Work

Development of an Educational Program for Medical Students Without Home Residency Programs to “Explore Plastic Surgery”

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical students who attend institutions without plastic surgery residency programs are at a significant disadvantage in the plastic surgery match. We developed an educational program for medical students without home programs called “Explore Plastic Surgery” to provide an overview of the steps towards a career in plastic surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact, utility, and success of the novel program. METHODS: Pre- and post-event surveys were distributed to participants. Survey data were analyzed including participant demographics, perceptions of barriers unique to those without home programs, and the overall event utility. RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen medical students registered for the Explore Plastic Surgery program. Ninety-five participants completed the pre-event survey (44%) and of those, 57 participants completed the post-event survey. There was a significant increase in understanding of the steps towards a career in plastic surgery (p < 0.001), confidence in overcoming barriers unique to those without a home program (p = 0.005), and level of comfort in reaching out to faculty for opportunities (p = 0.01). There was a significant decrease in the perceived negative impact that attending a medical school without a home program will have on their abilities to pursue careers in plastic surgery (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Following the event, participants demonstrated an increase in their confidence in overcoming barriers and a decrease in their perceptions that attending an institution without a home program will negatively impact their ability to pursue plastic surgery. Initiatives focused on early exposure and recruitment of medical students are important to promote accessibility and diversity within plastic surgery.

Source: Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open

DOI: 10.1097/01.gox.0000992532.18529.00