Dr. Robert Hardesty named a 2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctor

    RIVERSIDE, CA, May 16, 2022 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Plastic surgeon Robert Hardesty, MD, has been recognized as a 2022 Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Dr. Hardesty has received this honor for the last 22 consecutive years (since 2000).

Only about 7 percent of the nation's licensed physicians are selected as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in their regions for their specialties. Top Doctors are nominated by peer physicians and selected by the physician-led Castle Connolly research team.

Dr. Hardesty specializes in the full spectrum of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures including body contouring, breast enhancement, facial rejuvenation, and hair restoration at Imagine Plastic Surgery in Riverside, California. For more than 30 years he has delivered compassionate and ethical care to patients, garnering praise and respect from patients and peers alike.

"I believe in providing the highest level of individualized care and using state-of-the-art technology (both surgical and non-surgical) in a caring, professional, and compassionate environment," Dr. Hardesty says.

Dr. Hardesty earned his medical degree from Loma Linda University and performed residencies in general surgery at Loma Linda University Medical Center and plastic surgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in craniofacial and pediatrics at Washington University Children's Hospital. He is a diplomate and board-certified plastic surgeon.

During his tenure (1987 – 2003) at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) and affiliated hospitals, Dr. Hardesty was Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery. He started the first accredited Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency Training Program in the U.S. and has helped train over 40 plastic surgeons and fellows. He rose through the ranks and earned the academic title of full Professor, as well as being voted by his peers as President of Medical Staff for LLUMC. He has also served as Chair of the Plastic Surgery Research Council. He has published numerous scientific articles, written several book chapters, and delivered lectures on various topics.

In 2003 he transitioned into private practice, founding Imagine Plastic Surgery, focusing on comprehensive cosmetic plastic surgery and combing noninvasive, minimally invasive, and short incision surgery — thus fulfilling Imagine Plastic Surgery's motto, "One goal…many options".

In 2014 Dr. Hardesty opened Riverside Outpatient Surgical Institute (ROSI), a fully accredited two-room private ambulatory surgicenter (ASC) that is directly adjacent to Riverside Community Hospital (RCH). ROSI provides a confidential facility where both cosmetic surgery and hair restoration are performed in safe, state-of-the-art operating rooms and has the identical accreditation as the hospital (RCH).

In addition to being a Castle Connolly Top Doctor Dr. Hardesty has been honored by numerous organizations and publications, including: President of the California Society of Plastic Surgery; Best Doctors in America (2008 – present); Physician of the Year, Riverside Community Hospital; and Clinician of the Year, Loma Linda University Department of Plastic Surgery. He has received the RealSelf100 Award and is a member of their "Hall of Fame."

"Being a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for over 20 consecutive years is a continued recognition by my peers and an affirmation of my philosophy of personalized patient care and always striving for excellence," Dr. Hardesty says.

Dr. Hardesty regularly travels internationally, providing clinical care and teaching to those in underserved areas of the world. However, he says his greatest accomplishment is his family: his wife, who is a pediatrician, and four children, who include a child psychiatrist, an emergency room physician, a physician assistant, and an optometrist. He also is blessed with three grandchildren.

Dr. Hardesty says his career and life were best summed up at a recent scientific plastic surgery training meeting when he was introduced as "a respected teacher of plastic surgeons, admired by his patients and beloved by his family."

About Imagine Plastic Surgery
Imagine Plastic Surgery in Riverside, California, is a team of highly-skilled and experienced health professionals who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery and hair restoration. Their facility includes a nonsurgical, fully equipped medical spa. Their well-trained and experienced team provides comprehensive care using noninvasive, minimally invasive, and state-of-the-art surgical techniques. Imagine Plastic Surgery strives to help and provide patients with specific and customized options to reach their individualized desired goals: "One goal… many options". Learn more about Imagine Plastic Surgery.

About Castle Connolly Top Doctors
Castle Connolly publishes its Top Doctors list at castleconnolly.com and in a variety of print and online partner publications. Nominations are open to all board-certified MDs and DOs. The Castle Connolly team chooses honorees based on nominee criteria that includes their medical education, training, hospital appointments, and disciplinary histories. It is important to note that doctors do not and cannot pay to be selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

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