Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents Research Articles

Family Planning Among Canadian Plastic Surgeons and Trainees

Introduction: Despite increasing advocacy for family leave policies, few studies have described the current landscape and attitudes around family planning in Canadian plastic surgery. The purpose of this study was to survey Canadian plastic surgeons and trainees to examine their experience with family planning, parental leave, and breastfeeding. Methods: An anonymized survey was distributed to all members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons and all Canadian Plastic Surgery residents through their program administrators. Survey responses were recorded and analyzed through a customized REDCap™ database. Results were reported using descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 87 plastic surgeons and trainees completed the surgery. We found 72.3% of respondents had children; 67.8% felt their colleagues were supportive of parental leave; 45.6% felt that financial concerns affected their decision to take parental leave; 61.6% felt that their career did not influence the number of children they chose to have; 21.0% accessed fertility services and 9.8% used assisted-reproductive technologies; 80% of respondents who breastfeed felt they did not have enough time to pump at work, however, 79% did not experience any discrimination or criticism for pumping at work. Conclusion: Canadian plastic surgeons most often have children after completing training and choose to take shorter parental leaves as their careers progress. Parental leave and breastfeeding practices in the workplace are reported to have increased support from colleagues compared to previous literature. However, Canadian plastic surgeons continue to struggle with infertility and seek fertility services at rates higher than the general population.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Wellness of Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents.

Background:On top of preexisting burnout, depression, and anxiety among trainees, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced novel stressors. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian plastic surgery residents’ practice, wellness, and overall training.Methods:Surveys for program directors and residents were created and disseminated to all English-speaking Canadian plastic surgery residency training programs. Survey results were pooled and presented as a percentage of responses for each question.Results:Response rates were 50% (n = 5/10) and 25% (n = 19/77) for program directors and residents, respectively. All program directors believed that the pandemic has a negative effect on resident wellness, 80% (n = 4/5) of which believed that their residents were coping effectively. They rated program support for resident wellness as neutral or supportive. Most programs (80%; n = 4/5) introduced strategies to support resident well-being. Most trainees (84%; n = 16/19) reported the pandemic as having a negative effect on their well-being, with approximately 50% endorsing worse emotional, social, psychological, and physical wellness, as well as feelings of burnout. Some reported difficulties coping (21%; n = 4/19). Residents felt that their wellness was supported externally by their own resilience (89%; n = 17/19), family members (74%; n = 14/19), friends (74%; n = 14/19), their partner (68%; n = 13/19), or co-residents (53%; n = 10/19). Internal support by their program was rated as neutral or negative (63%; n = 12/19).Conclusions:Our findings of negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellness of Canadian plastic surgery trainees are concerning. Programs must implement appropriate identification and support strategies to improve resident well-being.

Commentary on: Resident Exposure to Aesthetic Surgical and Nonsurgical Procedures During Canadian Residency Program Training.

Competency-based postgraduate medical education is well defined as “an approach to preparing physicians for practice that is fundamentally oriented to graduate outcome abilities and organized around competencies derived from an analysis of societal and patient needs. It de-emphasizes time-based training and promises greater accountability, flexibility, and learner-centeredness.” 1 Starting in 2020, the newest cohort of Canadian plastic surgery residents must now complete a curriculum based on satisfactorily completing 40 Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) to graduate. These EPAs are similar to the Plastic Surgery Milestones of the US Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, and both are the product of collaborative efforts from a number of experts in the field. Because aesthetic surgery is considered an essential component of plastic surgery training throughout the world, 5 of Canada’s new Core EPAs are aesthetic in nature. The assessment and technical ability to independently perform breast, body, and facial aesthetic surgery has...

Resident Exposure to Aesthetic Surgical and Nonsurgical Procedures During Canadian Residency Program Training.

North American residency programs are transitioning to competency-based medical education (CBME) to standardize training programs, and to ensure competency of residents upon graduation. At the centre of assessment in CBME are specific surgical procedures, or procedural competencies, that trainees must be able to perform. A study previously defined 31 procedural competencies for aesthetic surgery. In this transition period, understanding current educational trends in resident exposure to these aesthetic procedures is necessary. The aim of this study was to characterize aesthetic procedures performed by Canadian plastic surgery residents during training, as well as to describe resident performance confidence levels and degree of resident involvement during those procedures. Case logs were retrieved from all 10 English-language plastic surgery programs. All aesthetic procedures were identified, and coded according to previously defined core procedural competencies (CPCs) in the aesthetic domain of plastic surgery. Data extracted from each log included the procedure, training program, resident academic year, resident procedural role, and personal competence. From July 2004 to June 2014, 6113 aesthetic procedures were logged by 55 graduating residents. Breast augmentation, mastopexy, and abdominoplasty were the most commonly performed CPCs, and residents report high levels of competence and surgical role in these procedures. Facial procedures, in particular rhinoplasty, as well as nonsurgical CPCs are associated with low exposure and personal competence levels. Canadian plastic surgery residents are exposed to most of the core aesthetic procedural competencies, but the range of procedures performed is variable. With the implementation of CBME, consideration should be given to supplementation where gaps may exist in aesthetic case exposure.

Pregnancy and parental leave among plastic surgery residents in Canada: a nationwide survey of attitudes and experiences

Small surgical residency programs like plastic surgery can be challenging environments to accommodate parental leave. This study aimed to report the experiences, attitudes and perceived support of Canadian plastic surgery residents, recent graduates and staff surgeons with respect to pregnancy and parenting during training. Residents and staff surgeons were invited via email to participate in an online survey. The results presented here explore experiences of pregnancy and parental leave of current plastic surgery residents and staff surgeons. Residents' and staff surgeons' perceptions of program director support, policies, negative comments and the impact of parental leave on the workload of others were also explored. Although the findings suggest that there may be improvements in the support of program directors, there continues to be a negative attitude in surgical culture toward pregnancy during residency. The perceived confusion of respondents with respect to programspecific policies emphasizes the need for open conversations and standardization of parental leave.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Resident Operative Experience in Hand Surgery

Core procedural competencies (CPCs) in hand surgery have been previously described. However, it is unknown whether plastic surgery residents receive sufficient operative experience with these procedures. This study aimed to determine whether Canadian plastic surgery residents are receiving adequate exposure to CPCs in hand surgery during residency training. Hand surgery case logs recorded by graduating plastic surgery residents at 10 Canadian English-speaking training programs between 2004 and 2014 were reviewed from 3 databases. For each CPC in hand surgery, perceived resident role and self-competence scores were collected and analyzed. Core procedural competencies encompass core essential procedural competencies (CEPCs) and nonessential procedural competencies. There were 55 graduating plastic surgery residents included in the study. A total of 14,909 procedures were logged for 42 CPCs, with an average of 271 procedures/resident. When grouped by subdomain within hand surgery, procedures with the most exposure were related to traumatic finger injuries (29%) and neuropathies (22%). The least common procedures were related to flap reconstructions (0.3%) and muscle release (0.1%). Many residents reported receiving no operative experience (range, 2% to 100%) or between 1 and 10 cases of CEPCs (range, 7% to 50%). Most graduating residents (58% to 72%) did not feel competent independently performing 60% of the most common procedures. There were weak to moderate correlations between role and self-competence, and between postgraduate year and self-competence. Currently, many plastic surgery residents graduate from training programs with little to no exposure for over half of the CEPCs in hand surgery. Given the great diversity in hand surgery CPCs, it is difficult for residents to gain adequate operative experience during their residency in all of the CPCs.

Variable Experience in Microsurgery and Flap-Based Procedures Among Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents

Variable experience in microsurgery and flap-based procedures among Canadian plastic surgery residents. Plastic surgery residencies are transitioning toward a competency-based education model. It is not known whether trainees can realistically achieve proficiency in microsurgical techniques during their training. This study aims to define the operative experience in the core microsurgical flap procedures among Canadian plastic surgery residents. Microsurgical core procedural competencies (CPCs) have been described. A retrospective review was conducted, evaluating case logs recorded by graduating plastic surgery residents at 10 Canadian English-speaking training programs between 2004 and 2014. Perceived role and competence scores were also collected and analyzed. University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Among 27 microsurgical CPCs, 2082 procedures were logged and each resident performed an average of 37.9 (±21.7) procedures. Anterolateral thigh flaps, radial forearm-based flaps, and digit replants were the most common; however, 10.9% to 14.5% of residents did not have any operative experience with these flaps. Most residents reported zero operative experience with many of the CPCs (10.9%-100%). Co-Surgeon (50%) and First Assistant (30%) were the most common roles. None of the graduating residents reported feeling competent enough to independently perform 50% of the microsurgery CPCs. There was no difference in perceived roles when programs with ≥5 residents were compared against programs with fewer trainees. There were weak to moderate correlations between role and self-perceived competence, and between Post Graduate Year and self-perceived competence. There is wide variation in resident operative experience in microsurgical CPCs. Many residents graduate with little to no experience in many of the core procedures. Identifying areas of deficiency may help guide curriculum development in the new competency-based education model.

Burn Care and Surgical Exposure amongst Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents: Recommendations for Transitioning to a Competency-Based Medical Education Model

With the ongoing implementation of a competency-based medical education (CMBE) model for residency programs in North America, emphasis on the duration of training has been refocused onto ability and competence. This study aims to determine the exposure of burn-related core procedural competencies (CPCs) in Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents in order to enhance curricular development and help define its goals. A retrospective review of burn-related resident case logs encompassing all 10 English-speaking plastic surgery residency programs from 2004 to 2014 was performed, including analysis of personal competence scores and resident role by Postgraduate Year (PGY)-year. Case logs of a total of 55 graduating plastic surgery residents were included in the study. Overall, 4033 procedures in burn and burn-related care were logged, accounting for 6.8% of all procedures logged. On average, each resident logged 73 burn procedures, 99% of which were CPCs. The most frequently performed procedure was harvest and application of autograft, allograft, or xenograft, while emergent procedures such as escharotomy and compartment release were performed on average less than one time per resident. Personal competence scores as well as role of the resident (surgical responsibility) increased as PGY-year progressed during residency. Canadian plastic surgery residency programs provide adequate exposure to the majority of the scope of burn care and surgery. However, infrequently encountered but critical procedures such as escharotomy and fasciotomy may require supplementation through dedicated educational opportunities. CMBE should identify these gaps in learning through facilitation of resident competency evaluation. With consideration for the amount of exposure to burn-related CPCs as identified, plastic surgery residency programs can work toward achieving competency in all aspects of burn care and surgery prior to the completion of residency.

Toward the Assessment of Core Procedural Competencies among Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents.

Plastic surgery residency training programs are working toward integrating competency-based education into program curriculum and training, a key component of which involves establishing core procedural competencies. This study aims to determine the exposure of graduating Canadian plastic surgery residents to established core procedural competencies. A retrospective review of case log procedure data using three databases (T-Res, POWER, and New Innovations) from graduating residents at all 10 Canadian English-speaking plastic surgery training programs between 2004 and 2014 was completed. Case logs were coded according to 177 core procedural competencies identified as "core" by the Delphi method among an expert panel of Canadian plastic surgeons. A total of 59,405 procedures were logged by 55 graduating residents across Canada between 2004 and 2014 (average, 1080 ± 352 procedures per resident). Of 13 plastic surgery domains, 44 percent of all procedures were within either hand, upper extremity, and peripheral nerve (28.3 percent) or nonaesthetic breast (16.1 percent). The most frequently performed core procedural competencies (average case logs per resident) included breast reduction (65.3 ± 33.9); open carpal tunnel release (46.7 ± 34.2); breast reconstruction, implant-based (39.6 ± 20.5); and wound management (35.7 ± 28.6). Sixty-two of 177 procedures were logged on average less than once in 5 years of residency, including escharotomy, temporal parietal fascia flap, Guyon canal release, and soft-tissue fillers. This study identifies areas of exposure and underexposure to plastic surgery core procedural competencies, and can help focus surgical education on areas of greater need for surgical skills training and acquisition.

The Canadian Plastic Surgery Workforce Analysis: Forecasting Future Need.

Projecting the demand for plastic surgeons has become increasingly important in a climate of scarce public resource within a single payer health-care system. The goal of this study is to provide a comprehensive workforce update and describe the perceptions of the workforce among Canadian Plastic Surgery residents and surgeons. Two questionnaires were developed by a national task force under the Canadian Plastic Surgery Research Collaborative. The surveys were distributed to residents and practicing surgeons, respectively. Two-hundred fifteen (49%) surgeons responded, with a mean age of 51.4 years (standard deviation [SD] = 11.5); 78% were male. Thirty-three percent had been in practice for 25 years or longer. More than half of respondents were practicing in a large urban center. Fifty-nine percent believed their group was going to hire in the next 2 to 3 years; however, only 36% believed their health authority/provincial government had the necessary resources. The mean desired age of retirement was 67 years (SD = 6.4). We predict the surgeons-to-population ratio to be 1.55:100 000 and the graduate-to-retiree ratio to be 2.16:1 within the next 5 to 10 years. Seventy-seven (49%) residents responded. Most were "very satisfied" with their training (61%) and operative experience (90%). Eighty-nine percent of respondents planned to pursue addqitional training after residency, with 70% stating that the current job market was contributing to their decision. Most residents responded that they were concerned with the current job market. The results of this study predict an adequate number of plastic surgeons will be trained within the next 10 years to suit the population's requirements; however, there is concern that newly trained surgeons will not have access to the necessary resources to meet growing demands. Furthermore, there is an evident shortage of those practicing in rural areas. Many trainees worry about the availability of jobs, despite evidence of active recruitment. The workforce may benefit from structured career mentorship in residency and improved transparency in hiring practices, particularly to attract young surgeons to smaller communities. It may also benefit from a coordinated national approach to recruitment and succession planning.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Resident Work Hour Restrictions: Practices and Perceptions of Residents and Program Directors.

The impact of resident work hour restrictions on training and patient care remains a highly controversial topic, and to date, there lacks a formal assessment as it pertains to Canadian plastic surgery residents. To characterize the work hour profile of Canadian plastic surgery residents and assess the perspectives of residents and program directors regarding work hour restrictions related to surgical competency, resident wellness, and patient safety. An anonymous online survey developed by the authors was sent to all Canadian plastic surgery residents and program directors. Basic summary statistics were calculated. Eighty (53%) residents and 10 (77%) program directors responded. Residents reported working an average of 73 hours in hospital per week with 8 call shifts per month and sleep 4.7 hours/night while on call. Most residents (88%) reported averaging 0 post-call days off per month and 61% will work post-call without any sleep. The majority want the option of working post-call (63%) and oppose an 80-hour weekly maximum (77%). Surgical and medical errors attributed to post-call fatigue were self-reported by 26% and 49% of residents, respectively. Residents and program directors expressed concern about the ability to master surgical skills without working post-call. The majority of respondents oppose duty hour restrictions. The reason is likely multifactorial, including the desire of residents to meet perceived expectations and to master their surgical skills while supervised. If duty hour restrictions are aggressively implemented, many respondents feel that an increased duration of training may be necessary.

Barriers and Attitudes to Research Among Residents in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: A National Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study

Research sets the foundation for developing plastic surgeons who think critically and approach clinical practice with an inquisitive mind. The objective of this study was to characterize current attitudes and perceived barriers towards conducting research during residency. A validated 36-item questionnaire was developed by a national task-force of Canadian plastic surgery trainees. The survey was distributed to all 13 plastic surgery programs in Canada. Data was collected for a period of 2 months in the form of multiple choice, Likert scales and short answers. The response rate was 64% (95/149) with representation from all 13 plastic surgery programs across Canada. The top three perceived barriers to conducting research were lack of time (83%), insufficient access to research supervisors and mentors (42%) and the research ethics process (38%). More than 70% of residents were interested in conducting research during residency and 74% of programs have a research requirement integrated into their curriculum. Despite this, less than half of residents (47%) believed that their program fosters a culture that promotes research. This was attributed to multiple factors, including a lack of internal research funding (78%), limited access to a research methods or clinical trials unit (78%), and insufficient research training (68%). University research ranking had no correlation with residents' scholarly output or their perceptions towards research barriers. Canadian Plastic Surgery residents identified several important factors considered to be barriers to research. Programs can use these findings to address barriers and improve the integration of research throughout residency training.

Canadian Plastic Surgery Resident Work Hour Restrictions

BACKGROUND: Resident work hour restrictions are evolving in Canada and their impact on surgical training and education remain unclear and controversial. The purpose of this study is to examine the current practices and perceptions of Canadian plastic surgery residents and program directors regarding work hour restrictions. METHODS: An anonymous online survey developed by the authors was sent to all Canadian plastic surgery residents and program directors. Basic summary statistics were analyzed. RESULTS: Responses from 80 residents (53%) and 10 program directors (77%) were received. Residents reported working an average of 73 hours in hospital per week with 8 call shifts per month. During call shifts, they reported an average of 5 hours of sleep. Most residents (88%) reported taking an average of 0 post-call days off per month and 61% always work post-call regardless of how much sleep they’ve had. Most respondents (63%) reported wanting the option of working post-call and 77% do not want their work week restricted to 80 hours. Resident surgical and medical errors attributed to post-call fatigue were perceived by 26% and 49% of residents, and similarly, 30% and 40% of program directors, respectively. The majority of respondents believe (percentage of residents and program directors in agreement, respectively) the surgical (77%, 90%) and medical (74%, 60%) abilities of residents, and their ability to learn (82%, 70%), suffer if they’ve been up most of the night. It was also felt that residents would not have enough time to master their surgical skills if they don’t work post-call (53%, 80%). Residents perceived pressure from attending surgeons (56%) and other residents (53%) to work post-call. No program directors reported expecting their residents to work post-call on very little sleep. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of Canadian plastic surgery residents responding to this survey do not take, nor want, post-call days off. Residents and program directors agree that surgical and medical abilities were perceived to decrease with decreased sleep, however the desire of residents to master surgical skills and meet perceived expectations appears to encourage them to work post-call.

The differing perceptions of plastic surgery between potential applicants and current trainees: The importance of clinical exposure and electives for medical students

Exposure to plastic surgery during medical school is limited. Most interested applicants form their perceptions of careers in this surgical specialty during elective rotations. To investigate the perceptions of Canadian medical students considering a career in plastic surgery. The results obtained were then compared with current Canadian plastic surgery residents' perceptions. The data were collected via two separate self-administered online surveys that were distributed to either Canadian plastic surgery residents or medical students. The questionnaires were similar and focused on three aspects: applicant details; driving force behind interest in the field; and essential character traits and competencies related to successful matching. Fifty-nine plastic surgery residents and 477 medical students participated in the online survey. The most commonly reported driving forces for interest in a plastic surgery career in both groups were variety of career choice, complexity of the field, future lifestyle and enjoyable rotations in plastic surgery. Despite these similarities, the proportion of medical students and residents who opted for future lifestyle and enjoyable rotations differed in a statistically significant manner (P=0.015 and P=0.029, respectively). In terms of the essential competencies to match into a plastic surgery training spot, the groups differed statistically in their opinions on the relevance of intellect (P<0.001), manual dexterity (P<0.001), spatial sense (P<0.001) and clerkship grades (P=0.004). Interested applicants should be encouraged to obtain as much elective experience as possible to assist both students in their career choice and selection committees in identifying capable applicants.

Commentary on: Cosmetic Surgery Training in Canadian Plastic Surgery Residencies: Are We Training Competent Surgeons?

In the article titled “Cosmetic Surgery Training in Canadian Plastic Surgery Residencies: Are We Training Competent Surgeons?” the authors discuss the feelings of Canadian plastic surgery residents toward their training in cosmetic surgery and their comfort level with the discipline, as self-reported in a survey. Their results suggested that less than 20% of graduating residents felt adequately prepared to integrate cosmetic surgery into future practice. Furthermore, the level of confidence was lowest with facial and nonsurgical procedures. Just less than half of graduating residents surveyed planned on entering private practice, and their expectation to offer cosmetic surgery as a component of private practice was high. The findings of this study highlight the importance of formal teaching in cosmetic …

Cosmetic Surgery Training in Canadian Plastic Surgery Residencies: Are We Training Competent Surgeons?

With the demand for cosmetic surgery continuing to rise, it is necessary to reevaluate the current state of cosmetic surgery training during plastic surgery residency. An evaluation of cosmetic surgery training in US plastic surgery residency programs in 2006 identified several areas for improvement, resulting in changes to both the duration and content of training. The authors assess the current state of cosmetic surgery training in Canadian plastic surgery residency programs. A paper survey of all graduating Canadian plastic surgery residents eligible to complete the 2009 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada fellowship examinations was performed (N = 29). The survey was conducted primarily at the Canadian Plastic Surgery Review Course in February 2009, with surveys collected from absent residents by e-mail within 1 month after the course. The survey covered 2 broad areas: (1) specifics regarding resident cosmetic surgery training and (2) confidence and satisfaction associated with this experience. Of the 29 residents surveyed, 28 responded (96%). The majority of Canadian plastic surgery residency programs (75%) have a designated cosmetic surgery rotation, but 90% of respondents felt it has become increasingly difficult to gain exposure to cosmetic procedures as most are performed at private surgery centers. Elective rotations at cosmetic surgery practices and resident cosmetic clinics were considered the most beneficial for cosmetic surgery education. Residents considered cosmetic surgery procedures of the face (such as rhinoplasty and facelift) more challenging, but they had more confidence with breast and body contouring procedures. Canadian plastic surgery residency programs need to ensure that residents continue to receive comprehensive exposure to both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to ensure our specialty's continued leadership in this evolving and highly competitive field. A multidimensional approach utilizing a variety of readily available resources will ensure that the current and future cosmetic surgery educational needs of Canadian plastic surgery residents are met.