The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Announces 2008 Journalistic Achievement Awards
NEW YORK, May 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Journalists representing Allure magazine and NBC's Today Show are among winners receiving top honors in the 2008 Journalistic Achievement Awards sponsored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Selected from among 113 entries, this year's winners will be presented with their awards on May 6th, at ASAPS' Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. ASAPS, founded in 1967, is the leading national organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and body.
"There's so much public interest in cosmetic plastic surgery," says plastic surgeon Mark A. Codner, MD, ASAPS Communications Commissioner, "but it's a complex subject. ASAPS looks for journalists who 'translate' difficult concepts into understandable ones, and who convey necessary information to the public - about realistic expectations, safety, and surgeons' qualifications."
"In a year that saw many controversial issues, such as so-called 'fat-melting injections' and the growing numbers of medi-spas, these journalists worked to emphasize that patients need to do their homework and research the procedures they are undergoing and the people who are performing them, " says Aesthetic Society President, Foad Nahai, MD, a plastic surgeon in Atlanta, GA.
Each year, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery honors journalists for their reporting on cosmetic plastic surgery. Entries are accepted in six categories: Television News, Television Feature, Newspaper, Magazine, Internet, and Patient Safety.
Top 2008 honors in the Magazine category go to Joan Kron of Allure for her article, Fat Chance, which appeared in the November 2007 issue of Allure Magazine. The article exposes the dangers of so-called "fat-melting" injections. First place in the Patient Safety category goes to Janet St. James of WFAA-TV, Dallas' ABC affiliate is recognized for her segment, Medispa Warning, which warns of the dangers of medical spas and the harm these combination cosmetic-medical practices can do.
Ric Romo and Emily McAdam, of NBC's Today Show, are the winners in the Television Feature category for the segment Under the Knife: Risks of Cosmetic Surgery, describing the risks of cosmetic surgery. The story included an interview with Michael McGuire, MD who discussed the misconceptions patients have about the risks and complications of cosmetic procedures. First place in the TV News category goes to Deena Centofanti of WJBK Detroit's Fox affiliate, for her piece Plastic Surgery Safety Guidelines, which includes guidelines for patients considering plastic surgery.
Jo Ciavaglia, of the Bucks County Courier Times, takes top honors for her Newspaper article, The Good, the Bad, and the Beauty, which details her first hand experience with a mini cosmetic procedure - lip plumping. First place in the Internet category is awarded to Mary Carmichael (Newsweek.com) for her article, How Reality TV Influences Plastic-Surgery Patients that gives insight about the influence that plastic surgery reality television shows have on people deciding on cosmetic surgery.
A panel of plastic surgeons and communications professionals evaluated each entry for accuracy of information, balanced reporting, educational value, interest, originality, and journalistic style. Winners receive airfare and accommodations for the ASAPS 2008 Annual Meeting in San Diego and are honored at a Journalistic Achievement Awards Ceremony.
For more information on the Aesthetic Society's Journalistic Achievement Awards, visit the Press Center on the Aesthetic Society web site at www.surgery.org.
Journalistic Achievement Awards Presentation
Tuesday, May 6, 8:00am
About ASAPS
The 2400-member American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the only plastic surgery organization devoted entirely to the advancement of cosmetic surgery. ASAPS is recognized throughout the world as the authoritative source for cosmetic surgery education. U.S. members are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Canadian members are certified in plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Toll-free referral line: 888.ASAPS.11 (272.7711). Web site: www.surgery.org
SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
