2 answers
CareerVillage Office Hours
Student
Palo Alto, California
507
Questions
Asked
621 views
How to become a plastic surgeon?
Share your journey & guide aspiring plastic surgeons on their path!
Note: We've seen a lot of interest in this career, so we're looking for guidance from our community of professionals.
Login to comment
1 answer
Michael Cadra
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, physician and dentist
31
Answers
Nipomo, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
This is a complex question that cannot be adequately answered in a forum such as this. The following quotation is from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/for-medical-professionals/community/medical-students-forum/pathways-to-plastics , which has a more comprehensive pathway to plastic surgery aimed mainly at medical students:
"Most commonly, applicants complete a general surgery residency, however, graduates from otolaryngology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, urology and oral and maxillofacial surgery (if an MD/DDS and with completion of at least two years of general surgery) may also apply. The Independent Pathway is three years in length. Graduates will be eligible for a second board certification in plastic surgery upon completion.
The second model is the Integrated Pathway. In this pathway a medical student will match directly into a plastic surgery residency program for six years (five years in a few accelerated programs). In this pathway the resident will have a primary focus on plastic surgery but will also have several ACGME required surgical rotations in general, vascular, surgical critical care and breast surgery to build a fundamental foundation. Graduates will be eligible for board certification in plastic surgery following completion of the program."
One of my former professors emphasized that surgery is applied anatomy, wound healing has elements of applied physiology and pharmacology. Plastic surgery is not limited to one organ system or one anatomical area. Plastic surgery, especially cosmetic plastic surgery is a blending of art and surgery of both hard and soft tissues.
In undergraduate years, classes in art, drawing, and sculpture are beneficial. Communication with patients regarding expectations, potential complications and outcomes is essential. Courses in communication and public speaking are also beneficial.
Examples from colleagues include an experience at one plastic surgery interview where applicants were given a block of clay and appropriate instruments and asked to produce a sculpture of an ear. Another was asked to bring to an interview any examples of his drawings. While requests like this are not common to all applications, an applicant should be prepared for anything following the required prerequisite surgical training.
I encourage all that are interested to explore the plasticsurgery.org website for a complete description of the specialty and the recommended pathway for medical students. I have found that many aspiring plastic surgeons only view the specialty as cosmetic surgery. There are many other facets to explore such as hand surgery, cancer surgery and reconstruction, breast surgery, burn surgery, craniofacial surgery, hair replacement surgery and others.
"Most commonly, applicants complete a general surgery residency, however, graduates from otolaryngology, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, urology and oral and maxillofacial surgery (if an MD/DDS and with completion of at least two years of general surgery) may also apply. The Independent Pathway is three years in length. Graduates will be eligible for a second board certification in plastic surgery upon completion.
The second model is the Integrated Pathway. In this pathway a medical student will match directly into a plastic surgery residency program for six years (five years in a few accelerated programs). In this pathway the resident will have a primary focus on plastic surgery but will also have several ACGME required surgical rotations in general, vascular, surgical critical care and breast surgery to build a fundamental foundation. Graduates will be eligible for board certification in plastic surgery following completion of the program."
One of my former professors emphasized that surgery is applied anatomy, wound healing has elements of applied physiology and pharmacology. Plastic surgery is not limited to one organ system or one anatomical area. Plastic surgery, especially cosmetic plastic surgery is a blending of art and surgery of both hard and soft tissues.
In undergraduate years, classes in art, drawing, and sculpture are beneficial. Communication with patients regarding expectations, potential complications and outcomes is essential. Courses in communication and public speaking are also beneficial.
Examples from colleagues include an experience at one plastic surgery interview where applicants were given a block of clay and appropriate instruments and asked to produce a sculpture of an ear. Another was asked to bring to an interview any examples of his drawings. While requests like this are not common to all applications, an applicant should be prepared for anything following the required prerequisite surgical training.
I encourage all that are interested to explore the plasticsurgery.org website for a complete description of the specialty and the recommended pathway for medical students. I have found that many aspiring plastic surgeons only view the specialty as cosmetic surgery. There are many other facets to explore such as hand surgery, cancer surgery and reconstruction, breast surgery, burn surgery, craniofacial surgery, hair replacement surgery and others.