Dr. Clevens Leads Practice, Philanthropy From the Heart

November 1, 2022

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Dr. Clevens Leads Practice, Philanthropy From the Heart

Doing what they can to make a difference in the lives of others has always been at the heart of the Clevens Face and Body Specialists team.

Indeed, service is a core value embraced by all 35 team members at the specialty plastic surgery group and medspa — a passion that was ignited by practice founder and local philanthropist Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS.

A double board certified facial plastic surgeon, Clevens has earned international recognition for both his innovative contributions to surgery and artistry in his field. Because of his sterling reputation, patients across the country seek him for cosmetic procedures, yet he feels it is a privilege to also channel his time, talent and treasure into helping our community and especially the less fortunate.

“Giving back to the community has always been very important to me personally and to my family,” Dr. Clevens said.

Trained at Yale, Harvard and the University of Michigan, Dr. Clevens has practiced in Brevard for more than 25 years. He is well known for performing procedures including facelift, neck lift, and eyelid surgery to achieve youthful, natural-looking outcomes.

“I’ve had the good fortune of a great upbringing, an excellent education, and success in my career. And part of that, I believe, is giving back,” Clevens said. “It’s a way to show appreciation and gratitude. It’s really become part of the mission of our practice as an extension of my personal life.”

The lifelong humanitarian has fostered a culture of philanthropy within his team.

“One of the many reasons I was drawn to being part of the Clevens Face and Body Specialists team is because of our involvement and values we practice within the community,” said plastic surgeon Andrew McGregor, MD, who joined the team this year as a specialist in cosmetic surgery of the breast and body. “I often find that being in healthcare, we as providers have an innate feeling to care for those who are in need.”

McGregor, who was part of medical mission trips as a student and during his surgical training, serves his patients with transformational procedures such as mommy makeover, breast implant exchange, tummy tuck and liposuction, and now he has found a work family that shares his belief in serving in other ways, as well.

“Dr. Clevens has truly been a role model for me by demonstrating the importance of giving back to our community, not only financially but also with his time,” McGregor said. “He genuinely cares about the community we live in. It is an honor to work alongside him.”

Each year, Clevens Face and Body Specialists gives back to Brevard through donations, volunteer time and in-kind support. The practice donates about $250,000 annually to support area nonprofits such as Habitat for Humanity of Brevard, Florida Wildlife Animal Hospital, Children’s Hunger Project and the Women’s Center.

“Dr. Ross Clevens has been supporting the Women’s Center of Brevard for 20 years, since 2002,” said Lori Sutherland, development director. As part of the Yale Day of Service, during which alumni around the world organize service projects, Dr. Clevens and his team spearheaded the “Team Up to Take Care” initiative, creating kits filled with hygiene products for the local rape crisis center.

Twelve years ago, Clevens and his family established Face of Change, a charitable foundation that has transformed the lives of domestic violence victims, children with cleft palates and bullied teens.

“As facial plastic surgeons, we possess a unique set of surgical talents that can be used to help people who are victims of trauma, domestic violence and abuse,” Clevens said.

“The core of everything we do as physicians is to help other people,” said Phillip Barbee, MD, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “Community service is one of the most important and impactful ways that we can help.”

After completing a yearlong fellowship at the practice, Barbee was invited by Clevens to remain with the team full-time. His specialties include facelift, neck lift and eyelid surgery, as well as injectable treatments and skin cancer care.

Barbee is the seventh doctor chosen to serve as a fellow at the practice. The advanced fellowship offered under the mentorship of Clevens is just one more way the world-class surgeon gives back, in this instance to his field.

Also near and dear to Clevens’ heart is the work of the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.

“My mother, who died in 2017, had severe dementia her last few years, and my wife’s father also had dementia,” Clevens said. An active board member, Clevens along with his wife, Tara, invited the Foundation to host a major fundraising gala at their Indialantic home.

“The Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation is extremely appreciative of the generosity we have received from Dr. and Mrs. Ross Clevens,” said Tim Timmermann, executive director. “Last year, they graciously hosted the Inaugural Casino Royale Gala and raised over $250,000.”

Dr. and Mrs. Clevens will be hosting the Casino Royale Gala fundraiser at their home again on March 25, 2023.

When thinking about how to carry out their mission as a practice, the Clevens team always considers how they can raise awareness of the exemplary work of Space Coast nonprofits. The practice hosts two major events each year at their Melbourne location. Hundreds of guests enjoy music, wine and bites, raffle prizes and specials. Yet, the team also builds in a charitable component and puts Brevard nonprofits in the spotlight; all ticket sales and a portion of event proceeds benefit local causes.

“Attendees even get to select which nonprofit they would prefer to support when purchasing their tickets,” Clevens said.

Clevens Face and Body Specialists will host its 2022 Sparkle Party event on Thursday, Nov. 10. Tickets are available at DrClevens.com or by calling 321-727-3223.

As Clevens and his team see it, shining the light on the many nonprofits that make Brevard better is both rewarding and essential to enrich all of our lives on the Space Coast.

“We truly think of them as our partners in making our world a better place,” Clevens said. “Giving back is just the right thing to do.”

Clevens Face and Body Specialists

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