Training pathways to become a plastic surgeon

Becoming a plastic surgeon requires a significant amount of education, training, and experience. Plastic surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, and are trained to perform a wide variety of procedures on the face and body. If you're considering a career in plastic surgery, it's important to understand the training pathways and what to expect along the way.

Step 1: Undergraduate degree

The first step in becoming a plastic surgeon is to earn a bachelor's degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics. This typically takes four years and provides the foundation for medical school.

Step 2: Medical school

After completing an undergraduate degree, aspiring plastic surgeons must attend medical school. Medical school typically takes four years and includes both classroom and clinical education. During this time, students will learn about the structure and function of the human body, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Step 3: Residency

After completing medical school, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a residency in general surgery. This typically takes five to seven years and includes hands-on training in a variety of surgical procedures.

Step 4: Fellowship

After completing a residency in general surgery, aspiring plastic surgeons must complete a fellowship in plastic surgery. This typically takes two to three years and includes specialized training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During this time, fellows will work under the supervision of experienced plastic surgeons and gain hands-on experience in a variety of procedures.

Step 5: Certification

After completing a fellowship in plastic surgery, aspiring plastic surgeons must become certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This involves passing a written and oral examination that tests the surgeon's knowledge and skills in plastic surgery. Once a plastic surgeon has passed these exams and become certified, they can use the title "board-certified plastic surgeon."

How competitive is it to become a plastic surgeon?

Becoming a plastic surgeon is a competitive process, and the number of applicants to plastic surgery programs tends to be high. According to data from the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), in 2020 there were 5,249 applicants for 766 plastic surgery positions, yielding an overall match rate of 63.9%. This means that around 64% of applicants were able to secure a plastic surgery position. In comparison, the overall match rate for all specialties was 85.9%. This indicates that plastic surgery is a more competitive specialty compared to others.

In Bend, Oregon, Dr. Emily Borsting is a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide a consultation and help you decide if a career in plastic surgery is right for you. She has a strong track record of producing excellent results for her patients and is committed to providing personalized, high-quality care.

Overall, becoming a plastic surgeon is a challenging but rewarding process that requires a significant amount of education, training, and experience. It's a competitive field, but with dedication and hard work, it is possible to become a board-certified plastic surgeon. If you're considering a career in plastic surgery, it's important to do your research and understand the training pathways, as well as the commitment and sacrifices involved.