Perceptions of Pediatric Plastic Surgery Among Medical Students

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-8-2026

Abstract

There tends to be poor understanding of the scope of plastic surgery among medical students and providers who practice outside of the field. At the level of medical school, poor understanding of specialties can impact career selection.  At the level of resident or attending, this deficiency can lead to inappropriate or delayed referrals for patients who require specialty care. Prior studies have examined the perception of the broader field of plastic surgery among medical students; the understanding of scope of pediatric plastic surgery (PPS) specifically has not been investigated. This study examines medical students' perception of the scope of PPS and assesses the influence of prior exposure to plastic surgery on that perception.

An IRB-exempt, incentivized survey consisting of 25 pediatric clinical scenarios describing unique diagnoses was distributed to all medical students at a single institution. For each scenario, students were asked to select, from a multiple-choice list, one or more appropriate surgical specialists who may manage the condition described. Demographic information, including year of medical school, specialty interests, and previous exposure to specialties through rotations, shadowing, research, or interest groups, was also collected.  Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare correct responses across demographics.

Sixty-one students responded to the survey: 47.5% were first years, 19.7% second years, 23.0% third years, and 9.8% fourth years. 11.5% of respondents reported plastic surgery rotations or shadowing, 1.6% reported plastic surgery research experience, and 6.6% reported plastic surgery interest group involvement. 11.5% of respondents intended to pursue a surgical career. Of the 25 clinical scenarios, PPS was a correct answer for 22. For those 22 questions, respondents chose PPS as a managing specialty for an average of 11.8±4.5 questions.  Rate of identification of PPS as an appropriate specialty varied by condition, including: brachial plexus (6.6%), finger fracture (8.2%), tendon laceration (27.9%), hemangioma (19.7%), nerve injury (31.2%), craniosynostosis (41.0%), syndactyly (59%), cleft lip (86.9%), cleft palate (88.5%), and breast reduction (95.1%). Performance did not significantly differ by year in medical school, intended specialty, prior shadowing, research involvement, or interest group participation.

There is an incomplete understanding of PPS among medical students in this study. Students more commonly identified a role of PPS in managing certain conditions (cleft and macromastia) but underrecognized its role in others, including craniosynostosis, vascular anomalies, and especially hand and nerve conditions. These findings are similar to those of studies of perception of plastic surgery in general from over a decade ago. Greater medical student education about or exposure to the scope of PPS is needed.

Comments

2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 2042

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