title: Evaluation of plastic surgery training programs: integrated/combined versus independent.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The authors aimed to differentiate between combined/integrated and independent (traditional) methods of plastic surgery training with regard to quality of trainees, caliber of graduates, and practice or career outcomes once graduated.
  
  
  METHODS
  To compare combined/integrated with independent residency program training, the authors conducted a Web-based survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons members looking at their experience and practice outcomes (n = 1056) and interviews of plastic surgery faculty looking at the quality of trainees (n = 72). The member survey evaluated background information, research credentials, pathway satisfaction, postgraduation activities, current practice, and academic affiliation. Faculty teacher interviews focused on knowledge base, diagnostic and treatment judgment, technical abilities, research capabilities, and prediction of future career success.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The member survey showed no difference (p > 0.05) between combined/integrated and independent trainees in practice type (cosmetic/reconstructive), practice volume, or academic achievements. Combined/integrated trained surgeons are three times more likely to recommend their training pathway and two times more likely to enter fellowship after residency. Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society membership correlated with a greater likelihood of having an academic practice at 5 and 10 years or more and higher professorship titles. Faculty evaluations showed that combined/integrated residents were superior in knowledge (49 percent versus 32 percent) but that independent residents were superior in technical ability (51 percent versus 20 percent) and research (57 percent versus 19 percent). Most faculty were unable to choose a pathway producing superior residents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regarding future practice outcomes, there was not a superior training pathway. Regarding quality of trainees, there were differences in faculty evaluations, but there was no consensus on a better pathway.
authors: Los Angeles, Calif. From the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine; and the Department of Biostatistics, University of California, Los Angeles.
authors: Jason
authors: J
authors: Roostaeian
authors: Kenneth L
authors: KL
authors: Fan
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Sorice
authors: Christina J
authors: CJ
authors: Tabit
authors: Eileen
authors: E
authors: Liao
authors: Paymon
authors: P
authors: Rahgozar
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Tanna
authors: James P
authors: JP
authors: Bradley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D005178:Faculty / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012955:Societies, Medical; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States