The AAFPRS named Theda Kontis, MD, as the association’s president for the 2022-2023 term.

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) announced Theda Kontis, MD, a Maryland-based international leader in facial plastic surgery, as the next president of the organization.

Kontis formally took office as AAFPRS president during the AAFPRS Annual Business Meeting on October 21. She will serve as president during the 2022-2023 term year.

“We are very fortunate to have Dr Kontis, a highly strategic and authentic leader in our Specialty, stepping into the role of AAFPRS president—and I congratulate her on being the second female to hold this exceptionally crucial Academy leadership position,” said Steve Jurich, AAFPRS executive vice president and chief executive officer. “Kontis knows our Academy, Foundation and Membership extraordinarily well. She will utilize that deep knowledge to further advance the greatest levels of engagement and inclusion among our diverse current and potential members, as well as our industry partners, while ensuring meaningful mission-driven outcomes for the AAFPRS and our specialty.”

Kontis is board certified by both the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) and the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (ABOHNS).

After obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University, she received a Doctor of Medicine degree from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

She completed a general surgery internship, otolaryngology-head and neck surgery residency, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship, at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.

In 2011, Kontis was elected as one of two physicians to serve on the board of directors for the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.

In practice since 1994, Kontis also works as an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, where she continues to train residents and fellows in facial plastic surgery techniques. She has written a best-selling textbook, Cosmetic Injection Techniques, which has been translated into five languages and is currently in its second edition.

Kontis is a frequent contributor to the medical literature and is involved in clinical research of injectable product development.

“It is indeed an honor and privilege to have been elected to serve as AAFPRS president this year, and I’m proud to assume the role as its second woman president. In my 30 years of service to the Academy, I have witnessed it become a truly diverse and inclusive society,” said Kontis. “My goals this year are to continue to move the Academy and our Foundation forward by further increasing transparency, inclusion, diversity and camaraderie. We will enhance the fostering of meaningful relationships with our industry partners. By working closely with our amazing staff and our talented members, we will continue to meet our mission of providing world-class meetings and unparalleled member education. The future of the AAFPRS is bright and I am excited to take the reins.”

The AAFPRS is a specialty association for facial plastic surgery. The organization seeks to educate medical professionals, government, and the general public about facial plastic surgery as a specialty that requires intensive training and competence, embodies high ethical standards, artistic ideals, commitment to humanitarian service and a desire to enhance the quality of human life.

Photo courtesy of AAFPRS