Originally from Ambato, Ecuador, Dr. Vasconez attended the University of Miami for undergraduate training and attended Washington University for medical School. He completed training in general and plastic surgery at the University of Rochester and the University of Florida. Following his training he joined the faculty of University of Florida, before moving to Emory University in Atlanta, with his mentor Dr. Maurice Jurkiewicz. Dr. Vasconez took over as head of the program at UCSF in 1978; he and Dr. Stephen Mathes were the first full-time faculty in plastic surgery at the time. In 1985, Dr. Vasconez returned to the south taking on the role of Professor and Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery. With Dr. Jim Grotting, they established a residency program. Since that time, over 50 plastic surgery residents have graduated from the program. In addition, numerous fellows and international visitors have trained at UAB. Dr. Vasconez is not only a leader in plastic surgery, but also an innovator. He has served as a Director and Examiner for the ABPS, He has served on numerous committees for the ASPS, ASAPS, AAPS, ASA and SESPRS. He has published hundreds of articles including seminal works in muscle flap anatomy, breast reconstruction and endoscopic forehead lift.

Tony Marzoni was born In Birmingham, Alabama in 1922. He studies at Vanderbilt University receiving both his undergraduate and medical degree. He went on to complete training in general and plastic surgery at Duke University and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. After his training he returned to Birmingham to join Dr. Samuel Upchurch in practice at UAB. Following the death of Dr. Upchurch, Dr. Marzoni succeeded him as Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery. He remained in that position until 1985. Although there was not a plastic surgery residency training program at UAB, Dr. Marzoni was instrumental in establishing much of the clinical infrastructure on which the residency program could be established. He served organized plastic surgery as a Director and Examiner for the American Board of Plastic Surgery and was as president of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Samuel Upchurch was born in Clanton, Alabama on April 13, 1909. He attended the Citadel and the Vanderbilt University, where he completed undergraduate education and Medical School. He trained in Surgery at Duke University Hospital and in Plastic Surgery with Drs. Barret Brown, Frank McDowell and Louis Byars in St. Louis. Dr. Upchurch interrupted his training to serve in World War II. He became Chief of Plastic Surgery of the 65th General Hospital in England. Following his service he returned to St. Louis to complete his training in plastic surgery. He entered private practice in Birmingham, Alabama. He was made Chief of the Division of Plastic Surgery at UAB in 1947. he rose to the rank of Professor authored numerous articles on topics ranging from cancer of the head and neck to surgery of the hand. He served as a President of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons in 1964 and was a devoted member of the society. His widow, Ann Samford Upchurch saw fit to bequeath the SESPRS with funds to initiate the Upchurch Educational Fund as well as the Upchurch Lectureship. This lectureship has been a virtual "Who's Who" in plastic surgery and has covered a variety of diverse and fascinating topics.