Abigail Waldman, MD, of Chicago is the first research grant recipient of the Fredric S. Brandt, MD, Innovations in Aesthetics Fellowship Fund. The fund—supported by The Allergan Foundation—promotes and supports the career development of cosmetic dermatologic surgeon-scientists focused on cosmetic treatments and patient care. It was established earlier this year to advance the legacy of Dr. Brandt, a longtime ASDS member who passed away in April. He was widely considered among the most innovative cosmetic dermatologists in the field.
Dr. Waldman is currently enrolled in a cosmetic dermatologic surgery fellowship training program through the McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University. She was awarded $41,500 for her research project, “Patient Motivations and Preferences Regarding the Decision to Seek Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgical Procedures: A Prospective Multicenter Study,” in which she plans to interview current and prospective cosmetic patients to gather insights that can be used to ensure patients choose treatments that best match their desired outcomes.
“It is time to move beyond physicians’ observations by going directly to people not yet considering, anticipating and/or recently having a cosmetic procedure to better understand what makes people want cosmetic treatments,” said Dr. Waldman.