Interest in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery among otorhinolaryngologists: a survey in The Netherlands.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interest of Dutch otorhinolaryngologists in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery (FPRS).


METHODS
We conducted a 22-question survey among otorhinolaryngology physicians and residents concerning their experience with and interest in FPRS. The response rate was 71% (335/475; 275 physicians and 60 residents).


RESULTS
Most respondents associated FPRS with rhinoplasty, otoplasty, and the reconstruction of skin cancer defects. Of the physicians, 81% said that 1% to 33% of their practice involves FPRS; 62% were satisfied with this percentage, whereas 36% would like it to be higher. Approximately 70% of physicians regarded their training in FPRS as insufficient, although most (70%) had taken supplementary courses. Moreover, 73% of the otorhinolaryngology physicians and 72% of all respondents said that FPRS should be taught during and after residency, with a preference for hands-on courses. Finally, 84% of all respondents thought that FPRS should be part of the field of otorhinolaryngology, whereas 48% thought that it should become a subspecialty.


CONCLUSIONS
There is interest in integrating FPRS training into the Dutch otorhinolaryngology residency program, as it is in the United States.
van Pinxteren
Sors A T
SA
Department of Otorhinolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Central Military Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Lohuis
Peter J F M
PJ
Ingels
Koen J A O
KJ
Nolst Trenité
Gilbert J
GJ
D001290:Attitude; D002321:Career Choice; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009426:Netherlands; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010820:Physicians; D013518:Surgery, Plastic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires