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Hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and aesthetic surgery fellowship selection criteria: a national program director survey
Egro FM, Blecher N, Losee JE, Gimbel ML, Goldstein JA, Nahai F, Spiess AM, Vangala SK, Nguyen VT
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
2016-01-31
Presenter: Francesco M. Egro
Affidavit:
This abstract has already been presented at ASPS Resident Day 2015
Director Name: Joseph Losee
Author Category: Resident Plastic Surgery
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Introduction: A study was conducted to provide information on some of the criteria that are used to select and rank applicants for hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and aesthetic surgery fellowships in the US.
Methods: A 38-question survey was sent in April 2015 to all hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, and ASPS-endorsed aesthetic surgery fellowship program directors (n=169) in the US, by means of QuestionPro Survey Software. The survey investigated the importance of a variety of factors used for selection and ranking of applicants, including medical school and residency training, research experience, fellowship interview, and candidate characteristics. A 5-point Likert scale was used to grade the 38 factors.
Results: The overall response rate was 57% (96 out of 169): hand surgery 56% (45 out of 81), microsurgery 53% (19 out of 36), craniofacial surgery 59% (19 out 32), and aesthetic surgery 65% (13 out of 20). Program directors from all four fellowships share similar views on the factors important for candidate selection. The most important factors were: letters of recommendations by specialty surgeons or well-established plastic surgeons; optimal interview performance; positive interaction with faculty/house staff/residents/fellows; and interpersonal skills. Factors that have a negative impact on the selection process include: visa requirements; graduation from a non-US medical school or plastic surgery residency program; and graduation from a non-plastic surgery residency program.
Conclusion: Regardless of the fellowship type, program directors share common views on the important characteristics that candidate should display at the time of application and interview.
