Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

This course is an elective in plastic and reconstructive surgery. You will gain exposure to both aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, with an emphasis on wound reconstruction, breast aesthetics and reconstruction, gender affirming surgery, as well as facial aesthetic surgery. You will be a member of the inpatient plastic surgery service during your elective, and participate in daily rounds and surgical procedures. You will have the opportunity to attend outpatient clinics at the MFA clinic location.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

• History and Physical Skills 
  • Gather pertinent information for the plastic surgery history and physical. 
  • Complete an H&P in the medical record for at least 1 patient per week. 
• Fundamental Knowledge
  • Describe the basics of wound healing and reconstruction.
  • Describe the reconstructive ladder. 
  • Discuss basic principles of soft tissue transfer. 
• Procedural Skills 
  • Practice fundamental OR and bedside skills such as assisting in the operating room, suturing, and applying/changing dressings. 
• Team Integration 
  • Recognize the unique psychosocial issues faced by patients undergoing reconstructive plastic surgery.
  • Demonstrate professional responsibility and working as an integral team member of the plastic surgery service.
• Career Trajectory 
  • Describe the training/career pathway for plastic surgery.