ASPSP names Donna Aguas 2016 Member of the Year

COSTA MESA, Calif., and LOS ANGELES, Calif., Sept. 30, 2016 - The American Society of Plastic Surgery Professionals (ASPSP) named Donna Aguas, practice manager at Austin- Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Washington, D.C., the 2016 Member of the Year award recipient. The award, presented at the ASPSP educational meeting in Los Angeles, recognizes the top professional from the organization who best demonstrates innovative thinking, business acumen and leadership qualities within the practice environment.

Ms. Aguas superior management skills and leadership were highlighted during a period of transition at Austin-Weston, one of Washington D.C. s largest practices of cosmetic surgery, where she smoothly transitioned the Center through two major changes in leadership, including the presidency and to her own role as practice manager. In the process, Ms. Aguas expertly led a team of thirty-five staff members to numerous accomplishments, including the remodeling of the Center s 11,000 square foot building, integration of a new surgeon, hiring and assimilation of a new marketing team and streamlining of patient operations.

Recently, Ms. Aguas spearheaded a collaboration of practice managers from other large east coast private cosmetic practices by initiating a Meeting of the Minds program to share ideas and exchange knowledge to help improve the industry as a whole.

Robert K. Sigal, M.D., president, Austin-Weston, The Center for Plastic Surgery, nominated her for the award. In his nomination, Dr. Sigal commented, Donna has been an invaluable member and leader at Austin-Weston, helping to guarantee that it remains at the forefront of cosmetic surgery locally, regionally and nationally.

A committee of ASPSP members reviewed nominations submitted from across the country. As Member of the Year award winner, Ms. Aguas receives a cash prize of $1,000 and a scholarship to attend the 2017 ASPSP educational meeting, which is supported by CareCredit.

Donna clearly exemplifies what the Member of the Year award represents with her creative leadership style and innovative approaches to success, said Alondra Tipps, president and practice administrator, The Craniofacial Center in Dallas. She has earned the respect of her colleagues and risen to every challenge she has faced in her role at the practice. Donna s dedication to ensuring the success of Austin-Weston was abundantly clear and made her nomination shine.

ASPSP Member of the Year: Donna Aguas, middle, is the 2016 ASPSP Member of the Year recipient. She is seen here at the award presentation with Alondra Tipps, president, ASPSP (left); and Laurie Hurt, vice president, CareCredit (right), in Los Angeles, Sept. 25, 2016.

About CareCredit

For nearly 30 years, CareCredit, from Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF), has helped millions of people pay for needed and desired care and health expenses. CareCredit is a health, wellness and personal care credit card accepted through a national network of more than 200,000 healthcare providers and healthcare-focused retailers. For more information on CareCredit, call 800-300-3046 or visit www.carecredit.com. For more information about Synchrony Financial visit www.synchronyfinancial.com.

About ASPSP

The American Society of Plastic Surgery Professionals (ASPSP) is a dynamic group compiled of employees of board certified or board admissible plastic surgeons. As a member of ASPSP, you will experience educational and networking opportunities specifically designed for your specialty. Whether you are an Administrator, Receptionist, Manager, Nurse, Patient Coordinator or Biller to name a few, you are ASPSP. For information, visit www.plasticsurgeryprofessionals.org.