The changeable body
The question 
With the growing popularity of extreme makeover programmes there is also growing criticism against plastic and cosmetic surgery. Aren’t doctors going too far in the moulding of the human body? Should they comply with all their clients’ wishes? The media are keen to have an answer, but how precisely should we explain this?
The answer 
Extensive media training forced committee members from the Nederlandse Vereniging voor Plastische Chirurgie to give succinct and convincing answers to difficult questions. The benefit of such training is not learning a few tricks, but how to formulate the essence of a standpoint into words quickly and clearly. By training together, and not separately, during the course of the day the executive committee worked out increasingly sharper and more succinct formulations about ethical principles and limits that the professional group adheres to.
The result
Various committee members have in the meantime addressed the media on delicate subjects. With conviction and success. The executive committee has also formulated standpoints on important issues such as cosmetic plastic surgery and young people.
