Trainee Perspectives After Nonvoluntary Plastic Surgery Program Closures: Lessons Learned and Steps Forward.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Graduate Medical Education

Background:

• Nonvoluntary closure of plastic surgery programs is rare, with only three instances in the past decade.
• Unexpected program closures in April 2021 impacted 23 trainees, leaving their experiences undocumented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the perspectives and experiences of trainees affected by nonvoluntary plastic surgery program closures.
• To identify challenges faced by displaced residents during the relocation process.

Main Methods:

• A 30-item questionnaire was developed by the American Society of Plastic Surgery's Resident Council Program Closure Working Group.
• The survey was distributed to displaced trainees one year after program closures to gather their insights.

Main Results:

• Seventeen trainees (84% response rate) reported significant challenges, including delayed notification (24%) and lack of institutional guidance.
• Relocation costs ranged from $10,000 to $50,000, with mental hardship and securing new residency spots being major difficulties.
• Department chairs and program directors were largely perceived as unsupportive during the closure and relocation process.

Conclusions:

• The plastic surgery community must proactively support trainees during nonvoluntary program closures.
• Recommendations include establishing a dedicated entity for timely information dissemination, creating leadership protocols, providing relocation stipends, and facilitating mental health support.