The history of the Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery: 1985 to 1990.

[BACKGROUND] Program directors in plastic surgery had met annually as a committee of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons since the early 1970s. In 1984, Dr. Ronald Berggren, then chairman of the committee, asked Dr. Elvin Zook to head a subcommittee charged with exploring the desirability and feasibility of a separate program director's organization. The subcommittee enthusiastically supported the concept, leading to the founding of the Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery.

[METHODS] All available documents related to the development and functioning of the organization since 1985 were reviewed.

[RESULTS] The early years of the Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery led to the definition of the organization as one that provided significant input on key issues facing the plastic surgery community, such as the Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. A variety of significant contributions grew out of the early years of the organization, including the plastic surgery match and the use of the central application process. In addition, the meetings provide updates for program directors to aid them in dealing with the ever-changing environment of graduate medical education.

[CONCLUSIONS] The Association of Academic Chairmen in Plastic Surgery grew out of a committee of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons into a vital organization that made significant contributions to plastic surgery resident education in its early years of existence.