We are very pleased to announce that Dr Sarah Tolerton will be heading to Laos early next year with an Interplast team as the recipient of the inaugural scholarship for the International Registrar Program.

The Australasian Foundation for Plastic Surgery, in partnership with Interplast, has established this program to support the participation of a plastic and reconstructive surgical trainee as an observer with a volunteer Interplast team. Interplast programs provide crucial reconstructive surgery to local populations, while also delivering important training to local medical personnel.

In February 2017, Dr Tolerton will travel with an Interplast team that will deliver a plastic and reconstructive surgical and training program in Vientiane, Laos, based at the Mahosot General Hospital.

“Plastic surgery restores hope by improving self-esteem, and rebuilds life by restoring appearance and function,” said Dr Tolerton. “I feel privileged to be equipped with the skills to provide such a service to my own community and couldn’t think of anything more rewarding than being able to travel with the Interplast team to Laos to observe and learn how they offer such hope and life to people in our neighbouring regions.”

Dr Tolerton is an accredited plastic and reconstructive surgery registrar in the Surgical Education and Training program and is also the Trainee Representative to the Australian Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Interplast CEO Prue Ingram said that initiatives such as the International Registrar Program were important for engaging future generations of plastic surgeons.