Plastic Surgery
Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery
Director of Medical Student Education for the Department of Plastic Surgery
Department of Plastic Surgery
Support Contact
Cecilia Davila
Senior Administrative Assistant
cecilia.davila@utsouthwestern.edu
About the Specialty
Taken from the greek word "plastikos" which means "to mold or form", the field of plastic surgery is a surgical specialty that aims to restore form and function for a patient. Plastic surgeons work with multiple specialties to achieve this goal, including cancer surgeons, trauma surgeons, and their orthopedic, ENT, and neurosurgery counterparts. A plastic surgeon takes care of patients from infancy through geriatrics and operates on almost every area of the body and almost every tissue type, from the head to the feet. The field is divided into multiple subspecialties including general reconstruction, aesthetic/cosmetic, craniofacial (trauma and congenital), microsurgery, and hand surgery (trauma and congenital), with a focus on precise dissection of tissue planes, delicate handling of tissues, and restoration of nerve, vessel, soft tissue, and bone functionality.
Answers to Common Questions
- Attributes of a Competitive Student
What factors typically make a student competitive for this specialty?
Taking the initiative, Having a thirst for knowledge, The ability to look at a problem and find multiple solutions, Having compassion and caring for our patients--they are facing trauma, congenital differences, cancer, etc. Plastic surgery provides an opportunity to restore form and function, always keeping the patient at the center.
- Research
How important is research experience in your specialty? If important, does it need to be in the specialty itself?
Research is highly valued in the specialty of plastic surgery. It shows an interest in the field, highlights an applicant's ability to organize data and critical thinking skills, and exposes applicants to the world of evidence-based medicine while introducing them to a network of highly skilled members of the plastic and reconstructive surgery world.
- Shadowing
How can students identify opportunities for shadowing?
Students are encouraged to reach out directly to further learn about the field of plastic surgery and to set up 1 on 1 shadowing sessions during their first two years of medical school--there are multiple subspecialties that they can explore, including craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, and microsurgery, to name a few. During these sessions, mentoring relationships begin and opportunities for additional research project participation will arise. Additionally, we offer a two week exploratory/observation rotation (PLA 2001) that allows applicants to work side by side with residents and faculty in reconstructive surgery and hand surgery at Parkland hospital to experience clinics, ER, and OR cases.
- Electives
What electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
Plastic surgery is a competitive field and covers a wide variety of subspecialties. In addition to the PLA 1901 four week SubI elective that is completed in the fourth year of medical school, exploration of plastic surgery-adjacent fields can be helpful to develop a deeper understanding of the conditions we treat and the techniques utilized. This is achieved by exposure to such fields as otolaryngology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and neurosurgery, all of which have overlap with the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery, in which we operate across all age groups and almost all areas of the body.
Based on your experience, what tips do you have for students to shine on your electives?
The best students are those who take the initiative and look for opportunities to help others on their team. They've reviewed the patient lists and potential labs/tests that are pending before rounding and throughout the day, ensured they have up-to-date relevant patient information like drain output values, and have anticipated things like ensuring dressing supplies have already been obtained and available during rounds. They volunteer to go to the emergency room with the junior resident and assist in procedures. They read ahead before cases so that they know what they will be scrubbing into in the operating room. Prior to surgery, they've reviewed their anatomy so they can orient themselves during the procedure, and they communicate with the entire surgical team, (ie introducing themselves to the circulating nurse and the scrub tech, offering to get their gloves and gown, and helping to move the patient).
- Away Rotations
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
Away rotations are highly encouraged, as they offer an opportunity to see how others approach similar clinical problems and learn new techniques. In such a highly competitive field, an away rotation is an opportunity to shine and show other programs what the student brings to the table as well.
If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many “aways” do you recommend?
Not Applicable
If away rotations are necessary, when should they apply and when should they be completed?
In plastic surgery, away rotations are offered during the first few months of the fourth medical school year. In addition to an at-home SubI rotation, these "away" rotations are often completed between July and September/October to allow time for completion of a letters of recommendation that will then be used in the application process.
- Interview Timing
Which month do you recommend taking off to interview?
Plastic surgery interviews occur in the winter period of fourth year, with the majority taking place between December and January.
- Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation are needed to apply to your specialty?
Letters of recommendation are a way to provide insight into a person's character, providing more depth than can be elicited solely by review of a "paper" application. Usually 3-4 letters are submitted during the application process.
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
Letters of recommendation by members of our specialty are highly encouraged, as they will be best suited to provide insight into how well an applicant will excel in the field.
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
Not Applicable
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
Not Applicable
Does your specialty require a letter from the chairman?
Not Applicable
Resources
- American Society of Plastic Surgery
- American Counsel of Educators in Plastic Surgery
- UT Southwestern Department of Plastic Surgery Residency
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