<< Back to the abstract archive
Perceptions of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Among Latino Medical Students
Kass, Nicolás; Guerrero, David; Beiriger, Justin; Williams, Abraham; Smetona, John; De La Cruz, Carolyn; Nguyen, Vu; Losee, Joseph; Rubin, J. Peter; Goldstein, Jesse
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2022-01-11
Presenter: Nicolás Kass
Affidavit:
The majority of the work on this project represents the original work of the presenting medical student, Nicolás Kass
Director Name: Vu Nguyen
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Background
Latinos remain underrepresented in the field of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS), despite efforts of PRS departments and divisions to increase diversity. We surveyed Latino students about their perceptions of PRS.
Methods
Electronic surveys were distributed to medical students in the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) via LMSA chapter presidents and medical school student listservs with support from the national leadership.
Results
Of the 49 LMSA members surveyed, almost all were concerned about minority representation in PRS (98.0%, n=48) and 55.1% agreed that they would be more likely to apply to integrated PRS residencies if minority representation improved (n=27). However, 55.1% of students disagreed that national PRS organizations or the students' medical schools are interested in recruiting minorities into PRS (n=27). Students who endorsed PRS as a realistic career option were more likely to report having access to resident (r=0.34, p=0.02) or attending (r=0.36, p=0.01) mentors within PRS. Considering PRS as a realistic career option was also correlated with increasing number of generations that a student's family has lived in the US (r=0.28, p=0.05). Students who spoke Spanish in their childhood homes were more likely to consider pursuing PRS if representation of underrepresented minorities increased, compared to those who spoke English at home (r=0.30, p=0.037).
Conclusion
Latino medical students cite concerns about representation in PRS as barriers to pursuing plastic surgery residency. Demonstrated commitment to diversity in residency programs and established mentorship structures are essential to increasing the number of Latino medical students within the field of plastic surgery.
