The Plastic Surgery Foundation Names Michael Neumeister, MD, as Its New President

DENVER - The Plastic Surgery Foundation (PSF), the premier plastic surgery research organization advancing the specialty, today announced it has named Michael Neumeister, MD, as its president. Dr. Neumeister, professor and chairman of the Institute of Plastic Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Ill., assumed the role this week at Plastic Surgery 11 THE Meeting, the leading annual plastic surgery scientific and educational conference.

Since 1948, The PSF's mission has been to improve the quality of life of patients through research and development. The PSF's core purpose is to fund meaningful research, support innovation, training and humanitarian efforts through international outreach.

"The PSF allows plastic surgeons around the world to be a part of cutting-edge trials and research that impact the procedures we routinely perform," said Dr. Neumeister. "Plastic surgery practices are constantly evolving, and I look forward to excelling our gold-standard status in reconstructive and cosmetic care."

Dr. Neumeister received his medical degree from the University of Toronto. He started in a general surgery residency at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and went on to complete his plastic surgery residency at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1996. He also attended Harvard University's Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston as a microsurgery fellow, and completed a hand and microsurgery fellowship at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's Plastic Surgery Institute. Dr. Neumeister is board certified in plastic surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, and became a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons in 1997.

In 2011 The PSF invested nearly $750,000 to support 34 investigator-initiated research projects. The PSF also invested over $400,000 and facilitated projects designed to study important patient safety issues including lymphoma and venous thromboembolism. In addition, six visiting professors traveled to more than 20 teaching institutions to share their expertise on a variety of plastic surgery topics to further the art and science of the specialty.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Neumeister on board as we build on the successes of The PSF in 2011," said Keith Hume, staff vice president & PSF chief operating officer. "Dr. Neumeister's extensive background will be beneficial as The PSF embarks on initiatives like the development of a national registry for breast implants in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, and other groundbreaking medical research."

Dr. Neumeister's research interests and areas of expertise include tissue engineering, hand surgery, microsurgery, breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, burn care and reconstruction. Dr. Neumeister has three daughters and resides in Springfield, Illinois with his wife, Nadine. He will serve as PSF president for one year.