Surgeons offer 'new lease' after domestic abuse

Abstract

IT'S BEEN about 2 years since Lori E. Hansen, MD, left board members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery speechless. She told the board about pro bono work she was doing in her private surgical practice in Oklahoma City, Okla, and wondered if they would encourage other facial plastic surgeons to get involved. As they listened to Hansen describe her work repairing and removing the physical scars inflicted during episodes of domestic violence, "they were just silent; no one said anything," Hansen recalls. Following her presentation, Hansen says she received "overwhelming support" from the board. Last year, the academy became the first surgical group to offer reconstructive surgery at no cost for domestic violence survivors. Members' efforts match expertise with need. Academy President Wayne Larrabee, Jr, MD, says an estimated 75% of women who have been battered receive injuries to the face and head. The program,