Perceptions of Accessibility and Exposure to the Field of Plastic Surgery among Medical Students from Diverse Backgrounds

Background: As obtaining training in plastic surgery has become increasingly competitive, advocacy for medical students of varied backgrounds is more important than ever. Recruitment of diverse candidates requires an understanding of their perception of plastic surgery and sense of belonging within it. This study investigates medical students' views of plastic surgery and compares the responses of those from different demographic groups. Methods: Medical students enrolled in the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) ROADMAPS (Recruitment of Accomplished p = 0.03), less of a perceived challenge in pursuing it (p = 0.05, p = 0.03), and believed it to be more diverse (p < 0.001, p = 0.002) compared to minority and lower-income respondents. Increased familiarity with the field of plastic surgery (p < 0.001) and sense of capability (p = 0.03) and determination (p < 0.001) in pursuing the field were positively associated with the students' year in medical school. Students at medical schools without an affiliated integrated plastic surgery program perceived plastic surgery as more challenging to enter (p < 0.001) than those with affiliated integrated plastic surgery programs. Similarly, those who attended non-allopathic (osteopathic and international) medical schools perceived plastic surgery as more challenging to enter (p = 0.008), and were more determined to pursue the field (p < 0.001) than their allopathic counterparts. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of research projects, mentors, leadership and volunteer experiences, and decision to pursue a research year based on race/ethnicity, income or affiliated integrated plastic surgery program. Conclusion: Despite achieving similar milestones in terms of research, mentorship and extracurricular activities, medical students from white, high-income backgrounds view plastic surgery as more accessible and more diverse than those from minority and lower-income backgrounds. While students from medical schools with limited exposure to plastic surgery view it as more challenging to enter, they are also more determined in their pursuit. This provides insight into the perceived barriers and potential areas of intervention to enable students from all backgrounds to achieve their goal of becoming a plastic surgeon.