Board-Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in California honored to take on a new role and make an impact as first African American President of ASPS.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 7,000 physician members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 93 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society domestically represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and internationally represents members from countries worldwide.

Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Steven Williams 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, CA, will be serving as the first African American president of the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world.

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“Presidency of ASPS is a pinnacle career achievement,” says Dr. 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. 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, Dr. Williams has had the privilege of serving in the following roles:

Membership Committee, 2012 – 2014

Membership Committee Chair, 2015 – 2018

Vice President of Aesthetic Surgery, 2018 – 2019

Diversity Committee Chair, 2019 – 2020

Vice President of Membership, 2019 – 2022

President-Elect, 2022 – Present

In his most recent role as Vice President of Membership of the organization, he has overseen incredible changes and accomplishments, most notably integrating technology advances, growing patient safety initiatives, expanding international membership, creating COVID patient resources for the plastic surgery community, and heading the diversity and inclusion committee.

During his presidency, which will formally begin in 2023, Dr. 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 Dr. Williams, he also plans to continue making sure all voices are heard and ensure ASPS is being responsive to populations becoming more diverse.