Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is a publication of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and serves as the premier forum for original articles advancing the art of aesthetic plastic surgery.
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Background: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) formed the Plastic Surgery Workforce Task Force to study the size of the plastic surgery workforce and make recommendations about future workforce needs. The ASPS member workforce survey and two supplementary surveys of plastic surgery academic chairs and senior residents were developed to gain insights on current and projected demand for plastic surgery procedures and to find out more about plastic surgeons' current daily practice patterns and plans for the future.
Methods: The ASPS member workforce survey was mailed to 2500 randomly selected ASPS active members practicing in the United States, and a second mailing was sent to 388 unique members who practice in an academic setting; a total of 1256 surgeons responded (43.5 percent response rate). The survey of academic chairs was distributed to 103 attendees at the annual meeting of the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery, and 74 returned the survey (71.8 percent response rate). The survey of senior residents was e-mailed to 183 graduating residents, of whom 65 responded (35.5 percent response rate).
Results: Useful demographic information regarding the current plastic surgery workforce was obtained from these surveys. In addition, insight into current trends in practice composition and procedural demand was gained.
Conclusions: The rapid growth of the U.S. population, combined with a significant number of plastic surgeons approaching retirement and an unchanged number of plastic surgery residency training positions, will lead to a discrepancy between the demand for plastic surgery procedures and the supply of appropriately trained physicians. Without an increase in the number of plastic surgeons trained each year, there will be a significant shortage in the next 10 to 15 years.
Every finger of the little boy's hand was adhered to his palm except for the extended third digit. I examined the severe burn injury as the plastic surgery attending discussed how we were going to fix the damage. Several contracture releases, K-wires, and skin grafts later, I excitedly realized he would eventually regain function of his little hand. I didn't know what I wanted to be at the start of my third year, but after patients and cases like this one, I was energized by learning what I found in no other rotation. Plastic surgery emphasizes the highest of expectations and skilled precision in an amazing field that can't be matched - I have found my place in medicine.
Surgery was compelling to me as soon as I began my clerkship. The OR environment was exciting and fast-paced, requiring me to develop the dexterity of my hands Growing up I used to help my dad with everything from building houses to plumbing, from landscaping to auto-body work. Then I began taking up projects of my own, building and designing bookshelves, tables, and desks. Now as physician-in-training, Plastic Surgery is the culmination of my interests in medicine, artistry, and craftsmanship. During my rotations, I appreciated the healthy, competitive environment of people with whom I shared similar goals and interests, encouraging each other to improve. Additionally my need for attention to detail and precision was thoroughly satisfied through cleft lip and hand repairs, flap designs, soft tissue transplants, and aesthetic surgeries among others procedures.
My goal has always been simple: to exceed all expectations in what I choose to do. My parents overcame search dogs, machine guns, pirate attacks, and the loss of a brother at sea to reach this country - the land of opportunity. Growing up listening to their stories of survival embedded in me the strong value of humility and the overwhelming drive to excel. They taught me that hard work is its own reward. Now I am determined to focus my energy towards being a great plastic surgeon, like all the physicians I have met in the field thus far.
I seek a program with talented faculty and good exposure to the variety of topics in plastic surgery, and look forward to a well rounded education. Exposure to research in the field is also important to me because without it there can be no advancements. My prior research experiences have been in cancer and although fascinating scientifically, I realized during a summer internship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles that cancer was not the field for me. I need the ability to fix the problem at hand and the instant satisfaction that comes from alleviating pain and suffering. Research endeavors, however, are intellectually stimulating and I look forward to pursue it in my new chosen field as a plastic surgeon.
To my program I will bring my considerable energy and drive to excel, and will share it with my colleagues. My comfort in any role and preference to work as part of a team will also support my patients and colleagues. A strong leader is just as important as a reliable team member, and when selected and appropriate I thrive in leadership positions. My desire to learn, my calm and patient demeanor, and my teaching experience will be key traits I will contribute to my residency program.
Choosing a residency is choosing a partnership with lifelong impact. To my partners I offer my eagerness, reliability, and skills. In return, I ask for the opportunity to develop my talents and use them to discover and become the exceptional plastic surgeon I strive to become.
Background: Yannas and Burke developed the concept of the dermal regeneration template in the 1970s. It is now a widely accepted tool in the treatment of burns as well as in reconstructive surgery.
Methods: The authors present a previously published study of Integra used in 20 consecutive patients to reconstruct 30 anatomical sites and then analyze the histologic and clinical outcomes. Wound healing was evaluated by examination of weekly punch biopsy specimens with standard and immunohistochemical stains. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale, and scar appearance was assessed using a modified Vancouver Scar Scale.
Results: Four distinct phases of dermal regeneration could be demonstrated histologically: imbibition, fibroblast migration, neovascularization, and remodeling and maturation. Full vascularization of the neodermis occurred at 4 weeks. Patients reported increased range of movement and improvement in appearance compared with their preoperative states.
Conclusions: The color of the matrix reflected the stage of neodermal vascularization. No adnexa, nerve endings, or elastic fibers were seen in any of the specimens. The new collagen was histologically indistinguishable from normal dermal collagen. The authors also present their current protocol and experience with using Integra for a range of reconstructive procedures.
Below, we offer a detailed guide to help you articulate the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications needed for this position. Our aim is to streamline writing a compelling job posting that reflects the values and needs of your practice. Feel free to use our examples as a template for your job posting.
Plastic surgeons have a dual role, encompassing reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. Reconstructive duties involve repairing physical abnormalities caused by injuries, birth defects, or diseases, aiming to restore functionality and appearance. Examples of reconstruction include cleft lip repair, post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, skin grafts, tissue expansion, and other surgical procedures involving the skin, hand, musculoskeletal system, extremities, breast, external genitalia, and other parts of the body.
Attracting highly qualified candidates begins with setting clear expectations for their educational background and training. Specify the required degrees, residency training, and any additional certifications or specialties that are important to your practice. This ensures applicants are aware of the rigorous path to becoming a part of your team and the commitment to excellence you expect.
Becoming a skilled plastic surgeon takes time, resources, effort, and dedication. You first must earn a Doctor of Medicine Degree (MD) by completing medical school. Next, you must go through six years of plastic surgery residency training or five years of general surgery residency, plus three years of plastic surgery training.
Medical students may complete additional training to pivot into specialty careers as different types of plastic surgeons, such as hand surgeons, microvascular surgeons, gender affirmation surgeons, and more.
Regardless of the specialty you pursue, all plastic surgeons must complete Continuing Medical Education courses to sharpen their plastic surgery techniques and maintain training. CME credits are required to maintain your medical license in plastic surgery.
Identify the key skills and personal qualities that define a successful plastic surgeon within your practice. This may include precision, artistic ability, excellent communication, and decision-making skills, among others. By articulating these attributes, you help potential candidates self-assess their fit for the role and your team.
Plastic surgeon duties involve an array of high-caliber, precise tasks that require a steady hand, total focus, and a level head. While plastic surgery training can provide you with knowledge of surgical procedures and medicine, you must acquire certain core skills to succeed. Successful plastic surgeons have the following skills and qualities:
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