Expectations and Considerations of Research Fellowships in Plastic Surgery

The plastic surgery match is a competitive endeavor with many trainees pursuing research fellowships to strengthen their residency applications. This study aims to understand the perspectives of program directors (PDs) and applicants when evaluating research fellowships.

Surveys were distributed to integrated plastic surgery residency PDs and applicants applying during the 2020-2023 application cycles. The surveys elicited information on financial considerations, ideal productivity measures, and circumstances in which a research fellowship would be beneficial for applicants.

A total of 110 integrated plastic surgery applicants responded to our study (13% response rate) with 46 completing research fellowships (42%). Only 57% of research fellows received full funding, with an average salary of $29,871. Thirty-one PDs responded to our survey (35% response rate). An average of 6 publications and 4 oral presentations was considered productive for a research fellowship. Although no survey respondents found completing a research fellowship to be necessary, 52% did believe it makes someone a stronger overall applicant. On average, 6 publications were considered ideal to not recommend a research fellowship for prospective applicants.

In response to an increasingly competitive applicant cohort, we sought to elicit opinions and perceptions surrounding research fellowships for trainees hoping to successfully apply to plastic surgery residency. Although most surveyed PDs would not recommend a research fellowship to an applicant with more than 6 publications, we temper this with the understanding that applying general recommendations is difficult without a holistic view of the applicant. In addition, funding concerns act as a barrier for many trainees.