Join Drs. Marinelli and Weintrub as they discuss plastic surgery, and what this dynamic and unique specialty entails!
He was working in an emergency room on a rotation, and there was a lot of trauma going on. Dr. Weintrub had the opportunity to do some lighter reconstructions which piqued his interest.
[2:25] The path through plastic surgery.Since 2015, there are two different pathways. The new and preferred pathway in a six-year training program at one institution. Alternatively, it’s possible to train in general surgery first like Dr. Weintrub did.
[4:00] Dr. Weintrub’s scope of plastic surgery.Plastic surgery is a large field which encompasses a lot more than just cosmetic surgery. Dr. Weintrub specializes in reconstructive work and has performed this type of work on many veterans.
[6:40] Microsurgery.This is done by using a microscope to better see the structures that the surgeon is operating on. It consists of operating on blood vessels, veins, and nerves. It’s done very reliably, with a success rate over 98%.
[8:11] How plastic surgery has changed.Plastic surgeons are generally at the forefront of using new technology, which makes the field very dynamic. Would healing and scarring are the sources of much innovation.
[10:09] Recommendations for those interested in plastic surgery.The most important advice is to try it. Take clinical rotations where you are exposed to plastic surgery and what it entails. A lot of people are misled about plastic surgery by the media, but it’s a lot different when you’re working in it.
[11:22] The type of applicant Dr. Weintrub was looking for while on a plastic surgery admissions committee.The top students tend to apply because plastic surgery is so competitive. They have excellent academic records, high scores on step one, and excellent recommendations. The best candidates have also done significant research. Doing clerkships at an institution that interests you is also very important.
[14:05] How to get rotations if plastic surgery is not part of your core clerkship.Talk to the plastic surgeons at your school to see if there are opportunities to shadow them. You can also reach out to private practices to see if opportunities are available.
[15:32] Conclusion.Plastic surgery is an incredibly broad and interesting field. It’s super competitive, and the earlier you make your decision to pursue it, the better.
