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Microsurgeon Development, Attrition, and Hope for the Future: A Qualitative Analysis.
Jaclyn T Mauch1, Yasmeen M Byrnes2, Alesha A Kotian3
1Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Journal of Reconstructive Microsurgery
|November 25, 2024
Summary
Microsurgery faces practice barriers, but passion, mentorship, and team support are vital. Future advances could increase patient access to this versatile surgical field.
Area of Science:
- Microsurgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Subspecialties
Background:
- Microsurgery is a growing field with persistent practice barriers.
- Qualitative study to identify factors influencing microsurgery's growth and challenges.
- Focus on fellowship-trained microsurgeons' perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- Elucidate factors strengthening the microsurgery subspecialty.
- Identify barriers threatening microsurgery practice.
- Understand the current landscape of microsurgery.
Main Methods:
- Structured interviews with 21 fellowship-trained microsurgeons across the US.
- Interviews conducted between August 2021 and May 2022.
- Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews by three independent reviewers.
Main Results:
- Five key themes emerged: passion, training/mentorship, practicalities, team support, and future outlook.
- Passion for microsurgery is often sparked by early exposure and sustained by mentorship.
- Practical challenges include reimbursement issues and referral patterns; team support (e.g., co-surgeon model) is crucial.
- Academic settings were the most common practice model (43%).
Conclusions:
- Team-based models can mitigate practical challenges in microsurgery.
- Future advancements enhancing accessibility are expected to further strengthen the field.
- Microsurgery remains a unique and versatile reconstructive option.
