The Plastic Surgery Sub-Internship is designed to provide fourth-year medical students with a comprehensive and immersive experience in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. This elective rotation offers an opportunity for students to gain hands-on clinical exposure, refine surgical skills, and deepen their understanding of the principles and techniques unique to plastic surgery. Under the guidance of experienced faculty members and resident mentors, participants will actively engage in patient care, surgical procedures, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a dynamic clinical setting.
Goals and objectives
Clinical Exposure
- Gain exposure to a wide range of plastic and reconstructive surgery cases, including cosmetic procedures, trauma reconstruction, microsurgery, hand surgery, breast reconstruction, and congenital disorders.
- Participate in patient evaluations, pre-operative planning, and post-operative care under the supervision of attending physicians and resident mentors.
- Learn to perform comprehensive patient assessments, including history-taking, physical examination, and diagnostic evaluation relevant to plastic surgery patients.
Surgical Skill Development
- Develop proficiency in basic surgical techniques commonly utilized in plastic surgery procedures, such as suturing, tissue handling, and wound closure.
- Assist in surgical procedures, including but not limited to skin grafts, tissue flaps, breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, and cleft lip repair.
- Learn principles of tissue manipulation, wound healing, and scar management through observation and hands-on experience in the operating room.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, nurses, and advanced practice providers, to optimize patient care and outcomes
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and case conferences to discuss treatment plans, outcomes, and potential challenges in patient management.
- Gain an understanding of the role of plastic surgery within the broader healthcare system and its integration with other medical specialties.
Professional Development
- Enhance communication skills through interactions with patients, families, and healthcare team members in both clinical and academic settings.
- Participate in educational activities, including lectures, journal clubs, and surgical skills workshops, to expand knowledge and understanding of plastic surgery principles and advancements.
- Receive constructive feedback from faculty and peers to identify areas for improvement and develop a personal learning plan to address knowledge and skill gaps.
Ethical and Cultural Competence
- Explore ethical considerations and dilemmas commonly encountered in plastic surgery practice, such as patient autonomy, informed consent, and resource allocation.
- Gain awareness of cultural and socioeconomic factors influencing patient perceptions, preferences, and access to plastic surgery services.
- Demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and cultural sensitivity in interactions with patients from diverse backgrounds and with varying medical needs.
By actively participating in this sub-internship, MS4s will develop foundational skills, knowledge, and attitudes essential for pursuing a career in plastic and reconstructive surgery while contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care and advancing the field through academic inquiry and innovation.
Communication and Schedule
This four-week experience is split into two 2-week blocks at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD). Students will contact the resident on service the day before to confirm their schedule and know where to report. Resident names and contact information will be provided for easy communication and coordination. You are expected to:
- Take home-call
- Pre-round on patients
- Stay late as necessary for cases and consults
- See consults independently and perform ER procedures as appropriate
On-Call Duties:
Participants will have on-call responsibilities throughout the rotation to provide insight into the demands and responsibilities of being on-call in a plastic surgery setting. Call schedules are determined by the Chief Resident and will be provided to the sub-intern on or before the first day of rotation.
|
Sentara Norfolk General Hospital |
CHKD |
|
5 calls total |
3 calls total |
|
2 Weekday Calls |
3 calls on weekend or weekday |
|
1 Weekend Call |
|
Didactic Conferences
Students are required to attend the following weekly didactic conferences:
- Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Weekly Conference Thursdays, 5 - 7 p.m.
- Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Conference (while at CHKD) Tuesdays, 4:30 – 6 p.m.
- Additional labs/conferences as scheduled
During the final didactic conference of the rotation, students will be required to present a case they were involved in during their time on service. This presentation allows students to demonstrate their understanding of the case, surgical techniques employed, and outcomes achieved.
Students may also volunteer to present cases for indication or participate in Morbidity and Mortality conferences. These opportunities allow students to actively engage in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the ongoing learning environment.
Faculty Meetings
Students will have the opportunity for a sit-down meeting with the Program Director and/or Division Chief at the end of the rotation. This meeting offers students a chance to receive feedback, discuss their experiences, and gain insights from experienced faculty members.
Professional Conduct
The sub-internship is considered a four-week-long interview, and students should conduct themselves accordingly. Professionalism, punctuality, and a positive attitude are essential throughout the rotation.