Does International Surgical Mission Involvement During Residency Predict Involvement in Practice?

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Education

Background:

• Global health rotations are increasingly incorporated into residency programs.
• The impact of these international experiences on plastic surgeons' long-term involvement in missions remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the influence of pre-practice global health experiences on plastic surgeons' sustained participation in international missions.
• To identify factors affecting continued involvement in global health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons.
• 138 surveys were analyzed to determine the prevalence and predictors of international mission participation.
• Data on mission participation timing (pre-medical school, medical school, residency, practice) and practice type were collected.

Main Results:

• 61% of plastic surgeons participate in international missions during practice, with 53% having participated during residency.
• Recent graduates were more likely to have participated in missions during residency (P=0.015).
• Mentorship played a significant role (54%), while financial disincentives were cited by 44% for decreased involvement over 5 years.

Conclusions:

• Residency global health experiences appear to foster continued international mission participation among plastic surgeons.
• Formal global health training in residency programs is recommended to support and facilitate this interest.
• Addressing financial disincentives is crucial for sustaining long-term engagement in global health missions.