Mark Clayman, M.D., a graduating plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow at the University of Florida College of Medicine, recently was honored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for his outstanding research efforts.
He received the Gaspar W. Anastasi Award for best research paper in both national and international competitions for his presentation at the residents and fellows forum, sponsored by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Education & Research Foundation during a meeting held in Las Vegas this May. His acceptance of this award marks the first time a plastic surgery resident from a single institution has won the honor more than once. Clayman also received the award in the 2006-07 academic year.
His research focused on occupational injuries in plastic surgeons and how ergonomics – the design of maximizing the comfort, efficiency and safety of surgical tools and operating rooms – play a role in preventing injuries and prolonging the careers of surgeons.
“This is a major problem in many surgical specialties,” said Clayman, who added that it is very common in the field of plastic surgery because these surgeons tend to more often work in odd positions through small incisions or with microsurgical techniques for long periods of time while in the operating room.
Clayman received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, where he was awarded the Top Medical Student award by the department of surgery faculty. He then completed both his general surgery and plastic surgery training at the UF department of surgery. His other honors include the Florida Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s top research presentation on two separate occasions, and the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeon’s “Most Outstanding Resident” award. After graduating this month, Clayman will start a private practice in Jacksonville, Fla.