Friday, January 7, 2011

Plastic Surgery Training Programs

Plastic Surgery training has been rooted in the principles of general surgery training for many decades. The traditional path to become a plastic surgeon usually meant you completed 5-7 years of general surgery, and then completed another 2-3 years of "plastic and reconstructive surgery" fellowship. That's almost 10 years of training after your 8 years of undergrad/med school.

Most specialties, such as orthopedic, neurosurgery, etc, have moved beyond so many years of general surgery, and have abbreviated time (1 year), and the rest of the their training is in their specific field. Plastic Surgery has also moved toward this route with "Integrated" programs. These programs have typically 3 years of general surgery, and 3 years of plastic surgery, hence the term "3 and 3 program." The vast majority of the top plastic surgery institutions at major academic centers have moved toward this model.

The advantage of these programs is that you have an earlier start and focus to plastic surgery training. In your junior years, you will also have exposure to other specialties such as ENT, Dermatology, Orthopedic, etc, making your background that much more focused and relevant. You will be in "plastic surgery" much sooner than the usual 5 years and will finish sooner. It is the future of training and the way most programs have moved toward. It is the way I trained at the University of Chicago, and I am most grateful for my program's opportunities and forward thinking.

The disadvantage is that these programs are highly competitive. Usually there are 2 spots per medical center, and there are probably 50 programs at this time. The other disadvantage that most people don't realize is that you have made the "early decision" to go into plastic surgery. This is often times a premature decision when you see the number of people who drop out of the programs. You might think that no one would do this, but it happens more often than you think. The reasons are many: burnout, change of heart to different specialty, dislike for general surgery, etc.

There are many changes going in plastic surgery education. The breadth of plastic surgery is great, and our time in training is limited. To gain depth in the specialty requires one to start training earlier in the field. This is the way all surgical specialties are headed.

66 comments:

Anonymous said...

There are various courses options regarding the plastic and cosmetic surgery. The demand is now increasing, those who are passionate, can have their best. This post is more properly informed.Thanks

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Cosmetic said...

Cosmetic surgeon helps there patients to look good even if they have scars or injury marks.

Anonymous said...

One of the most common plastic surgeory rhinoplasty techniques is called "closed rhinoplasty."
In a closed rhinoplasty, all of the incisions used for the surgery are hidden
inside the nostrils. This, of course, if a benefit because
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Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Cosmetic said...

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Anonymous said...

In my opinion, plastic surgeons not only are needed in beauty spas, but also for real after-surgery.

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sania said...
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Anonymous said...

Surgery helps to look patient better.

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Unknown said...

Body Plastic Surgery is in demand now a days in western countries. Some people suffer because of it & some gain new look.

Terry said...

Being a plastic surgery doctor requires a lot of patience and knowledge, that's why it takes about a decade of study before you can practice it. After all, it's human life that you'll be handling. There are no room for mistakes.

[Terry Bayer]

Jack Sebastian said...

Those who are studying to be plastic surgeons need to undergo special training to be better in their respective fields. After all, innovations in the science of medicine are turning up very quickly.

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Cosmetic said...

Thanks for sharing this post with us.


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6 months industrial training in chandigarh says
plastic surgery programs are good for aspiring surgeon

ckim said...

Stumbled across this blog while finding distractions from studying for an upcoming exam. Second year med student, Korean-American, also aspiring to a be a plastic surgeon. Your blog was so insightful that I had to join. Will be tuning in frequently.. please continue to provide this valuable input!

rahul said...

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Unknown said...

Hello dear, nice blog. Thanks for giving this information about plastic surgery training. Now the high demand of plastic surgery is encourage the people to make plastic surgery training programs.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

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Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing this fantastic article! I really think that its such a good cause that plastic surgeons can help get your face back to normal after a horrible accident, or severe burns. It's really amazing what they can do in facial plastic surgery!
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Farhan said...
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Unknown said...

Nice info.Plastic surgery is now used to do a lot, specially techniques like rhinoplasty and facial surgery can improve the overall appearence.

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Unknown said...

Good training there. Your post really helps us a lot to guide us in such training program. Thanks a lot!

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tummy tuck said...

Your training about Tummy tuck is so nice.Now i hope plastic surgery has used in many ways such as stretch marks removing,skin tightening etc

Unknown said...

The advantage of these programs is that you have an earlier start and focus to plastic surgery training.

Unknown said...

You should discuss the procedure in detail with your surgeon. Ask as many questions as you need to so that you're fully aware of what the plastic surgery procedure involves, how it will be carried out, what the results will be and whether there will be any after effects.

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Unknown said...

I have an Uncle that is going to plastic surgeon training and is going to all the programs. This way he will be able to get things taken care of in a quick fashion. Now that is the way to chase your dreams and complete a life goal.
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Unknown said...

When choosing a plastic surgeon, it is critical to understand the surgeon’s qualifications. Unfortunately, the law allows individuals to perform “cosmetic” surgical procedures without having had formal training in Plastic Surgery.

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Unknown said...

Before you undergo plastic surgery, it is important to research your desired procedure to determine if it is the right choice for you. Your doctor helps you with this by examining your medical history to make sure you do not suffer from a pre-existing health condition that contraindicates plastic surgery. Surgery results cannot be guaranteed, so you must proceed with realistic expectations.

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