Starting Out

[ArtemisEntreri]

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Hi everyone, since Plastics Education has been down for a while and doesn't look like it will be coming up any time soon, it has been difficult to find specific plastic surgery residency resources for those of us who are just starting out (i.e. MS1+). Personally, I have been exploring this field as much as possible to determine whether or not it is something I could see myself doing and to motivate me to put in the effort of obtaining a residency in several years.

Besides that, since residency positions are so limited and difficult to obtain, I have consistently read that it is good to get started early. Do any of you more experienced applicants/residents/surgeons have tips or information on good books or resources to get started (as Plastics Education had been)? I am also looking to find a mentor in the field at my institution because I hear it is really helpful to have one, so any tips on finding a good mentor would also be really appreciated (my school does not have an integrated program).

 

[BlackDeath]

Be aware that its a good idea to start out now becouse when the econimy picks up so will the demand for surgery 😎

 

[JackADeli]

Be aware that its a good idea to start out now becouse when the econimy picks up so will the demand for surgery 😎

To the OP:
First, ignore the troll and talk of "econimy"

...since Plastics Education has been down for a while and doesn't look like it will be coming up any time soon).

Not sure what this means....

...it has been difficult to find specific plastic surgery residency resources for those of us who are just starting out (i.e. MS1+). Personally, I have been exploring this field as much as possible to determine whether or not it is something I could see myself doing and to motivate me to put in the effort of obtaining a residency in several years.

....I am also looking to find a mentor in the field at my institution ...any tips on finding a good mentor would also be really appreciated...

Now, start early in medical school to ascertain what you really want to do. Understand that what you think you like during MS1 may be far from what you realizae you like during clinical years. In your medical school, there will probably be at least one individual in the field of your interest that is active and/or vibrant that will be happy to have a young person interested in the field. That is likely the best person to approach for advise and mentoring. In choosing your mentor, do NOT disregard the importance of your other exposures and rotation experiences. A strong mentor in a particular field will NOT be able to overcome your neglect and/or poor performance in other rotations you may deem of less importance. As numerous folks training in plastics still go through GSurgery first, you should wrap your head around that idea and understand your first mentor may be a GSurgeon....

JAD