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Craniomaxillofacial Surgery Job Opportunities: Trends Over the Last Two Decades
Vignesh Chennupati1, Barite Gutama1, Maria Kalogeromitros2
1From the Department of Plastic Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN.
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|May 8, 2026
Summary
The craniofacial (CMF) fellowship job market shows a modest increase in pediatric positions, with opportunities in both pediatric and adult CMF reconstruction. Enhancing adult CMF competencies aligns with job market trends for fellowship growth.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Craniomaxillofacial Surgery
- Medical Education
Background:
- Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) fellowship training encompasses pediatric, adult reconstructive, and aesthetic domains.
- The CMF job market is perceived as limited, despite diverse training areas.
- A longitudinal analysis of CMF-aligned plastic surgery job postings was conducted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in craniofacial-aligned plastic surgery job postings from 2007 to 2024.
- To compare job market trends with fellowship capacity and program director-reported competencies.
- To identify factors influencing the availability of pediatric craniofacial (Tier 1) positions.
Main Methods:
- Extracted and classified plastic surgery job postings from ACEPS and ASPS (2007-2024) into Tier 1 (pediatric/cleft craniofacial), Tier 2 (adult/mixed craniofacial), and Tier 3 (non-craniofacial).
- Utilized linear regression for temporal trend analysis and multivariable logistic regression for predictor identification of Tier 1 postings.
- Analyzed SF Match data (2007-2024) on positions offered/filled and surveyed program directors on ASCFS competency domains.
Main Results:
- Out of 4566 postings, 10.7% were craniofacial-aligned (Tier 1+2).
- Tier 1 postings increased by 1.51/year, while Tier 3 increased by 33.08/year; Tier 1 postings were concentrated in 11 states.
- Tier 1 was associated with children's hospitals and academic settings, and inversely with Level I trauma centers. SF Match reported 500 positions offered, 372 filled.
Conclusions:
- A modest rise in pediatric craniofacial fellowship positions has been observed.
- Opportunities exist for both pediatric and adult craniofacial-aligned positions.
- Expanding adult craniofacial competencies is crucial for aligning with job market demands and fellowship growth.
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