Laser pioneer R. Rox Anderson, MD, a professor at Harvard Medical School, adjunct professor at MIT, and director of the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, delivered the keynote lecture, “Innovation, Disruption and Suffering from Success.”
Leaders in the field unveiled the latest research developments and clinical studies in laser medicine, as well as present promising devices poised to enhance disease detection and management.

The ASLMS conference is traditionally regarded as the premier forum for the introduction of the newest breakthroughs in laser diagnostics and technology, but some of the research and techniques are only in the early stages of development. Nearly 2,000 laser specialists in aesthetic surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, urology, gynecology and dentistry attended the conference and saw the latest products from 160 exhibitors.
One of the hot topics at the show was “The Skinny on Fat Reduction,” where leading researchers in fat removal, body contouring and cellulite reduction presented  key learnings on how a better scientific understanding of the physiology of fat can lead to improved clinical treatments in the future.
Cryolipolysis, a new science for fat layer reduction based on animal experiments, was introduced at the conference.

Awards and Achievements
The ASLMS 2008 Leon Goldman Memorial Award was given  to ASLMS Past-President Jerome M. Garden, MD, of Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago for his clinical laser research, maintaining a high standard of patient care and educating others in medical laser applications.
Jeffrey S. Dover, MD, of SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Mass., was this year’s recipient of the Ellet H. Drake Lectureship Award for his contributions to laser procedures and products, the scientific literature and his excellence in teaching.

The 2008 Nursing/Allied Health Excellence Award was presented to Sharon K. Olsen, RN, CMLSO, of Olympic Dermatology & Laser Clinic of Olympia, Wash., in recognition of her nursing/allied health contributions to ASLMS and the advancement of joint practice in laser medicine and surgery.
Richard E. Fitzpatrick, MD, of La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in La Jolla, Calif., received the 2008 Caroline and William Mark Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to laser technology.

ASLMS
The Society’s 2008-2009 slate of officers was inaugurated with Brian S. Biesman, MD, from Nashville installed as the new ASLMS president.
ASLMS (aslms.org) is a resource for laser research, safety, education and clinical knowledge. Founded in 1980, ASLMS promotes excellence in patient care by advancing clinical application of lasers and related technologies.  VTN