Program areas at ASOPRS
The spring meeting is a members only meetings, which includes our physicians-in-training in asoprs-accredited fellowships, those on the category i pathway of membership, and our international members. The intimacy of the spring meeting is treasured, and it is designed to allow for ample discussion and networking. It was originally built around case presentations from members, but the establishment of the asoprs forum several years ago has provided real time interaction and filled some of the need to share cases face to face. Also, in response to evaluation data, the meeting now focuses on practice management issues as well as other pertinent topics presented by guest and member speakers, in addition to case studies.
Asoprs is fortunate to have many members who are committed to volunteerism, actively participating in leading the direction of the Society. With over 75 volunteers involved in all of the facets of the Society, a large part of the societies budget goes toward backing their activities. In addition to the standing committees outlined in the bylaws, asoprs has several ad hoc committees, as well as task forces, in play at any given time, working toward the greater good and health of the Society
The fall scientific symposium is open to all interested physicians and related health care personnel and attracts oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon members, otolaryngologists, head and neck surgeons, facial Plastic surgeons, dermatologic surgeons as well as general ophthalmologists. Recently, the executive committee voted to make the fall meeting a membership benefit; members do not pay a registration fee to attend, nor do they pay to submit abstracts, thus providing another meaningful membership benefit that supports asoprs' commitment to education. Roughly 50% of the meeting attendees are nonmembers, with the majority being general ophthalmologists. The meeting is also well attended by physicians in training, mostly in oculofacial fellowship programs, and minimally attended by allied health personnel. The fall meeting was held as a one-day symposium until 2001 when it was changed to two days in response to feedback from program evaluations which indicated a need for more aesthetic education. The 2001 meeting was planned with one day focusing on aesthetic topics and the second day on traditional or functional topics, allowing attendees to choose which day's educational topics most interested them and best met their needs. Over the years, the number of members who provide aesthetic services has grown, as has the percentage of time providing these services in their practice vs. functional services. Today, both aspects of their practice needs are equally addressed during the meeting's education. The format of the meeting typically includes some or all of the following: expert panel discussions, platform presentations of peer-reviewed abstracts, presentations from younger Society members (yasoprs), featured guest speakers from outside the field, awards lectures, and breakout sessions. All formats are evaluated each year for effectiveness. The fall meeting is more didactic in nature, but as the culture of asoprs meetings is one of intense audience-driven q&a, many debates and discussions still result, and are encouraged.