The Peer Foundation

The Peer Foundation is a grant in memory Lyndon Peer, MD, and provides an excellent opportunity for the development of plastic surgeons from other countries. The Peer Foundation offers one $10,500 (USD) scholarship annually for ASPS scholars to observe at plastic surgery centers in the United States to study cleft and craniofacial surgery.

Current Scholars

Tarush Gupta, M Ch, DNB, MS

India | Peer Scholar

Scholar Reports

Hatem Alnoman, MD

Saudi Arabia | Peer Scholar

Why did you want to be a Peer Foundation International Scholar?

I chose to apply for the PEER foundation because it allows us to get exposed to the United States health system and gives us a great chance to observe and directly communicate with the leading surgeons in the best academic centers in the U.S. Also, it's a prestigious award that means a lot to me.

How has working with the Peer Foundation improved cleft care and craniofacial surgery in Saudi Arabia?

My visit to Stanford University through the Peer Foundation allowed me to attend cleft and craniofacial clinics and learn their protocols in treating cleft cases including the multidisciplinary team approach. Also, it allowed me to attend complex operating room cases, which were very educational.

Margarita Kepuladze, MD

Georgia | Peer Scholar

Why did you want to be a Peer Foundation International Scholar?

Having acquired knowledge from prestigious hospitals like Harvard, Stanford, CHOP, Mayo and MSK, I have been equipped with the best tools to implement top-notch methods practiced in leading institutions across the United States in my home country. Along the way, I have also met peers who are recognized authorities in this field. Leveraging these valuable connections and experiences, I strive to make a greater impact on my country and patients, which would be the ultimate achievement for me.

How has working with the Peer Foundation improved cleft care and craniofacial surgery in Georgia?

Upon my return to my home country, I initiated the implementation of a sophisticated approach in the treatment process. This approach involves ensuring that both the patients and their parents have a comprehensive understanding of the disease, introducing the latest surgical techniques, minimizing the postoperative period, achieving optimal results with minimal trauma and involving the entire team in the process.