Recipient of the University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni - Distinguished Humanitarian Award
Dr. Rees is Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at New York University School of Medicine, Chairman Emeritus of the Department of Plastic Surgery at Manhattan, Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital, and served for many years as surgeon to the Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery at New York University Medical Center. He is a past president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and a former Director and vice-chairman of the American Board of Plastic Surgery
He has lectured at medical institutions, symposia, and forums all over the world and is the author of more than one hundred and forty medical articles and six medical texts including the two-volume “Aesthetic Plastic Surgery”, (W.B Saunders Co.), a classic for surgeons in training. For twenty-five years he has helped organize and chair the Symposium on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in New York City. These symposia have featured a faculty composed of surgeons of different disciplines and are attended by surgeons from all over the world.
He is also the author of two popular books, including “Daktari,” his memoirs as a founder and surgeon to the world renowned Flying Doctors of East Africa, and its umbrella organization, The African Medical and Research Foundation. This organization is known for its innovative programs in preventative medicine, community health care, and health education as well as sponsoring a continuous program of plastic surgery for over 52 years in eight countries in Africa. It is the largest non-governmental health development organization in Sub-Saharan Africa.