The College of Mount Saint Vincent in New York City was proud to recognize distinguished alumna Paula A. Moynahan, M.D. at the Ad Laudem Dei ceremony on Saturday, October 19, 2019. Ad Laudem Dei awards are presented annually to graduates of the College who have led professional lives of national significance and who best exemplify the Mount’s mission of service as an integral part of the whole person.
A brilliant surgeon, scientist, and humanitarian, Paula A. Moynahan ’64 has left an incredible mark on the field of plastic
and reconstructive surgery. Among a distinguished group of women who have achieved double board certification—
American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery—she is also a member of numerous medical and plastic surgery societies. She owns practices in Manhattan and Connecticut, and has served as an attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital and Manhattan Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, as well as Waterbury Hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital, and Naugatuck Valley Surgical Center in Waterbury, CT.
“As a child, you dreamed of becoming a physician,” said Dr. Flynn during his remarks. “You were—and are—tireless as well as brilliant. At a time when there were few female physicians and fewer welcoming men, you not only persisted, you excelled. After completing your residency, you became one of only twelve board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the United States. You are distinguished for having achieved double board certification from both the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.”
Among the first physicians to offer out-patient ambulatory surgery, she also developed anti- aging treatments including facials, glycolic acid rejuvenation peels, promoted Retin A, chemical peels, injectable collagen, Botox, and MEGA-peel. Her insights and opinions on plastic and reconstructive surgery are sought by the media and featured on MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business, the New York Post, Newsday, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Vogue, and Glamour. She has guest lectured at the United Nations and at medical colleges, museums, congregations, and related organizations throughout the U.S. Dr. Moynahan received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent, her Doctor of Medicine from the Medical College of Pennsylvania, and completed her post-graduate training at Lenox Hill Hospital. She has been recognized as a leading surgeon by Strathmore’s Who’s Who, Consumer Research Council of America, America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals, Irish America’s Top 100, the American Business Women’s Association, and has
served as a past president of the New York Regional Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. The College of Mount Saint Vincent was proud to celebrate and thank Dr. Moynahan for her courage, talent, service, and compassion during the ceremony. Dr. Moynahan was joined by fellow honoree Regina Cunningham, B.S.N., M.A., Ph.D. Dr. Cunningham is currently the chief executive officer at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she also serves as an adjunct professor and assistant dean for clinical practice. Ad Laudem Dei Awards are presented to individuals who have made lasting contributions to the areas of economics, business, government, medicine, science, arts, humanities, religion, and education. Ad Laudem Dei recipients embody the spirit of charity synonymous with the College’s mission.