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Is There A Better Independent Plastic Surgery Training Paradigm? Single Vs. Dual
Ariel E. Figueroa, MD, Umer Qureshi, MEd, Taylor Hallman, BS, Jason Zhang, BS, Arun Gosain, MD.
Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
PURPOSE: Although it is the less common paradigm, the Independent program provides an indispensable pathway to becoming a plastic surgeon. We evaluated the difference in outcomes of Independent programs who’s training exists alone (Independent Single = IS) compared to Independent programs who’s training exists alongside an Integrated program (Independent Dual = ID).
METHODS: Each training pathway program was collected from 1942-2024 and classified into the one of the following groups: 1) IS, 2) ID, or 3) Integrated. Outcomes of the plastic training programs and trainees were compared including: 1) In-service examination (ISE) scores, 2) Written board (WB) and oral board (OB) exam results, and 3) Publications.
RESULTS: Most Independent programs now exist as dual programs (94% ID in 2024 vs. 55% ID in 2014). Among chief residents who graduated 2013-2017, the ISE raw percentage for ID trainees was significantly higher compared to IS trainees (69.2% correct vs. 68.2% respectively, p-value 0.03). First-time WB exam pass rate among ID trainees from 2013-2017 was 95% compared to 94% in IS trainees, while first-time OB exam pass rate among ID trainees from 2014-2018 was 93% compared to 92% in IS trainees. ID trainees were more likely to publish in greater quantity compared to IS trainees during residency (5 vs. 10 publications, p-value 0.01) and after residency (5 vs. 3, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Although the Independent training program pathway is decreasing, outcomes of ID and IS program trainees are roughly similar. However ID program graduates may contribute more to academia.
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