Background: In 2020, African Americans represented only 1.4% of plastic surgeons despite comprising 12.4% of the US population, with Latinos making up 3.6% of plastic surgeons while comprising 18.5% of the US population. These disparities, like other surgical specialties, exacerbate existing health inequalities. From insufficient patient care to lack of research on minorities, plastic surgeons are expected to treat a population they know little about. To address this diversity gap, students from Howard, Meharry, and Morehouse, three historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), initiated Operation Diversify Plastics (ODP). ODP’s goal is to increase mentorship, sponsorship, and provide diverse students with plastic surgery experience. This study aimed to identify strengths and needs among ODP participants interested in PRS
Methods: An anonymous survey was administered to participants both before and after ODP speaker sessions examine students’ engagement with the field of plastic surgery. We assessed students’ confidence levels in various aspects, including their knowledge of the PRS residency application process, their ability to secure letters of recommendation (LORs), and their proficiency in constructing a personal statement. We sought to understand students’ expectations and aspirations related to attending these speaker sessions. Qualitative data was collected to gather insights into the aspects of future sessions that students find valuable and wish to be included.
Results: Forty students participated, 90% of which self-identified as underrepresented in medicine (URiMs) and 46% without a home PRS program. The majority of ODP participants were interested in increasing opportunities for mentorship (47%), knowledge of PRS applications (22%), research fellowships (17%), and PRS knowledge (14%). Personal statement drafting, obtaining letters of recommendation, and knowledge of PRS application process were self-identified weaknesses of ODP participants rated at a median 2/5 on the likert scale (IQR-1-4). Confidence in a competitive CV and networking abilities were areas of strength (p<0.05). ODP participants increased exposure to PRS by attending virtual program meet and greets (42%), contacting neighboring PRS programs faculty, and attending conferences (58%). Students desired more representation of residents and academic surgeons from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds and workshops focused on the application process and interviewing skills.
Conclusion: URiM students pursuing PRS have distinct needs, with a strong emphasis on acquiring knowledge about PRS, understanding application process intricacies, and exploring opportunities for research. These findings underscore the crucial role of mentorship within the field of surgery, emphasizing the necessity for guidance and support from peers, residents, and established PRS surgeons as an essential cornerstone for achieving success in this specialized field.