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The Impact of Fellowship in Academic Plastic Surgery
Egro FM, Smith BS, Stavros A, Murphy C, Nguyen VT
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2019-02-13
Presenter: Francesco M. Egro MBChB, MSc, MRCS
Affidavit:
I certify that the material proposed for presentation in this abstract has not been published in any scientific journal or previously presented at a major meeting
Director Name: Vu T. Nguyen
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background: Residents interested in a career in academia are left with the dilemma of the value of pursuing further fellowship training. The aim of this study is to assess the benefits of sub-specialty fellowship training to pursue a career in academic plastic surgery.
Methods: A database characterizing all current academic plastic surgeons (APS) participating in ACGME-accredited residency programs was created. Demographics, training background and current academic status were determined.
Results: 931 surgeons were identified. Overall, 67.2% of all APS have had sub-specialty fellowship training with hand (35.5%), craniofacial (32.8%), and microsurgery (28%) being the most common fellowships. The overall trend demonstrates an increasing proportion of fellowship-trained APS over the past 15 years. Non-white APS were more likely to have had fellowship training [OR:1.6, (95% CI:1.15-2.25)], as were integrated residency trainees [OR:2.34, (95%CI:1.54-3.56)]. Those who completed fellowship training were more likely to be assistant professors [OR:1.44, (95% CI:1.09-1.92)] and fellowship directors [OR:3.23, (95% CI:1.58-6.63)], and less likely to be full professors [OR:0.66, (95% CI:0.49-0.90)]. Additionally, fellowship attainment did not correlate with program size or prestige, geography, faculty size, and being a residency director or chair.
Conclusion: Rates of fellowship attainment have fallen significantly among recent graduates. However, those of non-white background or integrated residency training are more likely to have pursued fellowship training. Nonetheless, the proportion of fellowship holders is homogenous among academic faculty and leadership positions, and currently there is not enough evidence to justify that having a fellowship leads to greater entry or advancement in academic plastic surgery.
