<< Back to the abstract archive
Exposure to Plastic Surgery during General Surgery Training and Production of Independent Plastic Surgery Residents: A National Query of 352 Programs
Trent James BA, Kiersten Woodyard De Brito MD, Fatima Khan BS, Daniel Streetman MD, Douglas Dembinski MD, Ryan Gobble MD
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
2025-01-10
Presenter: Trent James, BA
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: Ann R. Schwentker
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction:
Plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) in the U.S. can be pursued through the six-year integrated pathway or the independent pathway, requiring prerequisite clinical training, typically in general surgery (GS). PRS exposure in GS programs is declining, but necessary for producing successfully matched independent applicants.
Methods:
Data were collected for 352 GS programs of independent fellows since 2016. Variables of interest were presence and length of PRS rotations, and affiliation with integrated and independent PRS programs. Data were collected from program websites and communication with program coordinators (maximum 3 attempts). ANOVA testing was used for comparison of four subtypes of GS program's PRS affiliation.
Results:
300 GS graduates and 352 GS programs were included. 150 programs matched a GS resident into a PRS independent program since 2016. GS programs without integrated or independent affiliation matched an average 1.78 applicants. Those with integrated affiliation alone matched an average 2.25 applicants. Affiliation with both integrated and independent programs yielded an average 2.40 matched applicants. Affiliation with only an independent program yielded an average 3.16 matched applicants (p <0.05). 156/300 attended programs with >2 months of PRS rotation opportunities. 77/300 attended programs where core PRS status could not be obtained.
Conclusions:
GS residencies with an affiliated independent PRS program are more likely to match GS residents into PRS than those without. There is not a similar benefit for GS programs affiliated with integrated programs alone. Conclusions regarding PRS rotations and association with production of independent PRS applicants are limited by low response rate.
