Riverside Plastic Surgeon Named New President of California Plastic Surgery Society

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - June 3, 2013 - PRLog -- Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS, former Chief of Plastic Surgery at Loma Linda Medical Center and Medical Director of Imagine Plastic Surgery in Riverside, was named President of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons this past weekend at their annual meeting in San Francisco.   Dr. Hardesty will oversee the largest state plastic surgery organization of board certified plastic surgeons in the United States.  

“CSPS is more than just a professional organization,” said Dr. Hardesty.  “First of all, while some physicians who perform cosmetic surgery operate under less stringent guidelines, all California Society members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and must adhere to strict guidelines, ethics and continuing education requirements. In addition, our Society is an advocate for patient safety and research. My goal is to ensure patients are educated about plastic surgery and know the doctor who will be performing their surgery should be a member of ASPS, CSPS and a board certified plastic surgeon.”

Dr. Hardesty will explore new ways in which his Society can help veterans and less fortunate Californians in need of reconstructive procedures. While at Loma Linda University, he founded “Operation Good Samaritan.” (For example, a plastic surgery team from Operation Good Samaritan journeyed to Addis, Ababa, Ethiopia to provide health care to patients and train doctors).  

In addition, Dr. Hardesty plans to accelerate the funding of reconstructive surgery for teenagers and children under the age of 18 whose insurance may not cover needed procedures. (ie: prominent ears and nasal surgery). This assistance will be provided through the Society’s CSPSERF (education research funding) program where funds have been increased.

Dr. Hardesty also vows to build upon the Society’s initiatives to educate both patients and members via new technological platforms.  He relates, “California plastic surgeons have long been on the cutting edge of technology by bringing patients the latest advances in aesthetic medicine.  We plan to expand upon this leadership.”