Medical Students' Knowledge of Plastic Surgery as a Reflection of the Public Perception

Abstract

Plastic surgery is a broad field that requires a mixed skillset. Therefore, it is important that students be exposed to all its various subspecialties to make informed career decisions and to properly refer patients in different clinical situations. A nationwide survey was conducted of Israeli medical students to investigate their knowledge and perceptions regarding the field of plastic surgery and its subspecialties, and the impact of a clinical rotation in plastic surgery on these factors. A total of 300 subjects responded. Approximately, 61% of the cohort was female and 70% were enrolled in a 6-year program. About one-third stated that their field of interest was surgical rather than medical. Significant variability was noted in the accuracy of responses to questions about different procedures encompassed in the scope of plastic surgery. Although 90% of the students were aware of some common plastic surgery procedures that are also often thought to be well known to the public, only 50% were able to correctly identify lesser-known surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. Knowledge about plastic surgery was unrelated to an interest in the field. We recommend adjusting preclinical instruction and clinical rotations in plastic surgery to better prepare students to select a specialty best suited to their future goals, as well as to improve their ability to refer patients to other specialists as necessary.

Keywords: career decision; direct exposure.; medical students' perceptions; patient referrals; plastic surgery.

Fig. 1

Distribution of students by year of medical school (percentages).

Fig. 2

Distribution of students by facility (percentages).

Fig. 3

Percentage of students who chose the correct answer to questions.

Fig. 4

Mean response to each item before versus after plastic surgery rotation.