50 People to Watch in 2000, San Diego Magazine, January 2000

In 1991, Fresh Start Surgical Gifts began providing free reconstructive surgery to young victims of birth defects and deformities caused by accidents, illness or abuse. since then, the organization has performed more than $5 million worth of pro bono procedures.

Fresh Start founder and chief surgeon Dr. Dennis Nigro has seen his nonprofit, grass-roots care corps grow to 500 volunteers.

The physician now has global plans.

At the Salk Institute in February, Fresh Start will host an international symposium on plastic surgery for children. A second branch opened last year in Tennessee, and two more Fresh Start satellite sites are in the works. Nigro has initiated promising talks with officials in Puerto Rico. Beginning a new century, the compassionate local healer continues to do a world of good.