Committees

Volunteers are critical to the Society's ability to meet the diverse needs of its members. Each year the President and President-Elect appoint new members to a number of committees, which are marked:  Open to Volunteers. If you have thought about getting more involved, we may have opportunities that fit your interests. 

2024-2025

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee provides oversight to the Society for financial statement integrity, financial practices, management and audits, internal control systems and standards of conduct. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Rawaa Almukhtar, MD, MPH
MEMBER     H. Ray Jalian, MD
MEMBER     Bianca Y. Kang, BS, MD
MEMBER     Yakir Levin, MD, PhD
MEMBER     E. Victor Ross, MD 
MEMBER     Peter R. Shumaker, MD
MEMBER     Kelly J. Stankiewicz, MD, FAAD

Awards Committee

The Awards Committee recommends individuals for recognition by the Society, including the Caroline and William Mark Memorial, Ellet H. Drake Memorial, Leon Goldman Memorial, and Nursing/Allied Health Excellence Awards, as well as the Dr. Horace Furumoto Research Awards. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD
MEMBER     Eric F. Bernstein, MD, MSE
MEMBER     Roy G. Geronemus, MD
MEMBER     Thy Huynh, MD
MEMBER     H. Ray Jalian, MD
MEMBER     Bridget Myers, MD
MEMBER     David M. Ozog, MD

CE Advisory Committee

The CE Advisory Committee shall support the ASLMS goal to meet or exceed all compliance requirements for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). Committee members assist with providing peer review and unbiased evaluation of ASLMS accredited continuing education (CE) activities as a means of providing general assistance, advice, and support to the ASLMS Provider Unit regarding decisions on how to improve format, structure, planning processes, and content of accredited CE activities to ensure high-quality programming with valid scientific and clinical content. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Open
MEMBER     Yan Duan, FNP

Concepts Committee (2024 - 2025)

The committee’s primary function is to serve in a consultative, non-voting role, consistent with the Society’s agreed upon philosophies and policies. The committee serves as a supportive entity from which the CME Provider Unit - consisting of ASLMS staff, the Director of Continuing Medical Education (CME) and the CME Advisory Committee members - may seek consultation and suggestions. The committee may provide ideas and suggestions related to overall concepts for both educational and non-educational programming and activities (Annual Conference, pre-conference courses, regional courses, social events, etc.).

CO-CHAIR   Jennifer L. Sawaya, MD (2025 Program Chair) 
CO-CHAIR   Adam J. Wulkan, MD (2025 Program Chair)
MEMBER    Shlomit Halachmi, MD, PhD (2024 Program Chair)
MEMBER    Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD (2024 Program Chair)
MEMBER    Jessica G. Labadie, MD (2024 Program Chair) 
MEMBER    Yakir Levin, MD, PhD (2024 Program Chair)
MEMBER    Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH (Director Government, Communication, and Education)
MEMBER    Nathan S. Uebelhoer, DO (Exhibit Chair)
MEMBER    Rebecca Sprague, RN, NP-C (Nursing/Allied Health Board Representative) 
MEMBER    Hasina Maredia, MD (Resident/Fellow Representative)
MEMBER    Gaurav Agnihotri, MD (Resident/Fellow Representative)
MEMBER    Junsoo Lee, MS (Early Career Scientist Representative)

Constitution and Bylaws Committee

The Constitution and Bylaws Committee deals with all questions related to the Society's governing documents, including requests for amendments. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Mathew M. Avram, MD, JD
MEMBER     Henry H.L. Chan, MD, PhD, FRCP
MEMBER     Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH
MEMBER     J. Stuart Nelson, MD, PhD
MEMBER     Pooja Sodha, MD
MEMBER     Aria Vazirnia, MD, MAS
MEMBER     Frances Walocko, MD, MEng

Digital Communications Committee

The purpose of the Digital Communications Committee is to assist ASLMS staff in reviewing and recommending activities that increase Society presence on website, social media and mobile platforms. The committee works to refine existing digital content strategies, develop new strategies to build and maintain online content and communities, and evaluate new platforms. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Emily L. Guo, MD
MEMBER     Swati Kannan, MD
MEMBER     Karan Lal, DO, MS, FAAD
MEMBER     Morgan B. Murphrey, MD, MS
MEMBER     Mona Sadeghpour, MD
MEMBER     Toral Vaidya, MD, MPH
MEMBER     Jacqueline Watchmaker, MD

Early Career Committee

The charge of the committee is to attract and retain future leaders of the ASLMS by focusing on the educational and networking needs of early career professionals interested in the field of lasers and energy-based devices. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Pooja Sodha, MD 
MEMBER     Brian Cahn, MD 
MEMBER     Emily L. Guo, MD
MEMBER     Swati Kannan, MD
MEMBER     Shelby L. Kubicki, MD
MEMBER     Samip Sheth, MD
MEMBER     Frances Walocko, MD, MEng

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest Committee

The Ethics and Conflict of Interest Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding any matters concerning ethics or conflict of interest referred to the Committee by the Board, administrative staff or members. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Seckin O. Ulualp, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Mathew M. Avram, MD, JD
MEMBER     Brian Cahn, MD
MEMBER     Tanya Greywal, MD
MEMBER     E. Victor Ross, MD
MEMBER     Maral K. Skelsy, MD
MEMBER     Brian D. Zelickson, MD

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is responsible for making recommendations regarding fiscal policy for the Society and will review yearly budgets prepared by the Treasurer who is a member of the committee. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Vladimir Paul-Blanc, BA
MEMBER     Michael Abrouk, MD 
MEMBER     Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH 
MEMBER     Alissandro R. Castillo, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Roy G. Geronemus, MD
MEMBER     Yakir Levin, MD, PhD
MEMBER     Vineet Mishra, MD

Fundraising Committee

The primary responsibility of the Fundraising Committee is to solicit sponsorship funds to support ASLMS programs and raise funds to support and sustain the ASLMS research program. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          E. Victor Ross, MD
MEMBER     Martin Buta, MD, MBA, MS
MEMBER     Henry H.L. Chan, MD, PhD, FRCP
MEMBER     Tanya Greywal, MD
MEMBER     Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD
MEMBER     Bianca Y. Kang, BS, MD
MEMBER     Bruce E. Katz, MD
MEMBER     Christopher A. Manios, MD
MEMBER     Vladimir Paul-Blanc, BA
MEMBER     Hyemin Pomerantz, MD
MEMBER     Jason N. Pozner, MD
MEMBER     Mona Sadeghapour, MD
MEMBER     Fernanda H. Sakamoto, MD, PhD

Gift Acceptance Committee

The Gift Acceptance Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing all gifts proposed to be made to the ASLMS, properly screening, accepting or declining those gifts, and making recommendations to the Board on gift acceptance issues when appropriate. The Gift Acceptance Committee will also approve and/or direct the allocation of investment proceeds that support and carry out the mission of the ASLMS. Committee consists of the ASLMS President, President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chair of the Finance Committee. The ASLMS will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate.

CHAIR          Arisa E. Ortiz, MD
MEMBER     Rawaa Almukhtar, MD, MPH
MEMBER     Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS 
MEMBER     Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD 
MEMBER     Kristen M. Kelly, MD  
MEMBER     Vladimir Paul-Blanc, BA 
MEMBER     Molly Wanner, MD, MBA

Human Resources Committee

This committee shall evaluate and make recommendations to the Board regarding human resources issues, staffing and other related needs of the Society. Members will include the President, Secretary and Treasurer. If a Treasurer-Elect is serving, he or she will serve as a non-voting member of the Committee.

CHAIR          Arisa E. Ortiz, MD
MEMBER     Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA
MEMBER     Ashish C. Bhatia, MD, FAAD, FASLMS
MEMBER     Kristen M. Kelly, MD
MEMBER     Molly Wanner, MD, MBA

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee

The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee will work to create a diverse, equitable, accessible and inclusive culture for our members, industry colleagues and potential members. This committee will seek to re-examine our professional values, modify our existing policies and procedures, and remove barriers to being diverse and inclusive. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Ronda S. Farah, MD
MEMBER     Hasina Maredia, MD
MEMBER     Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Oge C. Onwudiwe, MD
MEMBER     Zakia Rahman, MD
MEMBER     Ina Ratchev, BSN
MEMBER     Mara C. Weinstein Velez, MD

International Affairs Committee

The International Affairs Committee considers any business of the Society related to its affiliation and cooperation with other societies on an international basis. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Taryn E. Travis, MD, FACS
MEMBER     Pavel Efremkin, PhD
MEMBER     Merete Haadersdal, MD, PhD, DMSc
MEMBER     Yakir Levin, MD, PhD 
MEMBER     Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Jinze Qiu, PhD
MEMBER     Ying Wang, MD, PhD

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee assures that the investments of the Society meet the Society's investment goals. The Committee shall consist of the Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Director, current chair of the Finance Committee and a member appointed by the President-Elect to serve a three (3) year term.

CHAIR          Molly Wanner, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Rawaa Almukhtar, MD, MPH
MEMBER     Henry H.L Chan, MD, PhD, FRCP
MEMBER     Kristen M. Kelly, MD
MEMBER     Vladimir Paul-Blanc, BA
MEMBER     Nazanin Saedi, MD

Marketing and Public Relations Committee

The Marketing and Public Relations Committee oversees public relations and marketing activities that support the vision, mission, and policies of the Society. Activities include facilitating membership recruitment and retention, enhanced membership services, communications and promoting the Annual Conference and other activities sponsored by the Society. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA
MEMBER     Kristen M. Kelly, MD
MEMBER     Arisa E. Ortiz, MD
MEMBER     Anthony M. Rossi, MD, FAAD 
MEMBER     Jennifer L. Sawaya, MD (2025 Program Chair)
MEMBER     Molly Wanner, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Adam J. Wulkan, MD (2025 Program Chair)

Membership Committee

The Membership Task Force assists ASLMS staff in reviewing and recommending activities that promote and retain members. The task force will develop new member communication strategies to keep members engaged. The task force will also evaluate member recruitment and retention programs, utilizing a variety of measures including membership satisfaction and membership trends. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR           Omar A. Ibrahimi, MD, PhD
MEMBER      Michael Abrouk, MD
MEMBER      Miguel A. Aristizabal, MD
MEMBER      Christy Behnam, MD
MEMBER      Martin Buta, MD, MBA, MS
MEMBER      Isabella Camacho, MD
MEMBER      Margaret Chou, MD
MEMBER      Axel Delgado, MD
MEMBER      Navina DeLight, MD
MEMBER      David Gao, MD
MEMBER      Sungat K. Grewal, MD, FAAD 
MEMBER      William Guo, MD
MEMBER      Spencer Hawkins, MD
MEMBER      Kerrie Jiang, NP, MSN
MEMBER      Erik Kumetz, MD
MEMBER      Monica Li, MD
MEMBER      Xiaoning Li, MD
MEMBER      Claire M. Noell, MD 
MEMBER      Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA
MEMBER      Sara D. Ragi, MS
MEMBER      Ina Ratchev, BSN
MEMBER      Michelle A. Robinson, MD
MEMBER      Nicole Salame, MD
MEMBER      Samip Sheth, MD
MEMBER      Aria Vazirnia, MD, MAS
MEMBER      Mara C. Weinstein Velez, MD
MEMBER      Daniel Yanes, MD

Mentorship Committee

The Mentorship Committee is responsible for the development and oversight of mentorship programs to ensure that participants have an enriching learning experience that contributes to their personal and professional growth and development.  The committee will develop mentorship programs to match early career members seeking learning opportunities, guidance and support from senior members willing to dedicate time and knowledge to enhance the skills of mentees. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA
MEMBER     Jessica G. Labadie, MD 
MEMBER     Gary P. Lask, MD
MEMBER     Morgan B. Murphrey, MD, MS
MEMBER     Keyvan Nouri, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Kristel D. Polder, MD
MEMBER     Thomas E. Rohrer, MD

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee will identify individuals who are capable, talented, interested, and willing to serve as directors and Society or division offices. The Nominating Committee shall consist of seven (7) voting members of the Society, one of which shall be the immediate Past President who shall serve as chairperson, three (3) shall be appointed by the Board of Directors at its annual meeting and the remainder shall be elected by the membership.

CHAIR          Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA
MEMBER     Tina S. Alster, MD, FAAD
MEMBER     Mathew M. Avram, MD, JD
MEMBER     Christine C. Dierickx, MD
MEMBER     Suzanne L. Kilmer, MD 
MEMBER     Jill S. Waibel, MD
MEMBER     Adam J. Wulkan, MD  

Philanthropy Committee

The Philanthropy Committee supports partnerships and programs approved by the Board. The Committee can make recommendations to the Board regarding future partnerships or programs. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Mona Sadeghpour, MD 
MEMBER     Tina S. Alster, MD, FAAD
MEMBER     Eliot F. Battle Jr., MD
MEMBER     Henry H.L. Chan, MD, PhD, FRCP
MEMBER     Lesley R. Clark-Loeser, MD
MEMBER     DiAnne S. Davis, MD, MS
MEMBER     Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, FRCPC
MEMBER     Dieter Manstein, MD, PhD

Public Policy Committee

The Public Policy Committee supports the Public Policy Director with advocacy initiatives relating to the advancement of laser technology for use in medicine and surgery. Committee members shall assist the Public Policy Director in identifying and prioritizing relevant state and federal legislative and regulatory proposals that relate to this purpose and impact members of the ASLMS. The Public Policy Committee is responsible for coordinating and partnering efforts with other like-minded healthcare organizations. The activities of the Public Policy Committee shall be limited to activities that ASLMS is permitted to engage in under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code and the tax-exempt status ASLMS has elected under the Code. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          George J. Hruza, MD, MBA
MEMBER     Sara Hogan, MD, MHS
MEMBER     Sarah Ibrahim, MD
MEMBER     Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH
MEMBER     Vineet Mishra, MD
MEMBER     Zeina S. Tannous, MD
MEMBER     Jill S. Waibel, MD

Research and Development Committee

The Research and Development Committee leads the development and implementation of the Society's student and non-student research initiatives. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA 
MEMBER     David Baxter, TD, Dphil, MBA
MEMBER     Catherine M. DiGiorgio, MD
MEMBER     Bianca Y. Kang, BS, MD
MEMBER     Patricia M. Richey, MD
MEMBER     Maral K. Skelsey, MD
MEMBER     Saranya Wyles, MD, PhD

Safety Awareness Committee

The Safety Awareness Committee will make recommendations to the Board to provide education for and promote the safe, effective and ethical use of energy-based devices.  Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          John E. Hoopman, CMLSO
MEMBER     Joel Cohen, MD, FAAD, FACMS 
MEMBER     Angela Dubbs, DNP, FNP-BC
MEMBER     Kerry Heitmiller, MD
MEMBER     Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD
MEMBER     Tracey L. Mancuso, BSc-HS, CMLSO
MEMBER     Ina Ratchev, BSN

Women in Energy-Based Devices Committee

Highlight the excellence of women involved in the ASLMS and implement strategies to advance networking and training opportunities. Promote the professional development of women using energy-based technologies at all career and training levels through teaching, mentoring and organization leadership. Open to volunteers.

CHAIR          Arielle N.B. Kauvar, MD 
MEMBER     Juanita J. Anders, PhD
MEMBER     Lesley R. Clark-Loeser, MD
MEMBER     Lilit Garibyan, MD, PhD
MEMBER     Thy Huynh, MD
MEMBER     Suzanne L. Kilmer, MD 
MEMBER     Molly Wanner, MD, MBA