Advances in reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries will be the focus of a free seminar that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Samuel Bern, M.D., who specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 N. Brent St.

Dr. Bern will discuss who is a good candidate for surgery and whether it is healthy to have multiple surgeries. He also will discuss breast and facial reconstructive surgery; the future of cosmetic surgery, including facial transplants; and whether television cosmetic reality shows are honest.

Dr. Bern received his medical degree from Yale University. He trained in general surgery at Harvard and plastic surgery at UCLA. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and he is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology. Dr. Bern has 35 years of experience in plastic surgery. He has been an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital staff since 1992.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.