Learning from our international colleagues: a US plastic surgeon's perspective

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Surgical Innovation
• International Medical Collaboration

Background:

• Growing international contributions to plastic surgery prompt an evaluation of US surgeons' learning.
• This study assesses a single surgeon's experience to identify specific areas of learning from international colleagues.

Observation:

• A 10-year review of procedures performed by a US plastic surgeon at an academic medical center was conducted.
• Frequently performed procedures and their primary references were analyzed to determine domestic vs. international sources.
• Innovative procedures learned post-residency were predominantly published by international sources.

Findings:

• Key procedures learned include free flap breast reconstruction, implant-based reconstruction, oncoplastic techniques, and fat grafting.
• A substantial number of innovative plastic surgery procedures were initially described or refined by international surgeons.
• International colleagues are a significant source of novel techniques and extensive clinical experience in plastic surgery.

Implications:

• Appreciating international scientific exchange is crucial for the advancement of US plastic surgery.
• Global collaboration accelerates the adoption of cutting-edge techniques in clinical practice.
• International insights enrich the skill set and practice of US plastic surgeons.