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The Diversity Advantage of a Community Based Plastic Surgery Residency Program
R. Michael Johnson MD, Jamie Johnson MD Uchenna Agbim BS
Wright State University
2017-02-15
Presenter: Uchenna Agbim
Affidavit:
i certify
Director Name: R. Michael Johnson
Author Category: Medical Student
Presentation Category: Clinical
Abstract Category: General Reconstruction
Plastic Surgery residency programs are diverse in many ways. The current work is a case study of a new community based plastic surgery residency with a focus on outcomes and the production of a diverse group of board certified plastic surgeons.
In 2006, a plastic surgery residency program was initiated at a community based medical school. A review of the racial/ethnic background of the residents and certification outcomes was undertaken.
Over sixty percent of the first eight graduating residents in this program were represented by minorities. All have gone on to complete board certification. The two African American graduates have returned to leadership positions in the community as the chief of plastic surgery at local hospitals. Two residents have returned after fellowship to join the academic faculty.
With the exception of the first two residents who were chosen out of the match. The results were all produced as a result of the NRMP. The program set minimum academic standards for offering interviews. The ranking of applicants was then adjusted on the basis of personal interviews .
The primary reason for successful diversity is the additional opportunity afforded by a new community based program. Given the opportunity, minority residents not only graduate successfully but assume leadership positions in plastic surgery. Strategies to support additional community based plastic surgery residency programs should be developed.
