GENEVA, IL (November 17, 2017) Three clinical professionals received honors for outstanding contributions to the profession of hair restoration surgery during the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) 25th World Congress (Prague, Czech Republic) in October 2017. More than 800 physicians and surgical assistants from across the world attended the event where hair restoration professionals and hair loss experts discussed the latest research and newest surgical techniques and applications to treat hair loss.
“We are honored to present the accomplishments of each 2017 award recipient,” said Ken Washenik, MD, Immediate Past President, ISHRS. “Each individual has shown dedication to the ISHRS’s mission of promoting the highest standards of practice, with an emphasis on excellence.”
The 2017 Golden Follicle Award, given for “outstanding and significant clinical contributions related to hair restoration surgery,” was awarded to Edwin Epstein, MD, who was early to recognize the importance of expanding the “International” part of ISHRS, and encouraged the codification of the International Relations Committee (ISHRS Ambassadors). Serving as an Ambassador, he also provided the needed mediation on important issues and building stronger cooperative relationships. As a scholar, teacher, and moderator he helped the ISHRS navigate the complex, often difficult to interpret, physiology and pharmacology associated with the field in both the Hair Transplant Forum International publication and at Annual Meetings. As a Committee Chair, he has lead the Pro Bono Committee, Core Curriculum Committee, and Task Force on Finasteride Adverse Event Controversies and Advertising Review Committee.
Jean Devroye, MD, is the recipient of the 2017 Platinum Follicle Award, given for, “Outstanding achievement in basic scientific or clinically-related research in hair pathophysiology or anatomy as it relates to hair restoration.” Dr. Devroye was originally trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology, before shifting his attention to aesthetic medicine and liposculpture, and developing an interest in hair restoration surgery. As a strong proponent of the ethical practice of hair restoration surgery, he has been an advocate and liaison for ISHRS with the CEN (European Standards Commission) to ensure hair restoration procedures could be performed by all specialties. He is one of the pioneers in FUE technology creating a specialized motorized FUE harvesting hand piece with variable speed, oscillation, and foot pedal operation. He also developed a uniquely shaped FUE punch, a truly novel and unique idea to facilitate FUE harvesting.