Dr. Laura T. Hetzler Honored with Prestigious Rosalind Franklin Society Award in Science
Dr. Laura T. Hetzler, Vice Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
Surgery and Director of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,
has been honored with the 2023 Rosalind Franklin Society Award in Science for her
outstanding contributions, including the "paper of the year" in facial nerve reanimation
and research. This esteemed recognition highlights Dr. Hetzler's exceptional leadership
in advancing medical knowledge in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Dr. Hetzler, a native of Opelousas, LA, earned her medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Loyola University in Chicago. Following her residency, she pursued specialized fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Davis. Since joining the LSU School of Medicine in 2010, Dr. Hetzler has established herself as a leading expert in facial nerve recovery, cleft lip and palate surgery and aesthetic facial surgery. She is also actively involved in humanitarian missions, providing surgical care to underserved communities worldwide.
"We are thrilled to see Dr. Hetzler recognized with the Rosalind Franklin Society Award in Science," said Dr. Steve Nelson, Chancellor of LSU Health New Orleans. "Her dedication to advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes exemplifies the mission of LSU Health New Orleans to serve our community through education, research and patient care."
The Rosalind Franklin Society Award in Science celebrates outstanding women and underrepresented minorities in science, honoring their achievements and fostering inclusivity in scientific fields. Dr. Hetzler's research focuses on facial nerve recovery and reanimation, cleft repair outcomes and advancements in facial aesthetic surgery, contributing significantly to the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.