ASPS is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. It is the largest plastic surgery specialty organization in the world. It was founded in 1931. The organization is based in Arlington Heights, IL. Besides certification, membership in ASPS requires a plastic surgeon to regularly attend continuing medical education courses and to adhere to a code of ethics. All ASPS members are required to perform surgery in accredited surgical facilities. The more than 7,000 surgeons who are members comprise more than 94 percent of all board certified plastic surgeons in the U.S.
On April 12, 2013, ASPS held a press gathering, to which I was invited, in order to announce the launch of a new iPad application. It has been designed as a tablet-based practice marketing and patient education app. It is a custom tool envisioned for both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeons.
ASPS president Dr. Gregory Evans said, “Our patients are using tablets for both research and recreational use. Aesthetic plastic surgery is increasingly competitive, so we wanted to ensure ASPS Member Surgeons are at the fingertips of current and prospective plastic surgery patients. The Practice Marketing App, branded with the ASPS Symbol of Excellence, is a one-stop-shop for patients looking for the most reputable and comprehensive plastic surgery App."
This is an exclusive app for ASPS Member Surgeons. It is customizable and comes pre-loaded with high quality, state-of-the-art ASPS content. The app includes 30 procedural e-brochures, pre- as well as post-op checklists, a video gallery, encyclopedia and a Virtual Surgery Simulator. As you can see, it comes fully loaded.
The app can be fully customized by the individual plastic surgeons. They can choose their own theme and color scheme. If they want, they can include before and after photos as well as display all of their practice information including a staff list. Once the plastic surgeon has customized the app for their practice, consumers can download it for free from the App Store.
The reason that ASPS decided to go with a custom iPad app was because new research shows that global websites now receive more traffic from tablets than smartphones, albeit the difference is 8 percent compared to 7 percent. Dr. Evans said, "It's a logical step for ASPS to offer the most cutting-edge mobile technology in an age when digital dominates. This tool allows consumers to remain engaged with your practice and access your information from anywhere."
A beta test was conducted prior to the actual launch which allowed for refinements to be made based on feedback from plastic surgeons from around the country. This test group gave the app their stamp of approval in overwhelming numbers. In fact, 100 percent of the beta testers said that they would definitely recommend the app to their colleagues.
The full list of features for the customizable app includes:
- Custom App design and color scheme
- Practice and staff information including your logo and headshots
- Customizable list of procedures you perform
- E-brochures for each procedure
- Ability to upload your before & after photos
- Virtual Surgery Simulator: allows users to manipulate an image to simulate the effect of plastic surgery.
- Video gallery with ASPS patient education videos
- ASPS pre- and post-op checklists
- Encyclopedia of commonly used plastic surgery terms
- Ability to request a consultation directly from the App
Past ASPS president Dr. Walter Erhardt, who was one of the original beta testers added, "I have really enjoyed working with the App and I think it will be a winner for both our members and our patients."
Edited by
Rich Steeves
