Photo Credit: drbrandt.com
FAREWELL TO FRED
News of the sudden death of beloved dermatologist Fredric (Fred to his friends) Sheldon Brandt on April 5, 2015 spread like wildfire among dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the world. It was a big shock to all of us who knew him, and a great loss to the field. Fred was a leading pioneer in injectable fillers and BOTOX®, having treated a crowd of well-heeled women and men who were determined to stay youthful for as long as possible. Dubbed “The Baron of Botox” by W Magazine, he has forever changed the field of dermatology and cosmetic medicine. He left his footprint on the way we look at facial aging in myriad ways, and he did it all with passion and a sense of humor.
At a star-studded memorial service held at Alice Tully Hall in New York last week, a few hundred of those who considered him family, friends, patients, and fellow physicians gathered to bid adieu to a man who touched so many lives. The stage was set with 3,000 white orchids. Among the 11 presenters were Linda Wells, Kelly Ripa, Joy Behar, Garren, Jacquie Tractenberg, and his closest colleagues Drs. Roy Geronemus, Robert Anolik, and Joely Kaufman. Every beauty editor and writer who knew and worked with him, so many famous patients and colleagues from plastic surgery, facial plastic surgery, dermatology, dentistry as well as industry leaders from the laser and filler worlds gathered to say their goodbyes. It was a memorable and moving ceremony and there was not a dry eye in the house.
According to his close confidantes, as a devoted lover of show tunes and everything theatrical, the consensus of opinion is that Fred would have been proud to be honored in such a grand way.
ASDS Honors the Legacy of Dr. Fredric Brandt
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery is paying tribute Fredric S. Brandt, M.D. by setting up two memorial funds in his honor. An ASDS member since 1982, Fred was a mainstay at national meetings and his panels and lectures were always delivered to a standing room only crowd. The funds are designed to provide opportunities for ASDS members, industry and any interested donors to support the field of cosmetic dermatology that Dr. Brandt held so close to his heart.
“Dr. Brandt was one of the country’s most accomplished and revered cosmetic dermatologists,†said ASDS President George J. Hruza, M.D., MBA. “He earned widespread respect among his colleagues for his work ethic and innovative mindset, while playing an integral role in multiple advancements in the field. We will greatly miss his sharing of skills and expertise. Through these memorial funds, ASDS hopes to honor his legacy.â€
The ASDS will administer The Fredric S. Brandt, MD, Innovations in Aesthetics Fellowship Fund in collaboration with the Society’s accredited Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery Fellowship training programs. In honor of Dr. Brandt, The Allergan Foundation has committed $300,000 to this Fellowship Fund to support the career development of junior dermatologic surgeon-scientists focused on cosmetic treatments and patient care. The Allergan Foundation has agreed to provide funding to support the research and educational needs of up to two Fellows a year who are enrolled in an ASDS-accredited Fellowship program to support their research in clinical cosmetic dermatologic surgery, cover additional educational expenses and provide a scholarship to attend the ASDS Annual Meeting. The Allergan Foundation will provide up to $100,000 per year beginning in 2015.
Additionally, in response to the outpouring of support from members and industry, ASDS has established the Fredric S. Brandt, MD, Memorial Research Fund to honor his contributions to the field of cosmetic dermatology. Funds collected will be utilized to support well-conceived clinical research projects in cosmetic dermatologic surgery or Board-directed research relating to the safety of cosmetic procedures.
“This Memorial Research Fund gives Dr. Brandt’s friends, colleagues and industry partners a mechanism to honor his memory in a way that is consistent with who he was as a person and physician – innovative, giving and collaborative – for the benefit of the entire specialty,†said Hruza.
Former ASDS President Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., worked with Dr. Brandt for 20 years at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. “He was known not only for his artistry as a physician but also for his sense of humor, compassion and commitment to his patients,†he said. “Fred’s contribution to cosmetic medicine has been transformative and noteworthy. He is already missed by so many patients and friends.â€
If you wish to donate to these funds honoring Fred’s life and legacy, contact Tara Azzano at tazzano@asds.net or call 847-956-9128. Give generously to this worthwhile cause.
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