The goal of plastic surgical residency is to provide trainees with exposure to all aspects of the
field so that they exit the program ready to be independent practitioners. However, in some
teaching institutions it is common practice to exclude residents from participation in
consultations with patients who are seeking cosmetic surgery. The goal of this study was to
determine whether cosmetic patients had a different view about resident involvement than
reconstructive patients and to evaluate what factors might be linked to patient attitudes on this
topic.
Methods/Technique:
All new patients were asked to complete a voluntary survey at their initial consultation. This
survey asked patients to identity themselves as either cosmetic or reconstructive and to indicate
the location on their body where they were having surgery. Additionally, a series of statements
regarding resident involvement was present with a 5-point Likert-type rating system to assess
each patient’s attitudes about a range of factors, such as resident gender and seniority.
Results/Complications:
110 patients participated in the study by completing the survey. Of this population, 56.4%
(n=62) were classified as reconstructive patients, 43.6% (n=48) were classified as cosmetic
patients. Based on responses, it was determined that reconstructive patients were more
approving of resident involvement in their care when compared to cosmetic patients. When
factors were analyzed, the body part being examined appeared to have a more significant effect
on cosmetic patients compared to reconstructive ones.
Conclusion:
Although there are some differences in the way resident participation is perceived by cosmetic
and reconstructive patient populations, neither group is strongly opposed to having residents
assist their primary physicians. Based on these findings, plastic surgery training programs
should begin to allow residents to become more involved in the care of cosmetic patients.