This month, in the President's eMagazine, we have
interviewed Ashish Davalbhakta, MD, Parliamentarian.

ISAPS: Congratulations on your new role as Parliamentarian and part of the Board of Directors; what an exciting opportunity! Some of our members may not be familiar with this role. Can you explain the required duties and your main priorities for 2025?

DAVALBHAKTA: Parliamentarians have a great responsibility. My task is to ensure that all meetings and workings of the Board of Directors follow parliamentary procedures. These rules form the bedrock of democracy and ensure fair and equitable decisions in a civil manner. I help the president enforce parliamentary discipline.

ISAPS: Does your role as Parliamentarian collaborate with your position as ISAPS Education Council Regional Co-Chair? How?

DAVALBHAKTA: I have been ISAPS’ educational representative for India for four years and have once again had the opportunity to be ISAPS Educational Council Regional Co-Chair. As a Parliamentarian and a Board Member, I get insight into the core functioning of the Education Council. I can have a say in the equitable distribution of educational opportunities in Asia. I have direct access to the Education Council decision-makers and can resolve educational issues fairly quickly.

ISAPS: How has your practice been influenced since joining ISAPS? What do you value the most about being a part of the #ISAPSFamily?

DAVALBHAKTA: From the time I joined ISAPS and started attending and presenting at ISAPS meetings, my aesthetic practice has reached a different level, and the focus on quality patient care, patient safety, and aesthetic results has advanced. The outcome has been improved patient satisfaction. The highlight of being part of ISAPS has been the camaraderie shared by the #ISAPSFamily. You have access to the best minds in aesthetic plastic surgery who are willing to help you solve your problems. There is never a situation where an ISAPS member in another part of the world wouldn’t have faced the same situation as you and knows what to do.

ISAPS: We are busy preparing for the ISAPS Olympiad in Singapore next June and look forward to seeing our #ISAPSFamily there, “connecting cultures, sharing knowledge, and leading the future in aesthetics.” What is your favorite part of attending ISAPS meetings? What session topics are most relevant for next year's program, and any advice about how to make the most of the Congress?

DAVALBHAKTA: ISAPS meetings are very popular for their high level of scientific content. There is always something to learn that helps improve your technique and results. I look forward to all ISAPS meetings, as most of what I learned in aesthetic plastic surgery has been weaned from these meetings. The cadaveric dissections, live-streamed operative sessions, and surgery videos will be the sessions to watch out for. 

ISAPS: Finally, if you had to describe ISAPS in three words, what would they be?

DAVALBHAKTA: Aesthetic Education Worldwide.

Learn more about ISAPS standing committees, sub-committees,
ad hoc committees, and focus groups.

This article was published in the December President’s eMagazine.