Our Summary

This research paper discusses the process of entering surgical academia for oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) trainees. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has made this process easier by creating the integrated academic training (IAT) pathway. This has helped clearly define positions and entry points for these trainees. The paper reviews this pathway and the different levels and entry points available for these surgeons, before and after they earn their doctorate degrees. It also addresses the unique challenges these trainees face and provides advice from experienced OMFS academics. Lastly, the paper discusses how to plan and apply for a doctoral research fellowship, including the different sources of funding available for these surgeons.

FAQs

  1. What is the integrated academic training (IAT) pathway developed by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)?
  2. What are some of the unique challenges faced by oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) trainees entering surgical academia?
  3. How can OMFS trainees plan and apply for a doctoral research fellowship?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about maxillofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include guidelines on medications, diet, activity level, and wound care to ensure a successful recovery and optimal results from the surgery. It is important for the patient to communicate openly with their surgeon about any concerns or questions they may have throughout the process.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for maxillofacial surgery typically have a range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, and mouth. These conditions may include:

  1. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial injuries, such as fractures of the jaw, cheekbones, or eye sockets, may require maxillofacial surgery to restore function and aesthetics.

  2. Jaw abnormalities: Patients with conditions such as temporomandibular joint disorders, malocclusions, or congenital jaw deformities may benefit from maxillofacial surgery to improve their bite and facial symmetry.

  3. Oral pathology: Patients with tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities affecting the oral cavity may require surgical intervention from a maxillofacial surgeon.

  4. Orthognathic surgery: Patients with severe malocclusions or facial asymmetry may undergo orthognathic surgery, which involves repositioning the jaw bones to improve function and appearance.

  5. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and palate may require multiple surgeries throughout childhood and adolescence to repair the defect and improve speech and swallowing function.

  6. Wisdom teeth extraction: Maxillofacial surgeons often perform wisdom teeth extractions for patients experiencing pain, infection, or other complications related to these third molars.

Overall, maxillofacial surgery is a specialized field that addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the face, jaw, and mouth, and patients with these types of conditions may be recommended for surgery by their healthcare providers.

Timeline

Before Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Patient consultation: The patient meets with a maxillofacial surgeon to discuss their concerns and determine if surgery is necessary.
  2. Pre-operative assessments: The patient undergoes various tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery.
  3. Treatment planning: The surgeon develops a personalized treatment plan for the patient, outlining the surgical procedure and expected outcomes.

During Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Anesthesia: The patient is given anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  2. Surgical procedure: The surgeon performs the necessary surgery, which may involve correcting facial deformities, repairing facial injuries, or treating conditions such as sleep apnea.
  3. Post-operative care: The patient is monitored closely following surgery to ensure they are recovering properly and to manage any pain or discomfort.

After Maxillofacial Surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient will need time to recover from the surgery, which may involve rest, pain medication, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  2. Rehabilitation: Depending on the type of surgery, the patient may need physical therapy or other rehabilitation services to regain function in their jaw or face.
  3. Follow-up appointments: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor their progress and address any concerns or complications that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific procedure are you recommending for my maxillofacial surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery process expected to be?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  6. How many times have you performed this specific surgery?
  7. What is your success rate with this type of surgery?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. How long will the surgery take?
  10. What type of follow-up care will be required after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Payne KFB, Higginson J, Basyuni S, Goodson AMC, Chadha A, Elledge R, Breeze J, Goodson M, Bajwa MS, Schilling C, Shaw RJ, Fan K, Dhanda J, Schache A. Journal: Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2023 Feb;61(2):124-130. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2023.01.003. Epub 2023 Jan 26. PMID: 36774281