1110 Reconstructing the Stereotype - a Systematic Review of Medical Students’ Perceptions, Awareness, and Influences for a Career in Plastic Surgery
C A Petmeza, A Georgiannakis, S P Glynou, A Zargaran, D Zargaran, A Mosahebi- Surgery
Abstract
Aim
This systematic literature review evaluates medical students’ knowledge and perceptions of plastic surgery as a primary outcome, whilst identifying barriers and facilitators to choosing a career in plastic surgery as a secondary outcome.
Method
A systematic literature search was conducted on EMBASE, PubMed, PsychInfo and Web of Science according to the PRISMA statement. Three independent reviewers screened the studies on COVIDENCE to set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane and STROBE checklists were used for risk of bias assessment as well as a qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the results.
Results
A total of 17 studies were included after inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The most frequently reported negative perceptions concerned a focus on non-life saving cosmetic procedures, with little variety and the salience of financial incentives. Positive perceptions included financial benefits, skills, and challenging specialty. Studies after 2010 identified social media as a significant determinant of perception and awareness of plastic surgery, whilst studies prior to 2010 suggested that lectures and student-surgeon interaction were the primary influence. Plastic surgery courses or rotations had a positive effect on perceptions, awareness, and interest in the specialty.
Conclusions
There is a lack of knowledge of the breadth of plastic surgery driving negative perceptions, with greater awareness of cosmetic surgery amongst medical students. Social media is an important influencer of student perception of plastic surgery. Greater positive exposure to plastic surgery and its subspecialties both in medical school and on social media may represent an important avenue for future recruitment to the specialty.