Attitude of Saudi Plastic Surgery Residents Toward Pursuing Burn Practice

Burn injuries comprise the most common accidents worldwide. The delivery of burn care has been adversely affected by the absence of effective burn management and aesthetic services. This study attempts to address the attitude of Saudi residents of plastic surgery toward obtaining a burn fellowship and to examine the factors that might influence their decisions in this regard. An online survey was sent to 39 plastic surgery residents in Saudi Arabia including levels from PGY 1 to 6 in the academic year of 2019. The questionnaire was used to demonstrate interest, knowledge, and major factors influencing or discouraging residents from choosing Burn as a subspecialty in their future career. Residents responded to knowledge questions on a scale of 3 (below average/average/above average). The response rate was 84%. Thirty-three residents completed the questionnaire. The age group was between 30 and 34 years. Only 27% of the respondents expressing interest in burn practice. The main factors that make the plastic surgery resident avoid pursuing burn fellowship were multiple operations sessions, lifestyle, financial outcome, and emotional aspects. On the other hand, the paucity of burn surgeons and being involved in the humanitarian mission were attracting factors. Most of the residents believe that burn must be obligatory and continue to be part of all plastic surgery training programs (100%). In Saudi Arabia, the relative paucity of specialist mentors on plastic surgery programs may limit residents' exposure to subspecialties such as burn during plastic surgery rotational experiences. The findings from this survey may help plastic surgery program directors or burn surgeons, in particular, to find out strategies to attract future trainees.