Oftentimes in my role as AACS President, I have the privilege of seeing the successful results of a member's hard work firsthand. Last week, I was honored to have such a privilege. 
  
Executive Director Dan Garrett and I were hosted in Dubai by longtime member and board member Dr. Firas Hamdan for the grand opening of Dr. Hamdan's newest venture, Highness Beauty Clinics & Spa. We were treated to two incredible evenings of celebration with global entertainment, interesting people, and delicious food. We certainly took advantage of the fantastic opportunity to not only enjoy the celebrations and explore Dubai, but also to network with and get to know fellow cosmetic surgery leaders on an international scale. 
  
I know Dr. Hamdan has worked tremendously hard to get this new clinic up and running, and I wish him well on this new endeavor. It is because of the dedication and determination from members like Dr. Hamdan that the cosmetic surgery profession continues to gain and maintain respect. Thank you, Dr. Hamdan, for your generousity, and I look forward to seeing the inevitable success of Highness Beauty Clinics & Spa! 
  
In other news, the deadline to apply for the 2017 Award of Excellence is in less than two weeks on January 1. The Award of Excellence aims to recognize members who demonstrate a high level of commitment to continuing their education in cosmetic surgery. If you have earned 150 AMA Category 1 CME credits in cosmetic surgery, with 76 or more coming from AACS events, in the past three years (December 2013 - December 2016), you are eligible to apply. I was honored to be one of five who received the award last year, and I encourage any member who has met these requirements to apply as well! Recipients will be awarded their certificate and honored at the 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting in February. 
  
Speaking of the conference, with the new year just around the corner, I hope you're getting ready for the 2017 Annual Scientific Meeting, February 9-11. I can hardly wait to have you in my beloved San Diego hometown. Please note that the deadline to book your hotel at the discounted rate is January 9, so act fast! 
  
Happy Holidays to you and yours, and I wish you well into the New Year. See you in 2017! 
Sincerely, 
 
Robert A. Shumway, MD, FACS 
President