Foreword

It is an honor to dedicate this issue of Seminars in Plastic Surgery to Dr. Melvin Spira. Personally, I have known Dr. Spira for 20 years, and I have had the good fortune to serve the Division of Plastic Surgery at Baylor under Dr. Spira's leadership. He has served as my mentor and role model and often as a caring father.

Dr. Spira joined the faculty in the Division of Plastic Surgery in 1961, became Chief in 1976, and served in that capacity until 1995. Dr. Spira has been an academic plastic surgeon for greater than 40 years and has educated over 100 plastic surgeons. His love for his profession as an educator, clinician, and researcher has inspired faculty, residents, and students to emulate and strive for excellence.

Although Dr. Spira now divides his time between his home in Snowmass, Colorado, and the Division of Plastic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, he continues to teach and practice. In his words, “I will continue to follow the dictum set forth by my professors and teachers that `the professional man has no right to be anything other than a continuous student'.”

It is a pleasure to have him contribute his vast knowledge and experience in the field of plastic surgery to this issue of Seminars in Plastic Surgery.