This section explains what we do, how we are structured and how to find us.

What is IPRAS-TA?

IPRAS-TA is the only international medical association that exclusively represents plastic surgery residents and trainees worldwide, although it is only recently founded. IPRAS-TA operates within the framework of IPRAS and is composed of residents and young plastic surgeons from over 100 countries who represent their home countries and national training societies. IPRAS-TA is a fun, friendly multicultural and diverse association that brings together young plastic surgeons from different countries. We are dynamic and passionate about the future of plastic surgery training.

Our vision

As both trainees and future leaders of our field, we recognize the several recent trends affecting our specialty. We understand that the current era of uncertainty will bring about changes that may affect the structure of Plastic Surgery training and education. Hence, IPRAS-TA took the initiative by surveying plastic surgery trainees worldwide and presenting their collective views on a number of pertinent issues. We believe that the results of IPRAS-TA survey will provide a platform and an ample amount of information that may help mentors, program directors as well as trainees to continuously improve the process of plastic surgery training and education. We hope to foster closer professional relationships, innovation and enhanced communication amongst international plastic surgery trainees.

Executive committee

The executive committee of IPRAS-TA consists of dedicated plastic surgery trainees who have responsibilities to organize residents meetings and events, courses and workshops and provide a wealth of other educational opportunities by liaising with leading organizations and international societies. The executive committee is appointed by direct elections that take place on a bi-annual basis. For more information on the executive committee structure, members and bylaws please visit executive committee section.

Meetings

The first meeting of IPRAS-TA was held in Athens on the 1st of November 2012. The meeting was attended by a large number of plastic surgery trainees and was considered a big success for trainees and young plastic surgeons on an international level. IPRAS-TA organizes an international meeting for plastic surgery trainees once every two years. The 2nd IPRAS-TA meeting will be hosted in Paris in 2014. However, we are also present and well represented at all other meetings organized by IPRAS. This is usually in the form of small residents meetings and discussion groups, so the next residents meeting will take place on the 25th of February 2013 in Santiago, Chile. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Contact us

Please contact Maria petsa at maria.petsa@zita-congress.gr

Hyperguide:
http://www.plasticsurgery.hyperguides.com

Οur facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/groups/359872790755106/?fref=ts

2nd IPRAS –TA meeting
Paris 2014 in conjunction meeting with the 11th IQUAM congress and consensus conference
More information will be announced soon.

Executive committee was formed during the inception of IPRAS-TA at the IQUAM meeting in Athens, Greece in November 2012.

	Sarah Lorenz Position: Chairperson Dr. Sarah Lorenz is a plastic surgical resident training at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand, and Burn Surgery at the Academic Hospital Munich Bogenhausen in Munich Germany. She has graduated from Munich technical University in 2007 and obtained her degree as Dr. med. in 2008. Her main scientific focus lies in microcirculation and burns. During her training she grew a particular interest in Breast Reconstruction besides her passion for General Plastic Surgery. Sarah is an active member of WomenforWomen by IPRAS, she has participated in many humanitarian surgical camps and runs the WomenforWomen Residents’ Programme. She is conducting the IPRAS-TA trainees’ survey and participated in the founding of IPRAS-TA. Since November 2012 Sarah has been elected Chairperson of IPRAS-TA. Besides Plastic Surgery Sarah is enthusiastic about skiing, kite surfing, mountaineering, tennis and modern art.
	Antonis Kritharis Position: Vice Chairperson Antonis is a Greek Plastic Surgery resident at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Burns and Microsurgery, George Gennimatas State Hospital. He graduated from the University of Napoli, Italy. He enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for music, history and art. He is also elected President of the Hellenic Association of Plastic Surgery Trainees. He is elected Vice Chairperson of the IPRAS-TA. He is also involved with the webpage design, scientific section and organization of the next IPRAS-TA course. His assigned countries are Armenia, Albania, Australia, Costa Rica, Egypt, FYROM, Greece, Malta, Morroco, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia.
	Shady Rehim Position: Secretary General Dr. Shady A. Rehim is a plastic and reconstructive surgery trainee currently on a travel research fellowship at the Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, USA. He graduated from the Ain Shams University in Cairo 2005. He has clinical interests in general plastic, hand and upper-limb reconstructive surgery. His current research work is focused on measuring clinical outcomes following aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the hand and upper-limb. His hobbies include medical photography and drawing medical illustrations. Outside medicine he enjoys travelling, rafting and several other water sports. Dr Rehim currently serves as the secretary general of IPRAS-TA. Within IPRAS-TA he is responsible for India, Guatemala and Panama. He participated in designing the IPRAS-TA questionnaire/survey and is currently involved with IPRAS-TA webpage construction.
	Ondrej Mestak Position: Exco Member Ondrej graduated at 3rd Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague in 2006. In 2012 he received board certification in Plastic Surgery. He works at Department of Plastic Surgery at Bulovka Hospital and 1st Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. He focuses on breast reconstruction and abdominal wall reconstruction. In his PhD he aims on development of biomaterials and experimental use of fat derived stem cells. Ondrej likes to spend his free time actively with his family by travelling, cycling, skiing and playing volleyball. Within IPRAS-TA he is responsible for China, Taiwan, Cuba, Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, New Zealand and Slovak Republic. He also runs the Facebook group.
	Ben Khoda Position: Exco Member Benjamin is a Plastic Surgery Registrar on the Oxford and Wessex Training Programme in the UK. He graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2004 and is currently working at the Salisbury District Hospital Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His main interests lie in Head and Neck reconstructive surgery including Clefts and Facial Reanimation. He is passionate about plastic surgery training and actively participates in formal and informal teaching. Benjamin enjoys kite surfing, photography, playing squash, football and skiing. Within the IPRAS-TA he is responsible for Belgium, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom. He is also involved in the Webpage design and the IPRAS-TA survey.
	Hans Marius Solli-Nilsen Position: Exco Member Marius is a Norwegian Plastic Surgery resident at the Department of Plastic Surgery, Oestfold County Hospital, University Hospital of Oslo, Norway. He graduated from the University of Oslo in 2005. He has clinical interests in massive weight loss surgery and enjoys horticulture. Within IPRAS-TA, he is involved with the webpage design. His assigned countries are Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Lativa, Lithuania and Russia.
	Giorgio Giatsidis Position: Exco Member Giorgio is an Italian Plastic Surgery senior resident at the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgery, Padova University Hospital, Italy. He has an active research interest in wound healing and tissue engineering. His clinical interests are reconstructive microsurgery, hand surgery, breast surgery, massive weight loss surgery and burns. He is also involved in humanitarian projects in the developing countries. He enjoys photography, drawing, travelling and sailing. Within IPRAS-TA, he is involved in the scientific section, exchange programmes and IPRAS-TA editorial board. His assigned countries are France, Iran, Italy, Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa and United States of America.
	Angelos Karatzias Position: Exco Member Angelos is a Cypriot Plastic Surgery resident at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns, Nicosia General Hospital. He graduated from the Democritus University of Thrace in Greece. He has completed a Masters in Wound Healing and Tissue repair and continues to show a passion for research. Within the IPRAS-TA, he is involved in the development of exchange programmes and organisation of IPRAS-TA meetings. His assigned countries are Cyprus, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
	Zeljka Roje Position: Exco Member Dr. Zeljka Roje is a plastic surgery resident at the Department of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia. She graduated at University of Zagreb in 2005 and became General surgery specialist in 2012. She is currently completing her PhD dissertation on Biomedicine and Health Sciences at University of Zagreb. Her main scientific focus lies in breast cancer research, and her main surgery focus lies on breast aesthetic and hand reconstructive surgery. She is also volunteering at Centre for Psychological Assistance for women cancer patients “Everything for her”. Her hobbies include sailing, travelling and reading. Within IPRAS-TA, she is involved in the scientific section, exchange programmes, webpage design and organisation of IPRAS-TA meetings. Her assigned countries are Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Croatia, Israel, Oman, Qatar, Serbia, Slovenia, and United Arab Emirates.
	Ziyad Al Harbi Position: Exco Member Dr. Ziyad Alharbi is a resident in plastic surgery since 2010 at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery - Burn Center, at the RWTH Aachen University Hospital in Germany. He has graduated from King Abdul-Aziz University with the M.B.B.S degree in 2008 and obtained his M.D. degree as a Doctor of Medicine in 2012. His main scientific focus lies in the adipose tissue as a stem cell source and biomaterials. Dr. Alharbi performs also clinical studies regarding reconstructive procedures and burns. He is also involved as postdoctoral fellow to obtain his Ph.D. in the field of regenerative plastic surgery. Dr. Alharbi is the Executive Editor of the Anaplastology Journal and a member of several associations including the German Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, Saudi Scientific Association of Plastic Surgery and Burns and Resident Member of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Alharbi currently serves as ExCo Member of IPRAS-TA. Within IPRAS-TA he is involved in the scientific section and responsible for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, and Kuwait.
	Nandita Putri Position: Exco Member Nandita Melati Putri is a Plastic Surgery resident in Plastic Reconstructive and aesthetic surgery division at the National Ciptomangunkusumo hospital, University of Indonesia in Jakarta. She graduated from Faculty of medicine university of indonesia in 2007. Her clinical interests include general plastic surgery, hand and microsurgery and craniofacial surgery. Within the IPRAS-TA her assigned countries are Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Article 1. NAME

The name of the organization shall be the IPRAS TRAINEES ASSOCIATION (IPRAS-TA) and it will function as a permanent Committee of IPRAS

Article 2. MISSION AND PURPOSE

The purpose of IPRAS-TA shall be: a) To coordinate the efforts for improving the training in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery b) To encourage the exchange of trainees among accredited units internationally c) To cultivate friendship and closer relations among trainees from all over the globe d) To have a voice in the IPRAS Structure

Article 3. COMPOSITION

IPRAS-TA shall consist of National Delegates

1. An official national delegate may be eligible for membership consideration in IPRAS-TA when elected or appointed by the national trainees association or any other official organization representing Plastic Surgery trainees. If no such independent organization exists, the delegate can be appointed by the IPRAS National Society or the National authority responsible for training (e.g. State or University).

2. Each IPRAS-TA national delegate must be approved for membership by a simple majority vote of the ExCo.

3. Applications for membership from national delegates shall not be rejected on the basis of religious beliefs or political reasons.

4. Members shall be trainees who have completed at least one year of training in an accredited unit.

5. Delegates can extend their membership up to and no later than two years after obtaining their specialist’s diploma. After this time their membership ceases automatically.

6. A trainee elected for a position on the ExCo may cease to be a delegate and another person can be appointed. I no such appointment occurs he/she continues to represent the country of origin.

Article 4. ORGANIZATION

Section A. General Principles

The administration and governance of the IPRAS-TA shall consist of Officers (Chairperson, Vice-chair, Secretary and five Members), which will serve as the Executive Committee. (IPRAS-TA ExCo)

Section B. Chairperson (Chief Officer of the Organization)

1. The Chairperson shall be elected by the Council of National Delegates to serve one two (2) year term and may be re-elected once. A candidate for the Chairperson’s position shall have served on the ExCo for at least one (1) two year term. The Chairperson shall be the Chief Elected Officer of the Organization, serve as Chair of the ExCo, with the right to vote, and shall serve as an ex-officio member in the IPRAS ExCo.

2. The Chairperson’s duties include the following:

a. Conduct the day-to-day affairs of IPRAS-TA.

b. Promote the mission and purpose of IPRAS- in all parts of the world.

c. Conduct the meetings of the organization.

1. Executive Committee

2. Council of National Delegates

d. Maintain primary control of the historical documents of the organization.

e. Represent IPRAS-TA at various section meetings, chapter meetings, national meetings.

e. Represent the TA on the IPRAS ExCo

Section C. Vice-Chairperson

1. shall be elected by the Council of National Delegates to serve one two (2) year term and may be re-elected once.

2. The Vice-Chairperson duties include the following:

Replace the Chairperson in case of absence or resignation

Section D. Secretary

1. The General Secretary shall be elected by the Council of National Delegates to serve one two (2) year term and may be re-elected once. A candidate for the Secretary position shall have served on the IPRAS-TA ExCo for at least one (1) two year term

2. The Secretary’s duties include the following:

a. Assisting the Chairperson in conducting the day-to-day affairs of TA

b. Assist the Chairperson in promoting the mission and purpose of IPRAS-TA in all parts of the world.

c. Support the Chairperson, assist in recording minutes and participate in the meetings of the organization.

1. IPRAS-TA ExCo

2. Council of National Delegates

f. Serve under the Chairperson and prepare reports from time to time as needed.

g. Assist the Chairperson at various section meetings, chapter meetings, international and national meetings, and other meetings as necessary.

h. Website Administration linked with the IPRAS website

Section E. Executive Committee

1. The ExCo shall consist of the following members (5)

a. Chairperson

b. Vice Chairperson

c. General Secretary

f. Section representatives

• Africa & Middle East

• Asia Pacific

• Europe

• North America

• South & Central America

g. Ex officio members

• The President of IPRAS

• The General Secretary of IPRAS

• The parliamentarian of IPRAS

• The chairperson of the IPRAS Training & Accreditation Sub Committee

• The chairperson of the IPRAS Board Certification Sub Committee

Section F. The Council of IPRAS-TA National Delegates

1. The Council of National Delegates shall be the main decision making body of IPRAS-TA

2. The Council of National Delegates shall consist of:

a. One (1) delegate selected by each IPRAS member national society.

1. The national delegate shall be selected by the respective national Association. In the absence of such Association the delegate is selected by the National Society or the National Authority for training.

2. The national society shall provide the name of their National Delegate to the Secretary within the first three (3) months following the beginning of a new meeting cycle or the existing one will continue to serve.

3. Substitutions of delegates (for representational purposes) are permitted upon official notification.

4. A national society whose delegate is elected to serve on the ExCo, at its own discretion, appoint another active member to serve as its delegate to the Council of National Delegates.

b. All members of the ExCo

c. All of the above have voting rights at the Council meeting.

3. The Council of National Delegates has the following responsibilities:

a. Approves national delegates for membership.

b. Elects the members of the ExCo

c. Recommends the site of the next scientific meeting after receiving information by the prospective hosts and the recommendations of the ExCo.

e. Receives the report of the Chairperson on the activities of the ExCo and National Delegates

 4. The Council of National Delegates is chaired by the Chairperson.

Article 5 Scientific International meetings

1. Scientific Meetings for the Trainees are organized attached to major IPRAS events in close cooperation with the Organizing Committee of each event and the IPRAS Academy for Plastic Surgery Training.

2. The Organizing Committee comprises the members of the ExCo and two representatives of the Local Trainees Association or any appointed by the Training Authority of the country in which the meeting is held.

3. The official language of the meeting shall be English.

4. The Organization is undertaken by the official IPRAS event Organizer.

5. The Scientific Program is the responsibility of the ExCo and it is supervised by senior officers specially assigned by the IPRAS President.

For any further information please contact maria.petsa@zita-congress.gr
 
Alternatively please click on the relevant IPRAS-TA committee member below.
 
Sarah Lorenz                                     sarahlorenz@mac.com
Antonis Kritharis                               kritharis_antonios@hotmail.com
Shady Rehim                                     s.rehim@googlemail.com
Ondrej Mestak                                  mestak@gmail.com
Ben Khoda                                         ben.khoda@yahoo.co.uk
Hans Marius Solli-Nilsen                  murius@hotmail.com
Giorgio Giatsidis                                giorgio.giatsidis@gmail.com
Angelos Karatzias                             akaratzias@hotmail.com
Zeljka Roje                                         zroje@kbd.hr
Ziyad Al Harbi                                    ziyad.alharbi@hotmail.com
Nandita Putri                                      nalatri@yahoo.com

Dear Colleagues,

Under the auspices of the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS) we would like to conduct a survey evaluating the individual structures of Plastic Surgery Training among IPRAS member countries. We feel that continuous efforts should be made to offer our trainees the best possible education. This survey should give us an idea of the present status of training in our member countries.

This survey is in the form of an electronic questionnaire which can be found on IPRAS website (www.ipras.org) and should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The responses are entirely anonymous. Participation in this survey is voluntary and will in no way affect residents training. In order to get the most representative understanding of the adequacy of plastic surgery training and the existing differences between member countries, we require as many responses as possible. Therefore we need you the national societies, program directors and colleagues that employ residents to invite your trainees to take part in this survey i.e. by forwarding the link. Your participation in this survey will help IPRAS to facilitate further developments of plastic surgery training around the world.

Finally, we would like to thank you for your time and kindly ask for your support to invite as many trainees around the world as possible.

Best wishes,
Sarah Lorenz (Germany)
Shady A.Rehim (UK)
IPRAS Trainees Association.