Transparency of Wellness Programming Across Canadian Plastic Surgery Residency Programs

Introduction: Accrediting bodies and institutions in Canada have emphasized the importance of integrating wellness into training programs. However, the transparency of wellness initiatives in residency programs to applicants remains uncertain. This study evaluated the visibility of wellness across Canadian plastic surgery residency programs. Methods: A cross-sectional content analysis was conducted in September 2025 of all 12 Canadian plastic surgery residency programs. Program websites, Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) 2026 R-1 match descriptions, and official Instagram accounts were reviewed for explicit mentions of “wellness” or related terms. Instagram posts were categorized as wellness, social, academic, or other. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to summarize findings and assess variation between programs. Results: Six programs (50%) mentioned wellness on their program websites, with only one program providing a dedicated tab and another linking to a formal wellness policy. Eight programs (67%) referenced wellness in their CaRMS website descriptions, though content was generally brief. Across Instagram accounts, 1603 posts were analyzed: 62 (3.9%) were wellness-related, 225 (14.0%) were social, 571 (35.6%) were academic, and 745 (46.5%) were categorized as other. No consistent national trend was observed over time. Conclusion: Canadian plastic surgery residency programs demonstrate variable transparency regarding wellness initiatives across digital platforms. As accreditation standards evolve, improving the accessibility and clarity of wellness information may better inform applicants and reinforce institutional commitment to resident well-being.