Top Plastic Surgery Schools & Programs

In the United States, plastic surgery is a highly specialized field that requires extensive training, and several prestigious medical schools offer renowned programs in this discipline. These programs typically involve a combination of general surgery training followed by specialized instruction in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The following are some of the top schools in the U.S. offering excellent plastic surgery programs, known for their academic rigor, outstanding faculty, and high residency match rates.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine

The Ohio State University College of Medicine is home to one of the most respected plastic surgery programs in the country. The program follows a six-year combined general surgery and plastic surgery track, which is designed to give residents a comprehensive foundation in both areas of surgery. The first three years focus on general surgery, while the latter three years are dedicated to plastic surgery training. This structure ensures that residents gain a strong surgical base, which is essential for the complex and diverse procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the American Board of Plastic Surgery examinations, which is an essential step in achieving board certification. The program is particularly known for its diverse clinical experiences, with residents rotating through a variety of settings, including academic institutions, hospitals, and private practice environments. This exposure provides trainees with a well-rounded experience that prepares them for a career in either academic or community plastic surgery practice.

The Ohio State University College of Medicine is ranked 27th in the 2011 U.S. News & World Report "America's Best Graduate Schools" and 11th among medical schools at public universities. The university’s plastic surgery residency program is well-regarded for producing highly skilled surgeons who go on to become leaders in the field. Many graduates choose to pursue fellowship opportunities after completing the residency, further enhancing their skills and expertise in specialized areas of plastic surgery.

University of California, San Francisco

The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) boasts one of the oldest and most prestigious plastic surgery residency programs in the nation. The UCSF plastic surgery program is a six-year clinical training program that consists of three years of general surgery followed by three years of specialized training in plastic surgery. The program is known for its rigorous academic structure, which ensures that residents are well-prepared for a wide range of surgical procedures, from aesthetic surgery to complex reconstructive operations.

UCSF is particularly renowned for its emphasis on academic excellence, research, and clinical training. The program offers residents the opportunity to work with some of the best surgeons in the country, gaining exposure to a variety of complex cases across different patient populations. Additionally, the program's strong research component allows residents to contribute to the advancement of plastic surgery techniques and innovations.

Graduates of the UCSF plastic surgery residency program are eligible to take the examination for board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. UCSF’s School of Medicine is consistently ranked among the top 5 medical schools in the U.S., making it an attractive option for prospective students who wish to pursue a career in plastic surgery. The university’s emphasis on comprehensive clinical training, research, and leadership in the field has cemented its position as one of the best institutions for aspiring plastic surgeons.

Stanford School of Medicine

Stanford School of Medicine offers a prestigious six-year plastic surgery residency program that provides a comprehensive education in both plastic and reconstructive surgery. The program is structured to give residents a broad range of clinical and surgical experiences across a variety of settings. The first three years are devoted to general surgery, while the final three years focus on plastic surgery and its sub-specialties.

The Stanford Plastic Surgery Residency-Training Program is designed to ensure that residents acquire the skills and knowledge required to perform a wide range of plastic surgery procedures, including aesthetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, and craniofacial surgery. The residency program is affiliated with several hospitals in the Stanford area, providing residents with ample opportunities for hands-on experience and patient interaction.

In addition to its comprehensive clinical training, the program places a strong emphasis on research and academic development. Residents are encouraged to engage in research projects and contribute to advancing the field of plastic surgery. Stanford’s Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is internationally recognized for its expertise, and graduates of the program are well-prepared to take the American Board of Plastic Surgery examinations. Stanford University is ranked 6th in the U.S. News & World Report 2010 ranking of Best Medical Schools (Research), making it an excellent choice for those seeking a career in academic or clinical plastic surgery.

Brown University

Brown University is home to the oldest plastic surgery training program in New England, having started its residency program in 1963. The Brown University Residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a fully accredited six-year program based at Rhode Island Hospital. The residency program follows a unique structure, consisting of three years of general surgery, a transitional elective year, and two years of focused plastic surgery training.

The program is known for its personalized approach to training, where residents are given significant responsibility early in their careers. The clinical experience is supplemented by in-depth theoretical education, allowing residents to gain a well-rounded understanding of the various subspecialties of plastic surgery. During the plastic surgery years of the program, residents are exposed to a wide array of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, including breast reconstruction, cleft lip and palate repair, and facial trauma surgeries.

In addition to clinical training, Brown’s program emphasizes academic development and research. Residents are encouraged to participate in research projects and contribute to the advancement of surgical techniques and patient care in the field. The program has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled plastic surgeons who go on to successful careers in both academic and private practice settings.

Conclusion

The Ohio State University College of Medicine, UCSF, Stanford School of Medicine, and Brown University are all highly respected institutions that offer exceptional plastic surgery programs. Each program provides a robust training experience that includes both general surgery and specialized plastic surgery instruction, preparing residents for a wide range of surgical procedures. These institutions are known for their rigorous academic curricula, strong clinical training, and opportunities for research, making them some of the top choices for aspiring plastic surgeons. Graduates from these programs go on to have successful careers, either in academic settings, private practice, or fellowship programs, and contribute to the advancement of the field of plastic surgery.