Becoming A Plastic Surgeon: Educational Requirements And More

Becoming a plastic surgeon requires a substantial amount of education and training, typically encompassing a minimum of 13 to 15 years of schooling and training. The journey towards becoming a plastic surgeon begins with obtaining a bachelor's degree, followed by attending medical school to earn a medical degree. Aspiring plastic surgeons must then secure a highly competitive residency position, which involves specialized training in plastic surgery or a related field. The residency period typically lasts around six years, during which individuals gain hands-on experience in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. To enhance their expertise in specific areas of plastic surgery, some surgeons opt for fellowship training, which usually lasts one year or more. Throughout their academic and professional careers, aspiring plastic surgeons must consistently excel in their studies and demonstrate a strong foundation in scientific and medical knowledge.

Undergraduate education

Aspiring plastic surgeons must complete four years of undergraduate education to obtain a bachelor's degree. While there is no specific major required for admission to most medical schools, aspiring plastic surgeons often pursue degrees in biology, chemistry, or pre-medicine to fulfil prerequisite coursework before med school. During college, it is recommended that students participate in meaningful extracurriculars, such as meaningful hobbies, and strive for a high GPA to gain a competitive edge for their med school applications.

Future plastic surgeons should also gain as much exposure to plastic surgery as possible by shadowing doctors, attending lectures and discussions, and taking intensive courses in human anatomy. Additionally, they should focus on achieving top grades, especially in science and surgery-related courses, as plastic surgery residencies are highly competitive and selective.

Medical school

Aspiring plastic surgeons need to complete a bachelor's degree, with a major in a hard science such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry. It is also advisable to participate in pre-med programs and take mandatory premed classes to prepare for the academic requirements of medical school. Strong communication skills are also essential for success in medical school, so taking English and writing courses is recommended. Extracurricular activities related to science, medicine, research, or healthcare can also strengthen college applications and demonstrate a commitment to the field.

After obtaining a bachelor's degree, aspiring plastic surgeons need to fill out medical school applications and pass a medical college admission test such as the MCAT to attend an accredited medical school. They must also obtain a letter of recommendation, which is necessary for entry into medical school.

After graduating from medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a residency program in plastic surgery. These residencies typically last about six to seven years and provide comprehensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. During this time, students gain hands-on experience in a variety of plastic surgery procedures under the supervision of experienced plastic surgeons.

Residency program

There are two main pathways to becoming a plastic surgeon: independent plastic surgery programs and integrated programs. Independent programs are typically three years in duration and require residents to have completed a general surgery residency or training in specialities like ENT, orthopaedics, or neurosurgery. On the other hand, integrated programs are six years long, where residents enter as a PGY1 and must complete prerequisite general surgery requirements.

The primary goal of residency programs is to produce well-educated and compassionate plastic surgeons who will advance the field. The training covers various subspecialties within plastic surgery, including microvascular reconstruction, craniofacial and paediatric plastic surgery, hand surgery, and aesthetic surgery. Residents are encouraged to engage in self-motivated learning and develop a solid foundation of fundamental plastic surgery principles during their first year of training.

The competitiveness of plastic surgery residency spots cannot be overstated. As of the most recent NRMP data, there were 1.75 applicants per position, with a high number of non-matched US seniors. The average matched US applicant boasts impressive credentials, including numerous volunteer and work experiences, research endeavours, and publications. Aspiring plastic surgeons are advised to start preparing early by excelling in anatomy, surgical rotations, and research, as well as seeking out hands-on experience in reconstructive or aesthetic clinics.

Some notable examples of residency programs include UCLA, which prioritises clinical experience, and UPenn's integrated program, which offers training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The Division of Plastic Surgery at UT Health San Antonio offers an independent program with outstanding training in plastic and reconstructive surgery, while UMich's program includes a strong focus on clinical research with an additional year dedicated to independent research.

Fellowship

Following either of these pathways, surgeons can then choose to pursue a fellowship. Fellowship programs typically last for one or more years, depending on the subspecialty. During this time, surgeons receive advanced training in specialised surgical techniques. These programs are highly competitive, and aspiring fellows must demonstrate exceptional performance throughout their education and training.

While not mandatory, board certification is highly desirable for plastic surgeons. Certification demonstrates a higher level of testing and training and is often required by hospitals, clinics, and employers. Fellowship programs can help surgeons achieve this certification and enhance their career prospects.

Board certification

To practice as a plastic surgeon in the United States, you must obtain board certification. This is a crucial step in ensuring that a plastic surgeon has the qualifications and expertise to perform plastic surgery procedures. Board certification demonstrates that a plastic surgeon has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide high-quality care to patients.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the primary certifying body for plastic surgeons in the United States. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which sets stringent standards for earning board certification. To get board certification in plastic surgery, a surgeon must have graduated from an accredited medical school, completed at least five years of approved surgical experience, including a residency program in plastic surgery, and passed comprehensive oral and written exams.

The residency program in plastic surgery typically lasts about six years and is highly selective. It covers the essentials of reconstructive or cosmetic procedures and involves an abundance of supervised practice. The first three years of the residency program entail hands-on training in various types of general surgery, while the last three years focus on plastic surgery and involve rotations in several plastic surgery wards. During this time, residents will be required to conduct research, attend conferences, dissect cadavers, and more.

After completing their residency and obtaining their medical license, aspiring plastic surgeons may choose to undergo a fellowship for additional training in a specific area of plastic surgery, such as hand surgery, aesthetic surgery, or craniofacial surgery. This typically lasts one year and allows surgeons to become experts in their chosen subspecialty. Following the fellowship, surgeons must pass an exam to earn an ABPS certification in their chosen subspecialty.

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