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The Implementation of a Preclinical Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Mentorship Program
Bryce Dzubara1, George Durisek1, Juhi Katta1
1The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio.
Journal of Surgical Education
|May 9, 2025
Summary
A longitudinal plastic surgery mentorship program for preclinical students significantly increased their exposure, knowledge, and interest in the field. The program fostered valuable physician-student relationships and can serve as a model for future initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Student Mentorship
Background:
- Preclinical medical students often lack early exposure to surgical specialties.
- Longitudinal mentorship programs can enhance career exploration and skill development.
- Structured guidance is crucial for students considering competitive fields like plastic surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement a longitudinal mentorship program for preclinical medical students interested in plastic surgery.
- To evaluate the program's impact on participants' knowledge, exposure, and career interest.
- To assess the effectiveness of attending physician mentorship in plastic surgery.
Main Methods:
- A 15-month longitudinal mentorship program paired 31 preclinical medical students with 10 plastic surgeons at a tertiary academic medical center.
- Program activities included clinical and operating room attendance, Grand Rounds, and a final case presentation.
- Post-program surveys assessed participant experiences and perceived benefits.
Main Results:
- Surgical observation was the most enjoyed (88%) and career-discernment component (59%).
- All participants reported increased plastic surgery exposure (100%), and 94% reported increased knowledge and willingness for extracurriculars.
- 88% showed increased research interest, and 94% found the program a beneficial use of time.
Conclusions:
- The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Mentorship Program (PRSMP) positively impacted students' exposure, knowledge, and interest in plastic surgery.
- The program successfully fostered longitudinal relationships between attending physicians and medical students.
- PRSMP provides an effective model for preclinical medical student mentorship in surgical specialties.
