Plastic Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mentorship Program and Workshop: A Single Institution's Experience

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Diversity and Inclusion in Medicine

Background:

• Underrepresentation of minority groups and students lacking home plastic surgery programs in the field.
• Identification of barriers hindering diversity in plastic surgery.
• Need for targeted initiatives to promote equity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel mentorship program and workshop designed to increase diversity in plastic surgery.
• To assess the program's impact on students' knowledge, skills, and confidence.
• To provide resources and support for underrepresented students.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Plastic Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mentorship Program and Workshop in Fall 2020.
• Recruitment of medical students meeting specific diversity criteria (underrepresented in medicine, LGBTQ, first-generation low-income, or lacking a home program).
• Inclusion of quarterly mentorship meetings, an annual workshop with didactic lectures, hands-on skill labs (suturing, cadaver dissection), and resident panels.

Main Results:

• High participant satisfaction with the program, rating it 9.4 out of 10.
• Achievement of key goals, including 100% success in enhancing didactic knowledge and program exposure.
• Significant improvements in student confidence in plastic surgery knowledge and technical skills (96% reported increased confidence).

Conclusions:

• The Plastic Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mentorship Program and Workshop demonstrated preliminary success.
• The initiative effectively supported students underrepresented in medicine and those without home programs.
• The program shows promise in addressing disparities and fostering a more inclusive plastic surgery workforce.