Overlapping worlds of art and plastic surgery: developing a concept model and its implications in surgical education

Abstract

PurposeEditorials speculate on the relationship between art and plastic surgery, and studies of limited art education in surgical training show intriguing benefits. Identifying the shared concepts and skills in art and plastic surgery could advance incorporating artistic skills and concepts into plastic surgery training and curriculum.MethodsUsing a grounded theory approach, we interviewed plastic surgeons and formally trained or self-identified artists and then analyzed the transcripts. During the process, we used a constant comparison approach while coding along with data collection. The team developed the codebook from initial transcripts; 2 members coded each transcript. We reconciled codes and summarized codes into themes based on discussion among the team.Results15 plastic surgeons aged 36–80 years and 16 artists aged 19–62 years were interviewed. We then developed a concept model, “Ways of Making,” to illustrate the shared aspects of the artistic and surgical process through their ways of doing, knowing, seeing, and thinking. Both plastic surgeons and artists recognized that strong technical foundational skills are key to developing competency. Both groups spoke about the Elements of Art and Principles of Design, though artists know this formally. Artists and plastic surgeons shared that awareness to one’s surroundings or to human features facilitates identifying problems or ideas. They described how technical skills, manual dexterity, and three-dimensional thinking can be taught and nurtured. Both groups also recognized that creativity played a major role in their work. While creativity was seen as innate, participants can learn to be innovative through critical thinking.ConclusionThis study provides a model for how plastic surgery and art overlap using data from interviews. Though there are differences between the two fields, the ways of doing, knowing, seeing, and thinking are key components of the artistic and surgical processes. Identifying the shared concepts and skills in art and plastic surgery could help enhance curricula seeking to incorporate artistic skills and concepts into plastic surgery training.