Garnes Society and BRAVE Coalition Unite to Fund Diversity Lecture in Plastic Surgery

The Arthur L. Garnes Society and the BRAVE Coalition have joined forces to establish an endowment for the Ferdinand Ofodile Lecture on Diversity in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Their collaborative effort seeks to raise $100,000 to support ongoing discussions about inclusivity and representation within the medical specialty.

The lecture honors Dr. Ferdinand Ofodile, a pioneering Clinical Professor Emeritus from Columbia University and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Harlem Hospital, which hosted the nation's first plastic surgery training program at a predominantly Black hospital. By creating a sustainable funding mechanism, the organizations aim to ensure continued dialogue about diversity in surgical fields.

Dr. Paris Butler, founding member of The Garnes Society, emphasized the partnership's significance, noting that combining efforts with BRAVE will help foster a more equitable environment in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The endowment will cover speaker fees, travel expenses, and program development for future lectures.

Dr. Christien Grogan, BRAVE Coalition's founder, highlighted the initiative's importance in addressing healthcare disparities and promoting inclusive excellence. The lecture series represents a strategic approach to increasing representation and understanding within the medical community.

This collaborative effort signals a meaningful commitment to expanding diversity in specialized medical fields, creating opportunities for underrepresented professionals and enhancing patient care through more inclusive perspectives.