In 1971, he founded Candela Laser Corporation and developed the extremely versatile flashlamp-excited dye laser (FEDL).
In 1982, in collaboration with Wellman Laboratories at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Furumoto developed selective photothermolysis. Using this technology, he created devices that were used to treat birthmarks, kidney stones, and glaucoma.
In 1991, Dr. Furumoto founded Cynosure, Inc. He introduced what became the Photo-Genica series of lasers and spearheaded the use of the long-pulse alexandrite lasers for hair removal. Dr. Furumoto retired in 2003.
Physics was Dr. Furumoto’s passion. He loved the process of thinking, calculating, designing, drawing, building, and testing ideas. Dr. Furumoto was awarded twenty-six U.S. patents and twenty-one international patents during his career. He is considered a pioneer in medical laser technology innovation.
In multimillion-dollar contracts and individual promises, Dr. Furumoto always delivered, contributing to his lasting reputation as a faithful, sincere, and trustworthy colleague, mentor, and partner.
Horace Furumoto, PhD
Distinguished Contributor Award
This award was established in 2007 by Candela Corporation, Cynosure, and DEKA to recognize an individual who has played a significant role in industry with multiple accomplishments. It is given in memory of the genius, leadership, and commitment of Dr. Horace Furumoto.
This award may be given to either ASLMS members or non-members, but it is required that nominations be made by ASLMS members only. The award recipient will receive a plaque and $1,000 at the Annual Conference and will be required to present a brief lecture during the Plenary Session at the conference highlighting their accomplishments.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated extensive experience (20+ years) with the innovative application of lasers and/or related technologies in healthcare
- Emulate innovation, leadership, and commitment as characterized by Dr. Horace Furumoto
- Non-clinical professionals, particularly those who work in industry, are especially encouraged to apply and will receive special consideration
- Good verbal communication skills to allow for an informative, appropriate lecture
No award will be granted to any person if the award would be contrary to any United States law, including but not limited to trade embargoes administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Past Recipients
2025 – George Frangineas Jr., AAS
2025 – Mukta Bhardwaj Sachdev, MD, DPD, DD, Dip Derm
2024 – Dale E. Koop, PhD
2024 – Mirko Mirkov, PhD
2023 – Jay Bhawalkar, PhD
2022 – R. Rox Anderson, MD
2021 – Raymond J. Lanzafame, MD, MBA, FACS
2020 – Bruce Tromberg, PhD
2018 – G. David Baxter, TD, DPhil, MBA
2014 – Michael H. Slayton, PhD
2013 – Rafael A. Sierra, PhD
2012 – David J. Cuccia, PhD
2010 – Wangcun Jia, PhD
2009 – Kristen M. Kelly, MD
2008 – Dieter Manstein, MD
Young Investigator Award
This award was established in 2007 by Candela Corporation, Cynosure, and DEKA to recognize and encourage the development of future technology innovators and leaders. It is given in memory of the genius, leadership, and commitment of Dr. Horace Furumoto.
This award may be given to either ASLMS members or non-members, but it is required that nominations be made by ASLMS members only. The award recipient will receive a plaque and $4,500 (to be used to further his/her professional development) at the Annual Conference and will be required to present a brief lecture during the Plenary Session at the conference highlighting their accomplishments.
Candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Early-stage career and/or professional development (up to 15 years in the field of lasers and related technologies in health care)
- Non-clinical professionals, particularly those who work in industry, are especially encouraged and will receive special consideration
- Display a potential for independent contribution and innovation
- Good verbal communication skills to allow for an informative, appropriate lecture
Past Recipients
2024 – Zhenpeng “ZP” Qin, PhD
2023 – Jordan V. Wang, MD, MBE, MBA
2022 – Lilit Garibyan, MD, PhD
2021 – Arisa E. Ortiz, MD
2020 – H. Ray Jalian, MD
2019 – Judith Su, PhD
2018 – Zeev Zalevsky, PhD
2017 – Bo Chen, PhD
2016 – Praveen Arany, DDS, PhD
2014 – Ishan Barman, PhD
2013 – Mirko Mirkov, PhD
2011 – Fernanda H. Sakamoto, MD, PhD
2011 – Jonathon Wells, PhD