Humanitarian Efforts

At Dr. Allen Gabriel's practice, our commitment to excellence extends far beyond our state-of-the-art facility in Vancouver, WA. We believe that genuine compassion and care know no boundaries, and this belief fuels our dedication to humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Advancing Safety and Innovation as Treasurer of The Aesthetic Foundation

The Aesthetic Foundation, established in 1993, addresses concerns about patient safety and industry integrity by funding and supporting novel research that answers critical questions in aesthetics. Their mission is to improve the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic surgery and medicine, ultimately saving lives and enhancing patient outcomes.

As Treasurer of The Aesthetic Foundation, Dr. Allen Gabriel plays a pivotal role in enhancing the safety and effectiveness of aesthetic procedures through rigorous, unbiased research. Dr. Gabriel's expertise and leadership help guide the foundation in its mission to uncover valuable insights that shape the future of our industry.

Under Dr. Gabriel's stewardship, The Aesthetic Foundation ensures that every research initiative is meticulously reviewed and funded based on its potential to contribute to the field significantly. Members of The Aesthetic Society, or those they sponsor, submit research grant applications to address critical issues or unknowns in aesthetics. The Scientific Research Committee (SRC) and The Aesthetic Foundation Board of Directors rigorously evaluate these applications.

Speaking Locations

Dr. Gabriel has traveled extensively, sharing his expertise and insights at numerous medical conferences. His engagements have taken him to prestigious events to speak on various topics, focusing on breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery advancements. Dr. Gabriel's global speaking engagements highlight his influence and leadership in the field, earning him a reputation as a respected authority.

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Dr. Allen Gabriel and Dr. Cassie Gabriel

The Gift of Lift Campaign

Thanks to Dr. Allen Gabriel and the Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery office, what started as a simple effort to collect bras for Haiti has become a powerful community initiative.

The Gift of Lift campaign initially aimed to gather 500 new or lightly used bras but quickly exceeded that goal, collecting over 750 bras in just one month. Dr. Gabriel then raised the target to 1,000 and later to 2,000 as donations continued to pour in.

The overwhelming support allowed the campaign to expand beyond Haiti, partnering with the nonprofit Pink Lemonade Project to provide bras to women in Clark County and beyond. The focus has shifted to helping local women through homeless shelters and clothes closets while including educational materials about breast health and involving local high school students.

Gift of Lift reflects Dr. Gabriel's commitment to making a difference locally and globally. It continues to grow and evolve as it spreads hope, confidence, and support to women in need.

The World Travels to Dr. Gabriel for Advanced Training

Dr. Allen Gabriel, the chief of plastic surgery at PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and Southwest Medical Group Plastic Surgery, has become a trusted source of knowledge and expertise for surgeons worldwide. Known for his vocal advocacy of women's breast reconstruction rights post-mastectomy and his humanitarian trips to Haiti, Dr. Gabriel’s reputation extends far beyond the United States.

In 2011, two well-known Japanese surgeons, Drs. Mika Watanabe and Hiroko Taneda went to learn from Dr. Gabriel after a Japanese sales representative recommended him. Dr. Watanabe works at Kawasaki Municipal Hospital in Kanagawa, while Dr. Taneda is from the International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital in Tokyo.

They wanted to improve their skills in breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, with Dr. Taneda specifically wanting to learn more about using expanders, a technique that is becoming more popular in Japan.

The surgeons spent a week observing Dr. Gabriel in the operating room, where they learned about his precise approach to various procedures, especially his technique for using expanders during mastectomy.

Although Dr. Gabriel has hosted other surgeons, this was his first experience with international observers. The collaboration left a lasting impact, prompting Dr. Gabriel to plan future visits and reflect on his passion for teaching.

“I love teaching,” Dr. Gabriel said. “When you teach, you have to actually think about what you’re doing. You have to relearn everything.”

Through his dedication to sharing knowledge, Dr. Gabriel continues to inspire and educate surgeons globally, reinforcing his status as a leader in plastic surgery.

Heartfelt Service in Haiti

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010, caused an estimated 222,570 deaths and 300,000 injuries.

Dr. Gabriel was crucial in providing medical care after the earthquake, making three week-long trips to Haiti in May, June, and November. He was accompanied by his wife, anesthesiologist Dr. Cassie Gabriel, his medical assistant, Shelby Gialich, and a photographer, Matt Schoolfield.

Dr. Gabriel and his team worked at Hôpital Adventiste in Port-au-Prince, where they treated numerous patients, often sleeping in a cot in the hallway. They focused on cleaning and covering wounds, performing over 150 operations during their trips.

Pink Lemonade Project

In 2010, Drs. Allen and Cassie Gabriel founded the Pink Lemonade Project to provide education, empowerment, and support to all communities impacted by breast cancer in Oregon and SW Washington. The organization's programs and services offer emotional, educational, financial, and psychological support for patients, families, and caregivers.

Initially, the Pink Lemonade Project focused on providing Revive Retreats and the Pink Peer Mentorship program to create a supportive community for those who had completed treatment in the Vancouver-Portland Metropolitan area. Over time, they expanded to offer programs for patients in active treatment, including Support Groups, Pink Practicalities, Jill’s Book Bank, Holiday Glow, and Virtually Pink Education.

Following the closure of the Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington affiliate in March 2021, the Pink Lemonade Project took over two locally developed programs: the Metastatic Breast Cancer Dinner Series and the Treatment Access Program (Toni Mountain Fund). Additionally, they are piloting a new screening program this year.

Today, the Pink Lemonade Project offers a wide range of programs and events for patients, families, and caregivers in all 36 counties of Oregon and six in SW Washington. With the support of healthcare organizations across the region, the project's commitment is to provide comprehensive support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

Recognition and Achievements

Accomplished Under 40

In 2012, Dr. Gabriel was honored to be listed by the Vancouver-SW Washington Business Journal as one of their Accomplished Under 40 business professionals. This ranking represents the best future business leaders, innovators, and community activists who will shape the region's future.

Dr. Gabriel’s extensive research in pain reduction following reconstructive breast surgery, his research on reconstructive plastic surgery, and his speaking engagements worldwide contributed to his inclusion in the Accomplished Under 40. He was also included in founding and self-funding the nonprofit Pink Lemonade and founding BRAVE (Breast Reconstruction Advocacy Victory Event) Day, held annually in Vancouver on March 21st.

Fashion Week Daily

In 2021, Fashion Week Daily profiled Dr. Gabriel as an award-winning aesthetic surgeon on a mission with a cause. Their piece highlighted Dr. Gabriel’s work with the Integrated Plastic Surgery Program and Ethiopia’s Operation Good Samaritan.

They wrote:

“Dr. Allen Gabriel is a highly respected figure in the field of aesthetic and cosmetic medicine. He is dedicated to improving industry standards and has contributed to various programs and initiatives beyond his practice. Dr. Gabriel has advanced his skills through participation in the Integrated Plastic Surgery Program and Ethiopia’s Operation Good Samaritan. He is an expert in breast surgery and reconstruction and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on cosmetic treatments.

Understanding the significance of cosmetic enhancements in people's lives, Dr. Gabriel prioritizes building trust and understanding each client's specific needs. He provides personalized treatments that complement the client's natural anatomy, aiming to highlight their beauty in the most natural way possible.

Dr. Gabriel is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities and using the latest medical spa techniques. He ensures that his team is composed of highly skilled experts trained under his guidance. He aims to deliver the best results while preserving each person's unique characteristics and individuality.

In addition to his professional work, Dr. Gabriel has been recognized for his contributions to the community, including providing free treatments to individuals in need of restorative surgeries. He has also initiated The Pink Lemonade Project alongside his wife to support breast cancer patients. Dr. Gabriel strives for excellence in providing the best services for his clients and the community.”

Net News Ledger

Also, in 2021, the internet news source profiled Dr. Gabriel as “A Pioneer Of Cosmetic Medicine And A Driven Humanitarian.” Their piece included the following, focusing on his charitable endeavors:

“Dr. Allen Gabriel is a highly skilled plastic surgeon and a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is well-known for his expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, particularly in aesthetic medicine. In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Gabriel is also dedicated to charitable work.

His area of expertise lies in medical spa treatments, where he aims to enhance the natural beauty of his clients while considering their individual aesthetic goals and anatomy. Dr. Gabriel carefully oversees each treatment, ensuring that his handpicked team delivers optimal results. Some of the most popular treatments in his practice include CoolSculpting Elite, Morpheus face and body, BOTOX, and Juvederm injectables.

Dr. Gabriel's journey to becoming a renowned plastic surgeon began at Loma Linda University, where he joined the Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Program. He further honed his skills through various experiences, including participating in Operation Good Samaritan in Ethiopia and completing a Breast and Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to his professional work, Dr. Gabriel and his wife, Dr. Cassie Gabriel, founded The Pink Lemonade Project, an organization dedicated to supporting women diagnosed with breast cancer. The foundation offers various forms of support, including support groups, retreats, educational seminars, and mentorship programs.

Dr. Gabriel also provides his expertise and services free of charge to individuals in need, particularly survivors of deformities, injuries, wounds, or trauma. His restorative surgeries have significantly impacted the lives of these patients.

Looking ahead, Dr. Gabriel is committed to providing high-quality services and continuously improving his practice. He also aims to further his philanthropic efforts and bring compassion to aesthetic medicine.”

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Dr. Allen Gabriel's practice, we believe that every act of kindness and every effort to alleviate suffering can create a ripple effect of positive change. We invite our patients and partners to support our humanitarian initiatives. Together, we can extend the gift of healing to those who need it most, transforming lives and communities one patient at a time.

Please contact our office for more information on our humanitarian efforts and how you can get involved. Your support helps us continue our mission of providing exceptional care and hope to individuals worldwide.