Plastic Surgery residencies are at least six years for integrated programs which start after medical school, and three years for independent programs. Independent programs are plastic surgery residency programs that occur after a prerequisite surgical residency, including general surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, and urology. There are post-residency fellowships available.
Craniofacial Surgery
Hand Surgery
Microsurgery
Gender Affirmation Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery
What Does a Typical Workday Look Like?
Plastic surgeons can expect to spend 40-55 hours per week seeing patients, on average. On call schedule can be demanding.
Important Qualities and Traits
If you are interested in conducting research relevant to plastic surgery, contact Dr. Abigail Chaffin for opportunities.
Additionally, students may want to pursue research opportunities through the DeBakey Scholars Program. This program offers medical students the opportunity to pursue and complete a longitudinal, structured, closely supervised research experience culminating in a capstone presentation prior to graduation. For more information, contact Dr. Derek Pociask.
For information on the Plastic Surgery Interest Group, please see their website.
Recommended T3 & T4 Coursework
Students should select a variety of surgery rotations for their fourth year, and request to serve in plastics.
Sample-T4-Plastics-Schedule.pdf
Summary Statistics (from "Charting Outcomes in the Match 2024")
Matched N = 159
1. Mean number of contiguous ranks | 13.6 |
2. Mean number of distinct specialties ranked | 1.2 |
3. Mean USMLE Step 1 score | 247* |
4. Mean USMLE Step 2 score | 256 |
5. Mean number of research experiences | 8.6 |
6. Mean number of abstracts, presentations, and publications | 34.7 |
7. Mean number of work experiences | 2.7 |
8. Mean number of volunteer experiences | 5.0 |
9. Percentage who are AOA members | 35.8 |
10. Percentage who graduated from one of the 40 U.S. medical schools with the highest NIH funding | 44.7 |
11. Percentage who have Ph.D. degree | 3.4 |
12. Percentage who have another graduate degree | 24.0 |
Note: Only U.S. MD seniors who gave consent to use their information in research are included.
*Only applicants who reported taking Step 1 prior to the transition to pass/fail included.
Special Considerations When Applying for Residency
No special considerations.
An away rotation is HIGHLY advised.
This is a very competitive specialty, so the overall application should be well-rounded and strong.
Where Past Tulane Students Have Matched (Past Five Years)
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How Many Programs Should I Apply To?
NRMP's Charting Outcomes in the Match 2024
NRMP's Program Director Survey 2024
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Dr. Katrina D’Aquin can put you in touch with potential mentors.
