Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Steven Williams, MD, was recently named president-elect by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The accomplished surgeon, lecturer, and founder of Tri Valley Plastic Surgery in Dublin, Calif., will be serving as the first African-American president of the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.
“Presidency of ASPS is a pinnacle career achievement,” says Williams. “When you look at who has occupied that role you see the legends of plastic surgery, the people who have brought the biggest innovation, the biggest change, the biggest growth, the people that are most passionate about plastic surgery.”
“For me personally, it’s an achievement to be the first African-American person to be president at ASPS,” he continues. “It’s an incredible sense of honor, duty, and pride. I’m really standing on the shoulders of people who came before me.”
As an active board member for more than 15 years, Williams most recently served as Vice President of Membership within the organization. As such, he has overseen incredible changes and accomplishments; most notably, integrating technology advances, growing patient safety initiatives, expanding international membership, creating COVID patient safety resources for the plastic surgery community, and heading the diversity and inclusion committee.
During his presidency, which will formally begin in 2023, Williams plans to implement technology initiatives to further enhance the resources available to members, making ASPS more responsive and agile, in addition to focusing on broadening the reach of ASPS with their sister organizations. With diversity and inclusion being very near and dear to Williams, he also plans to continue making sure all voices are heard and ensure ASPS is being responsive to populations becoming more diverse as well.