ASDS Honors Legacy of Dr. Fredric Brandt

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is paying tribute to the late cosmetic dermatologist Fredric S. Brandt, MD by setting up two memorial funds in his honor.

Dr. Brandt, an ASDS member since 1982, died earlier this month at age 65 at his Florida home. The ASDS said the funds are designed to provide opportunities for ASDS members, industry and any interested donors to support the field of cosmetic dermatology that Dr. Brandt held so dear.

“Dr. Brandt was one of the country’s most accomplished and revered cosmetic dermatologists,” said ASDS President George J. Hruza, MD, MBA. “He earned widespread respect among his colleagues for his work ethic and innovative mindset, while playing an integral role in multiple advancements in the field. We will greatly miss his sharing of skills and expertise. Through these memorial funds, ASDS hopes to honor his legacy.”

Thanks to the generosity of The Allergan Foundation, ASDS will administer The Fredric S. Brandt, MD, Innovations in Aesthetics Fellowship Fund in collaboration with the Society’s accredited Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship training programs. In honor of Dr. Brandt, The Allergan Foundation has committed $300,000 to this Fellowship Fund to support the career development of junior dermatologic surgeon-scientists focused on cosmetic treatments and patient care. The Allergan Foundation has agreed to provide funding to support the research and educational needs of up to two Fellows a year who are enrolled in an ASDS-accredited Fellowship program. Specifically, the Fund will support their research in clinical cosmetic dermatologic surgery, cover additional educational expenses, and provide a scholarship to attend the ASDS Annual Meeting.

“ASDS is honored that The Allergan Foundation wants to celebrate Dr. Brandt’s legacy by helping to train the next generation of dermatologic surgeons,” said Hruza. “It is a fitting tribute to his life as he always volunteered his time to educate physicians at medical conferences, including multiple sessions at our ASDS Annual Meeting.”

The Allergan Foundation will provide up to $100,000 per year beginning in 2015. Those wishing to donate to this fund in tribute to Dr. Brandt’s life may do so at any level of support.

Additionally, in response to support from members and industry, ASDS has established the Fredric S. Brandt, MD, Memorial Research Fund to honor his contributions to the field of cosmetic dermatology. Funds collected will be utilized to support well-conceived clinical research projects in cosmetic dermatologic surgery or Board-directed research relating to the safety of cosmetic procedures.

“This Memorial Research Fund gives Dr. Brandt’s friends, colleagues and industry partners a mechanism to honor his memory in a way that is consistent with who he was as a person and physician – innovative, giving and collaborative – for the benefit of the entire specialty,” said Hruza.

According to the ASDS, Dr. Brandt was a major contributor to the organization for decades. He received the inaugural ASDS Excellence in Education Award in 2009 for having continuously served as ASDS Annual Meeting faculty during the previous decade. He also served as a contributing editor to the Dermatologic Surgery journal.

Former ASDS President Roy G. Geronemus, MD, who worked with Dr. Brandt for 20 years at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, said, “He was known not only for his artistry as a physician but also for his sense of humor, compassion and commitment to his patients. Fred’s contribution to cosmetic medicine has been transformative and noteworthy. He is already missed by so many patients and friends.”


For information on donating to either fund, please email Tara Azzano at tazzano@asds.net