Improving preclinical medical student’s perception of plastic and reconstructive surgery

Introduction Medical schools do not routinely provide exposure to plastic and reconstructive surgery, and perceptions have been distorted by mainstream media’s display of a cosmetically centered field. This study aimed to determine if an informative video by a plastic surgeon could impact preclinical medical students’ perception, knowledge, and interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods A survey with a 6-min module was provided to medical students across North America. Questions included exposure to plastic and reconstructive surgery, interest, knowledge, common consultations, and chief complaints that would require plastic surgery involvement. In addition, their perception of the worldwide need for plastic and reconstructive surgery and the percentage of the field that is cosmetic-centered were surveyed. Results One-hundred sixty-eight students responded to the survey; 91.1% of respondents indicated that they have received little to no formal curricular exposure. After the module, more students identified the large unmet need for plastic and reconstructive surgeons worldwide, a correct route in training, more specialities that plastic surgeons collaborate with, and more chief complaints that would require a plastic surgery consult and were interested in learning more about plastic surgery. Conclusions A short 6-min module provides increased awareness about the global unmet need for plastic and reconstructive surgeons, the role of these surgeons in a hospital setting, and increased interest in the field from medical students. Implementing early educational plastic and reconstructive surgery opportunities in medical school curriculums may help garner interest from students, correct misconceptions, and foster more accurate future consults and collaborative efforts from future physicians. Level of evidence: Not ratable.