title: Sub-specialization in plastic surgery in sub-Saharan Africa: capacities, gaps and opportunities.
abstract: The skill set of a plastic surgeon, which addresses a broad range of soft tissue conditions that are prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, remains relevant in the unmet need for surgical care. Recently, there has being a major paradigm shift from discipline-based to disease-based care, resulting in an emerging component of patient-centered care; adequate access to subspecialty care in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Given the need for an evolution in sub-specialization, this article focuses on the benefits and future role of differentiation of plastic surgeons into sub-specialty training pathways in sub-Saharan Africa.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic surgery, Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna state, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Abdulrasheed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ibrahim
mesh_terms: D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000639:trends; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013038:Specialization / Q000639:trends*; D013518:Surgery, Plastic / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000639:trends
keywords: Sub-saharan Africa; fellowships; plastic surgery; sub-specialization