Facial Plast Surg 2003; 19(1): 003-006
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-39139
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

The Center for Human Appearance: A Multi-Specialty Concept

Linton A. Whitaker
  • Division of Plastic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, The Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance, Philadelphia, PA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
09 May 2003 (online)

ABSTRACT

At the time of its founding in 1988, The Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance at the University of Pennsylvania was the first such center in a major academic setting dedicated to the multispecialty serious study of problems of appearance. The concept was for five key specialties, originally, and now six, with primary interests in appearance, to meet regularly to present ideas and problems, and to approach the study and treatment of appearance in a comprehensive, scholarly, and multidisciplinary manner. The group has been cohesive, which has depended on frequent and regular personal interactions, as well as an adequate and supportive financial structure. With these factors in place, and a dedication to making it work, there have been publications, new ideas, and teamwork that has made it possible for competing specialties to effectively function together.