Is There a Better Plastic Surgery Training Paradigm? Single vs. Dual
Introduction:
Integrated plastic surgery residency is now the predominant pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon. We evaluated the history of Independent and Integrated plastic surgery programs and assessed outcomes of plastic surgery trainees with emphasis on comparing academic outcomes from the Independent trainees in programs that either exist in conjunction with an Integrated program (Independent dual, ID), or alone (Independent single, IS).
Methods:
1)The composition of plastic surgery training programs between 1942-2023 were categorized into the following groups:
I.Independent dual (ID)
II.Independent single (IS)
III.Integrated
2)In-service examination raw percentage of chief residents from years 2013-2017
3)Written board (WB) pass rates from graduates of 2013-2017
4)Oral board (OB) pass rates from graduates of 2014-2018
5)Publication metrics of plastic surgeons obtaining board certification between 2015-2019
Results:
Figures: 1) Trends of plastic surgery training programs starting in 1942. IS: Independent Single, ID: Independent Dual, IntS: Integrated Single, IntD: Integrated Dual. 2) In-Service Examination Results from chief classes of 2013-2017. * = P-value <0.05, which indicates significance. 3) Independent trainees Written and Oral Exam Pass Rates. 4) Integrated trainees Written and Oral Exam Pass Rates. 5) Average publications among plastic surgeons board certified between 2015-2019 during residency and after residency. * = P-value <0.05, which indicates significance.
Conclusions:
Although Independent programs are decreasing in number, both ID and IS graduates demonstrate excellent academic outcomes as demonstrated by their In-service examination scores and high board pass rates. Additionally, the graduates of this pathway continue to contribute to Plastic Surgery innovation. By securing the Independent training program, we ensure a diverse plastic surgery workforce and advancements in Plastic Surgery research.
