April, 30 2024
ReSurge International is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its founder, Dr. Donald Laub, a pioneer and visionary leader in the global plastic and reconstructive surgery community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Laub’s family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals worldwide whose lives have been transformed by his groundbreaking work. Dr. Laub peacefully passed away last week at age 89. He is survived by his immediate family, his wife, Judy, two sons, Don Junior and Ray, three daughters, Mary, Julie, and Louise, and many grandchildren.
“Don Laub, former Chief of Stanford Plastic Surgery and founder of Interplast (now ReSurge International) was truly a giant figure in plastic surgery. He began the concept of having surgical teams work overseas to help the underserved. All of us in global reconstructive surgery – providers and patients – are indebted to his original vision 50+ years ago. Personally, I am so grateful for Don’s years of mentorship, counsel, and good cheer. I will miss him dearly.”
— James Chang MD, Chief of Plastic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine and Consulting Medical Officer at ReSurge International
Dr. Donald Laub served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine from 1968 to 1980. In 1969, Dr. Laub founded Interplast–now ReSurge International–to transform lives through reconstructive surgery. Dr. Laub pioneered the concept of international medical missions by leading multidisciplinary teams to provide reconstructive surgical care in low-income countries, making ReSurge the first organization of its kind.
The organization’s first patient, Antonio, marked the start of a legacy that has impacted nearly 140,000 lives worldwide. In the 1980s Dr. Laub was presented with an award from the White House for founding Interplast (ReSurge International). More than 50 years later, ReSurge International has expanded to work in 17 countries around the world, training and building reconstructive surgical capacity to sustainably scale access to surgical care.
ReSurge International is a nonprofit organization scaling up access to reconstructive surgical care in low-income countries by training and supporting the next generation of reconstructive surgeons –– across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. ReSurge International pairs 50 years of experience with an innovative localization and empowerment model that is creating a ripple effect of impact across economies, communities, and human lives. ReSurge’s mission is to build, scale, and sustain reconstructive surgical capacity to provide life-changing care to those with the greatest need.
Read more about ReSurge’s history here.
For media inquiries contact: info@resurge.org
