about a significant step in my professional journey and an upcoming change for the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. I have recently accepted a new position as Physician-in-Chief for Johns Hopkins Medicine, Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, and President of the Faculty Practice. While I am honored by these appointments and excited about the opportunities they present, it also means that I will be transitioning out of my current role as the Director of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. It has been a privilege to lead this department and work alongside such exceptional faculty over the last 6 years of my chairmanship.
It has been a tremendous honor to work with the talented faculty, residents, and staff who have made our department a leader in innovation, excellence in patient care, and groundbreaking research. Through our shared commitment to advancing the field of plastic surgery, we have expanded clinical and research programs, fostered a culture of mentorship and education, and upheld our longstanding tradition of compassionate and skilled service to our patients.
I thank each of you for your steadfast support, and I trust that you will extend the same warmth and collaboration to our interim director, Dr. Scott Lifchez. Scott has been a valued member of our institution and has demonstrated exemplary leadership, dedication to patient care, and commitment to academic excellence. With his extensive experience and expertise, Scott is well-positioned to lead the department during this transition period. He will work closely with faculty, staff, and trainees to continue advancing our mission of excellence in education, research, and clinical care.