Congratulations to Joseph G. McCarthy, MD
The ASCFS is proud to announce that Dr. Joseph G. McCarthy has been selected as an Icon in Surgery by the American College of Surgeons. Dr. McCarthy is the first plastic surgeon to receive this recognition.
This is one of the highest honors that a surgeon can achieve, as it transcends any particular specialty and recognizes the transformative nature of their career on the practice of surgery. Since the Icons program started in 2014, there have been 52 Icons, covering the most notable names in surgery.
We encourage you to join the Icons in Surgery session that will take place in-person at the ACS Clinical Congress in Washington, DC. Dr. McCarthy will be honored on Monday, September 28th from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm. This will consist of a 15-minute video highlighting Dr. McCarthy’s career, followed by comments from Dr. McCarthy and his colleagues in attendance.
J.G. McCarthy Visiting Scholar Award
Dr. McCarthy continues to impact the ASCFS community through his Visiting Scholar Award. The specifics of this fellowship originated from the opportunities that Dr. McCarthy and colleagues experienced through visits with programs, both domestic and international. These experiences provided lifelong learning opportunities and community.
The Visiting Scholar Award was created to encourage interaction with colleagues and mentors in programs throughout the world. Recently, several changes have been made to better fit this mission. We encourage surgeons who align with these goals to apply.
If you wish to make a contribution to honor Dr. McCarthy or view eligibility details, visit: https://ascfs.org/Foundation.
Full Article
American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) and American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS) Sign Agreement to Advance Craniofacial
Care Through Collaboration
[August 19, 2025] – Two leading organizations in craniofacial care are joining forces to strengthen collaboration and improve patient outcomes. The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) and the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS) today announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes their partnership and paves the way for new opportunities in education, research, and team-based care.
The agreement underscores the importance of unity within the craniofacial community, bringing together two storied organizations committed to advancing patient care through excellence in clinical practice, research, and education. It also establishes clear expectations for collaboration at the ACPA Annual Meeting and the co-located ASCFS Annual Meeting, ensuring a more integrated and impactful experience for members.
“This MOU represents an important step forward in uniting our community around a shared purpose: advancing patient care,” said
Dr. Oksana Jackson, President of ACPA. “By defining how we work with ASCFS at the Annual Meeting, we are creating a more intentional, transparent, and inclusive environment—one that expands opportunities for interprofessional learning and research.”
“ASCFS is excited to deepen our partnership with ACPA,” said Dr. Lisa David, President of ASCFS. “Our organizations share a legacy of commitment to patients and families, and this agreement affirms that our futures are stronger together. Through collaboration and innovation, we can enhance the annual meeting experience with streamlined programming and shared opportunities while continuing to meet the needs of our members.”
Beyond the annual meeting, the MOU lays the groundwork for future initiatives designed to strengthen the craniofacial care community, expand access to innovative treatment, and elevate advocacy for individuals and families affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions.
About the American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA)
The American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association (ACPA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that unites healthcare professionals and advocates focused on cleft and craniofacial conditions. Since 1943, ACPA has championed comprehensive care through education, research, advocacy, and team-based treatment. Representing over 30 disciplines in 50 countries, ACPA remains a global leader in advancing quality care for patients and families.
About the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS)
Founded in 1983, the American Society of Craniofacial Surgeons (ASCFS) is dedicated to advancing care in the field of craniofacial surgery through advocacy, education, and research. ASCFS promotes team-based care and fosters collaboration among craniofacial surgeons nationally to ensure excellence and innovation in patient care.
ERAS Protocols
ERAS in Cranial Vaults, ERAS – General Overview, ERAS in Orthognathic Surgery, ERAS in Cleft Lip and Palate Repair
View Protocols
The American Society of Craniofacial Surgery (ASCFS) created the ASCFS Foundation to serve as the education, research and philanthropic arm of the organization. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life of craniofacial patients through education, research and development. The Foundation will accomplish its mission by supporting education and research through grant and award programs, including lectureships and research scholarships. We hope that you will consider a donation to the ASCFS Foundation. You may select to give to the general Foundation Fund or you may support one of the current initiatives, created to honor the esteemed founders of the specialty.
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