Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH
President-elect
American Medical Association
Special Session
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 10:30AM
Through Teamwork, We Can Make the Dream Work of a Great Health System
The American Medical Association is responding to the most pressing issues in health care. From fighting for a sustainable Medicare reimbursement system, to reducing the burdens of prior authorization, to advancing innovation in the delivery of care – the AMA is leading the charge. But we are stronger and more successful in our advocacy when we stand together. The AMA has made significant progress, and the journey ahead requires our state medical associations and specialty societies to work with us toward the healthier future we seek.
Willie Underwood Ill, MD, MSc, MPH, is a board-certified urologist with more than 25 years of urologic surgery experience, including more than 15 years focused on robotic urologic surgery. He was voted president-elect of the American Medical Association in June 2025.
An expert in health care disparities and health care policy, Dr. Underwood was first elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in June 2019 and later as its chair in June 2023. He is a TEDx speaker and active presenter whose appearances include grand rounds, webinars, and TV and radio interviews. He has served on several national and regional health care policy committees, including as a board member of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western and Northeastern New York and the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission.
He has also served as a board member and medical advisor to the Love Canal Medical Fund Inc., as a past president of the Erie County Medical Society of New York, as a member of the AMA and National Medical Association Commission to End Health Care Disparities, and as a member of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Urology Residency Review Committee. Dr. Underwood has also chaired the AMA Council on Legislation, the Erie County Medical Society Legislative Affairs Committee, and the Medical Society of the State of New York Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Committee.
Raised in Gary, Ind., Dr. Underwood earned his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Morehouse College, and his Doctor of Medicine and Master of Science in anatomy and cellular biology degrees from the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, N.Y. He received his general surgery and urologic surgery training at the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Conn. After his residency, he became the fifth urologist admitted into the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Program, which he completed in 2002 at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. While in Ann Arbor, he also earned a Master of Public Health degree in health management and policy from University of Michigan, School of Public Health in 2004.
In addition to co-authoring more than 120 peer reviewed publications, book chapters and published abstracts, he has received millions in research funding from the National Institute of Health and holds patents in the U.S. and Japan for co-developing a biomarker for prostate cancer. He is the co-founder of KAPS Biotechnology LLC, which is currently conducting a larger validation study of its new and novel prostate cancer biomarker.
Xiaochen Zhang
Executive Director & Chief AI Officer, AI 2030
CEO, FinTech4Good
Session 1: Opening Session
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 8:00AM
From Wall Street to the Operating Room: Responsible AI Lessons Cosmetic Surgery Can’t Afford to Miss
Responsible AI is already reshaping industries like finance, insurance, and healthcare, where safety, compliance, and trust are mission-critical. This keynote reveals how cosmetic surgery can apply those same lessons to harness AI responsibly, mitigate risks, and deliver safer, more transparent patient care.
Xiaochen Zhang is the Executive Director and Chief AI Officer of AI 2030, a global initiative dedicated to mainstreaming responsible AI to benefit humanity. A recognized leader in applying emerging technologies for social impact, he has over two decades of experience at the intersection of AI, fintech, blockchain, and sustainability. Previously, he served as Global Head of Innovation & Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services (AWS) and as CEO of FinTech4Good. He has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and international organizations, and held roles with the United Nations, World Bank Group, and Inter-American Development Bank. Xiaochen also serves as Co-Chair of the Central Bank AI Conference and the Chicago AI Council, championing the responsible use of technology to build inclusive, sustainable economies worldwide.
Katharine Phillips, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
DeWitt Wallace Senior Scholar
Weill Cornell Medical College
Attending Psychiatrist, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Session 29: Psychological Considerations with Cosmetic Surgery Patients
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10:15AM
How to Identify and Approach Patients with Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) — an often-severe psychiatric disorder that cosmetic surgeons often encounter — virtually never improves with cosmetic treatment. Dr. Phillips will discuss what BDD is, risks of surgery and other cosmetic procedures for patients and clinicians alike, how to identify BDD, and tips for managing patients with BDD in cosmetic surgery settings.
Katharine A. Phillips, M.D., is Professor of Psychiatry, DeWitt Wallace Senior Scholar, and Research Director for the Psychiatry Residency at Weill Cornell Medical College. She is also an attending Psychiatrist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Dr. Phillips graduated with honors from Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Medical School, and she completed her psychiatry residency at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Phillips is internationally recognized for her research studies and clinical expertise in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Her research studies on BDD were continuously funded by the National Institute of Mental Health for more than 20 years. Dr. Phillips has published more than 375 articles and chapters in scientific journals and books, and she has authored or edited 11 books, including multiple books on BDD. She has given more than 650 presentations around the world and more than 500 media interviews. Dr. Phillips has received many honors and awards for her research, clinical work, and other academic contributions. Her awards for her research studies on BDD include a Special Presidential Commendation from the American Psychiatric Association and the 2023 Outstanding Career Achievement Award from the International OCD Foundation.
Robert Shumway, MD, FAACS, FACS
2026 Webster Lecturer
Session 8: Webster Lecture
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 1:30PM
Dr. Robert A. Shumway is a board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon based in San Diego, CA, and serves as Medical Director and chief surgeon at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Shumway has helped countless patients achieve their cosmetic goals for the face, breast, body, and skin using advanced body shaping and facial rejuvenation techniques. He is fellowship trained, double board certified, and a diplomate on six medical boards. Renowned for his expertise in the transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA) procedure—placing saline implants through the navel with no breast scarring—Dr. Shumway was the first surgeon to perform TUBA in Europe in 2018. He is also a dedicated educator and international speaker, sharing his knowledge in countries worldwide and serving on the faculty of numerous medical organizations. Dr. Shumway participates in the open and fully inclusive attitude to “share all medical knowledge” by skilled lecture, scientific instruction, clinical teaching, and frequent participation & training in organized medicine. He has politically fought throughout his life for medical ‘self-determination’ for all physicians and surgeons through the inalienable principles of freedom.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Shumway brings an artistic eye and a commitment to attentive patient care, emphasizing active recovery and performing all injectables himself. He has extensive academic training, including degrees and residencies from BYU, ASU, Arizona, Duke, UCLA, and UCSD, and has held leadership roles including past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Outside the operating room, Dr. Shumway is a devoted husband and father of six, an accomplished Ironman Triathlete, a scuba diver, and an active community member with diverse interests ranging from mission work to locksmithing.
Melani Morassutti, CCMA
Founder & CEO of Astratta Media
Session 15: Women in Cosmetic Surgery Breakfast (Non-CME)
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 7:00AM
Women in Cosmetic Surgery Session
From Invisible to Iconic: How to Build a Brand That No One Can Compete With
In a crowded aesthetic marketplace, your story is your superpower. Melani Morassutti, founder of Astratta Media, shares how to break through imposter syndrome and build a magnetic personal brand that attracts, connects, and converts.
Melani Morassutti is the CEO and founder of Astratta Media, a creative agency that elevates beauty and wellness brands through strategic branding, storytelling, and digital presence. With a background in medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, she bridges the gap between clinical excellence and authentic marketing. Her work empowers physicians and providers to build personal brands that resonate in a saturated market—without sacrificing their integrity or individuality.
In addition to leading her agency, Melani also serves as Executive Administrator for Dr. Kandace Kichler, playing a key role in supporting clinical operations and practice development within a high-performing cosmetic surgery environment.
After working on the front lines of ENT and aesthetic medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, Melani launched her agency from the ground up, with no investors and no safety net. Her lived experience as both a medical insider and self-made brand strategist gives her a rare, powerful perspective. Today, she helps beauty and wellness professionals across the country clarify their message, refine their image, and create a digital presence that feels both elevated and true. She believes the key to building a standout brand is knowing that your story—no matter where you come from—is your greatest asset.