Knowledge and Awareness of Plastic Surgery Training Among UK Undergraduate Medical Students: A National Cross-sectional Study

Background: Plastic surgery is underrepresented in UK medical curricula; most students receive minimal teaching or clinical exposure. This contributes to misconceptions and may deter interest in the specialty. Early exposure is an important indicator in pursuing plastic surgery. Despite a clearly structured training pathway, little is known about students’ understanding and awareness of plastic surgery training in the United Kingdom. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among UK medical students across 8 medical schools between July and October 2024. Student collaborators recruited participants through informal social media channels and student groups, supported by the Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Students Association. A total of 702 responses were received. Ethical approval was granted. Statistical testing included χ² and Monte Carlo analyses, with significance set at a P value less than 0.05. Results: Only 25.9% of students reported being familiar with the training pathway. Familiarity was significantly associated with having received formal teaching through lectures or clinical placements ( P < 0.001). Over half relied on online resources, with only 23.4% reporting formal teaching. Nearly 80% believed more exposure was needed during medical school. Conclusions: This study confirmed a widespread deficit in undergraduate exposure to plastic surgery and limited awareness of the training pathway. Students mainly rely on informal resources, exacerbating inequality in access to career information. Despite differing levels of knowledge, students advocated for more structured exposure during medical school. These findings support calls for curricular reform to improve inclusivity and diversity within training and create a more accessible and equitable pathway for all aspiring trainees.