Professor and Director of the Division of Plastic Surgery Jorge de la Torre, M.D., MSHA, MSHQS, FACS, will serve as president of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (SESPRS).

The SESPRS was established in 1958 by pioneers of plastic surgery and is widely-viewed as one of the preeminent plastic surgery societies. 

The SESPRS has a long history of affiliation with UAB. In fact, the SESPRS Historical Archives are held at the Reynolds Historical Library.

Samuel Upchurch, M.D., who was appointed chief of plastic surgery at UAB in 1947, was president of the SESPRS in 1964. The Upchurch Fund was established in his honor and helps support the educational initiatives of the society.

Francis Marzoni, M.D., Upchurch’s successor as chief of plastic surgery, served as SESPRS president in 1967. More recently, James Grotting, M.D., who is a volunteer clinical professor with the Division of Plastic Surgery, served as the SESPRS President in 2011.

As president, de la Torre will serve a one-year term. He has been a member of SESPRS since 2002, has served on numerous committees, and a has served on the executive board since 2010. 

“I am looking forward to the upcoming year,” said de la Torre. “The Southeastern is a world-class organization, and it is a tremendous honor to carry on the UAB tradition of service to its membership.”

The SESPRS is committed to advancing professional excellence, quality education and regional collegiality. In Jan. 2022, the SESPRS will hold its annual Breast Surgery Symposium and Periorbital/Facial Symposium.

The Breast Symposium is recognized for its live surgery and its renowned international faculty. Next year will also mark the Second Annual SESPRS/ISAPS Periorbital and Facial Symposium held in conjunction with the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Learn more about the SESPRS.