Our Summary

This research paper is about subinternships, which are a crucial part of the application process for those wanting to specialize in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The study involved interviews with nine past and present directors of such programs. They found that there are inconsistencies in how students are evaluated across different institutions.

All the directors agreed that these subinternships are important for assessing qualities that aren’t easily measured, such as teamwork, work ethic, and preparation. However, they also pointed out some issues. For instance, students don’t often receive feedback about their performance during their subinternship, and they aren’t clear about the quality of the recommendation letters they receive.

Another issue is that the reputation of the person writing the recommendation letter can sometimes overshadow the student’s actual performance. This isn’t fair to the student.

The authors of the paper suggest that the community of those involved in academic plastic and reconstructive surgery should work towards a more consistent and fair way of evaluating students during their subinternships. This would be beneficial for both the students applying for residency programs and the programs themselves.

FAQs

  1. Why are subinternships important in the application process for plastic and reconstructive surgery?
  2. What are some of the issues highlighted by the directors regarding the evaluation of students during their subinternships?
  3. What are the suggested improvements to the current system of evaluating students during their subinternships in plastic and reconstructive surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about reconstructive surgery is to carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include proper wound care, restrictions on physical activity, and attending follow-up appointments. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure optimal healing and results from the surgery.

Suitable For

In terms of reconstructive surgery, patients who may be recommended for this type of surgery typically include those who have suffered from traumatic injuries, such as burns, car accidents, or sports injuries. Reconstructive surgery may also be recommended for patients who have undergone surgery for cancer removal, such as breast cancer or skin cancer, and require reconstruction of the affected area. Additionally, patients with congenital deformities, such as cleft lip and palate or craniofacial abnormalities, may also be recommended for reconstructive surgery to improve their quality of life and overall appearance.

In general, reconstructive surgery aims to restore function and appearance to patients who have experienced physical trauma or have congenital abnormalities. The decision to undergo reconstructive surgery is often made in collaboration with a team of healthcare professionals, including plastic surgeons, oncologists, and other specialists, to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

Timeline

Before reconstructive surgery:

  • Patient meets with plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  • Patient undergoes physical examination and medical history review
  • Patient may need to undergo additional tests or imaging studies
  • Surgeon creates a personalized treatment plan and discusses risks and benefits with the patient
  • Patient schedules surgery date and prepares for the procedure

After reconstructive surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room by medical staff
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Patient follows post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
  • Patient may undergo additional procedures or treatments as needed for optimal results
  • Patient experiences improvement in physical appearance and function, as well as increased self-confidence and quality of life.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about reconstructive surgery include:

  1. What specific qualifications and experience do you have in performing reconstructive surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the specific procedure I am considering?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care for this procedure?
  4. Can you show me before and after photos of patients who have undergone similar reconstructive surgeries?
  5. What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery?
  6. Are there alternative treatment options available for my condition?
  7. How many times have you performed this specific procedure, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need additional procedures in the future to maintain the results of the reconstructive surgery?
  9. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and who will be administering it?
  10. Can you provide me with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the surgery, including any potential additional expenses?

Reference

Authors: Qiu C, Girard A, Lopez CD, Yang R. Journal: J Surg Educ. 2021 May-Jun;78(3):733-736. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.09.020. Epub 2020 Oct 21. PMID: 33097453