How Consistent are International Rotations Between Plastic Surgery Training Programs?

Abstract

Introduction: Institutional partnerships between plastic surgery residency programs in the United States and providers in low- and middle-income countries can serve as bilateral and longitudinal capacity-building relationships. In the United States, obtaining approval for international rotations by a home institution and national review committee is highly encouraged but not required before resident international engagement. Acquiring approval at the institutional level is the first step to allow trainees to participate in international rotations on elective time rather than on vacation time. National approval through the American Council of Graduate Medical Education and American Board of Plastic Surgery allows cases to count toward the resident’s yearly case log. Methods: All 101 integrated and independent plastic surgery program directors/coordinators were asked to participate. The survey identified the requirements and details of existing international rotations. Results: In total, 57 programs responded (56% response rate) to the survey. An estimated 54% of all programs offered international rotations to their residents, and 94% of these programs obtained institutional approval. Additionally, 69% of these programs have received national approval. Conclusions: Institutional requirements for programs to provide international rotations vary significantly across institutions, which results in disparate experiences for residents and poses potential risks to international partners. This study will help promote transparency regarding international rotation requirements and better equip faculty to enhance international rotations that cater to the needs of the institution, residents, and most importantly, the host countries.

Evolution of a Plastic Surgery Summer Research Program: Lessons Learned from Programmatic Evaluation and Quality Enhancement

“…[15][16][17] Applicants continue to find dedicated research time important when evaluating residency programs. 18 To our knowledge, there is no published guidance on the implementation of formal plastic surgery summer research programs for first year medical students. In this study, we present our institutional experience and process of programmatic evaluation developing a plastic surgery summer research program for first year medical students.…”

The Role of Dedicated Research Training in Promoting Academic Success in Plastic Surgery: Analysis of 949 Faculty Career Outcomes

“…1 There is also a demonstrated benefit to additional research training among plastic surgery residents towards a clinical fellowship match, and many trainees value protected time for research during residency. 13,14 Furthermore, several plastic surgery residency programs require a dedicated research year during training. Despite this, in the setting of unchecked increases in medical school tuition, increasing physician debt, and declining reimbursement, trainees must carefully weigh the opportunity cost of delaying attainment of an attending surgeon-level salary.…”

Plastic Surgery Research Year: An Equalizer or Disparity?

“…The research year has become more popular among plastic surgery applicants over the last several years, with more applicants taking them. 1 A dedicated year for these applicants allows ample time to carry out research that they may not have had the opportunity or time to do while in the midst of preclinical or clinical years. For some, the interest in the evolving field of plastic surgery pulls them in; for others, the research year is a means to an end.…”