The Training of Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons repair or reconstruct defects in structures or parts of a patient's body, according to the American College of Surgeons, a trade group. Plastic surgeons must know how to perform skin grafts and flaps, complete tissue transfers, care for complicated wounds, reconstruct damaged tissues, handle surgical implants and remove excess tissue. Plastic surgeons must undergo years of special education and training, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges.
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Education
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Plastic surgeon training begins with completing a four-year medical degree, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Medical students may choose to take additional elective rotations in the surgical disciplines during their fourth year to prepare for their specialized plastic surgery training.
Residency
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The Association of American Medical Colleges notes that a plastic surgery residency lasts between five and seven years. Plastic surgery residents may choose to complete the general surgery requirements of their residency first, and then complete plastic surgery training, or undergo a longer, combined residency, according to the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery. Either way, residents learn both general surgery and plastic surgery principles.
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Fellowship
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Plastic surgeons may choose to undergo additional training in a subspecialty such as hand surgery or head and neck surgery after completing their residency, notes the Association of American Medical Colleges. Fellowships can last from one to three years.
Certification
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Many plastic surgeons choose to cap their training with board certification, indicating a level of knowledge and skill in the field. The American Board of Plastic Surgery notes that board-certified plastic surgeons have completed at least five years of specialized training beyond their medical degree and have passed comprehensive written and oral examinations.
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References
- Photo Credit main surgeon image by Andrey Rakhmatullin from Fotolia.com
