New York, NY (May 1, 2018) – The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) today elected Las Vegas-based board-certified plastic surgeon Julio Garcia, MD as its new President. ASERF is the philanthropic research and education arm of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Its mission is to identify and pursue those issues relevant to the advancement and the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic medicine through independent, unbiased, directed research and groundbreaking education. ASERF is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Dr. Garcia is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a renowned provider of breast, face and body surgery for men and women in the Las Vegas area, as well as patients visiting from across the United States and the globe. As President of ASERF, Dr. Garcia will leverage 21st century technologies to produce innovative research, including bench research that will directly apply to the future capabilities within the specialty of aesthetic plastic surgery. He plans to examine many aesthetic procedures to continue to establish improved safety parameters. Dr. Garcia is going to continue working with ASERF leadership to develop mentorship programs and courses to assist individuals who have not previously conducted formal research. By enabling more aesthetic surgeons to contribute to the field, ASERF will expand its reach and continue to improve the specialty.

 “It is an honor to be President of ASERF in 2018. ASERF has grown over the last 25 years as my own private practice has over 30 years, almost in lock step. The direction, education, and opportunities that ASERF now offers its members have grown considerably along with the sophistication of aesthetic surgery worldwide,” states Dr. Garcia. “I look back at the procedures and technology I’ve used throughout my career and am amazed at what I’ve been able to employ thanks to ASERF’s research. I am thrilled to be a part of the foundation as we now enter a new and exciting chapter for ASERF and further expand its research and impact on the specialty.”

“Dr. Garcia has made impressive contributions to the aesthetic plastic surgery specialty in practice and through his philanthropic efforts. He is an advocate for the advancement of safety and education— an excellent leader for ASERF as we head into our 25th year. Dr. Garcia’s humanitarian service and dedication to the specialty are an admirable combination that I am sure will lead ASERF to resounding successes in the year to come and beyond," notes Barry DiBernardo, MD, Immediate Past-President of ASERF."

ASERF works diligently each year to select the best grant applications, as well as fund directed research projects that will most greatly impact the sub-specialty of aesthetic plastic surgery. If you would like to support the mission, you may donate at www.aserf.org/donor-benefits/make-a-difference.  ASERF is grateful to those who have given and hopes that with continued support we will be able to further our mission.

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About ASERF
The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation whose mission is to fund research that will advance the field of aesthetic surgery through directed physician-initiated research. ASERF is supported exclusively by private donations and research revenues.  For more information, visit www.aserf.org.

The Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) is pleased to announce that the Mollenkopf Aesthetic Breast Reconstruction Fund, which aids breast cancer patients in completing their aesthetic breast reconstruction journey, is now available nationwide.

The Fund, established in 2016 and made possible through generous restricted donations to ASERF by Susan and Steve Mollenkopf and matched by the Qualcomm Foundation, provides grants of up to $5,000 to assist underinsured or uninsured patients in completing a quality aesthetic breast reconstruction following breast cancer.

To date, the generosity of the Mollenkopfs and Qualcomm has resulted in the availability of more than 60 grants to eligible patients. The proliferation of this unique patient support inspired Susan Mollenkopf – herself a two-time breast cancer survivor and patient of Aesthetic Society member Dr. Scott Barttelbort – to give her blessing to expanding the Fund’s availability for patients nationwide.

“We are so grateful to Susan and Steve Mollenkopf for their continued support of this fund and for generously extending their commitment to give hope to women across America,” said Dr. Barttelbort.

The ideal candidate to receive a Mollenkopf grant are women who have had breast reconstruction but for whatever reason, still have unacceptable results and who are deferring surgery due to financial difficulties. Ideally, doctors would donate their surgical skills and the grant money would help cover the patient’s operating room fees, anesthesia, deductibles and other related expenses.

For Aesthetic Society member surgeons who have patients eligible for a Mollenkopf Fund grant, please download the grant request form, which outlines the criteria and application process. When a surgeon confirms patient eligibility, complete the form and return to ASERF in a timely manner. At that time, a four-person committee will review all grant requests.

This collaboration between ASERF, the Mollenkopfs and Qualcomm has already positively impacted women on a regional level and is ready to help change lives in all 50 states.

For additional information on the Fund, please contact Ivan Rodriguez at (562) 799-2356 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .