Abstract

Background & Aims:
Plastic surgeons require comprehensive multidisciplinary knowledge; therefore, undergraduate medical education should provide adequate preparation for students. However, a clear consensus on essential components of an undergraduate plastic surgery curriculum remains limited in the literature. This article assesses the perspectives of international plastic surgery consultants on key elements of the undergraduate plastic surgery curriculum and identifies priority areas for curriculum enhancement.
Methods:
An international cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted among plastic surgery consultants worldwide. An online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms captured consultants’ views regarding essential curriculum components.
Results:
Sixty-seven consultants from diverse professional backgrounds participated. They emphasized the importance of early and consistent clinical exposure, solid basic science knowledge, and hands-on experience. Key recommendations included establishing dedicated plastic surgery clinics and cadaver laboratories to strengthen practical training. Across 86 proposed topics, consultants consistently prioritized wound healing, the reconstructive ladder, hand anatomy, suture techniques, and acute burn management, with secondary priorities varying between academic and non-academic respondents. Participants also expressed a strong interest in integrating virtual and augmented reality tools to enhance learning and simulation-based practice
Conclusion:
This study provides a framework for improving the undergraduate plastic surgery curriculum by balancing theoretical foundations with practical competencies and fostering a research-oriented mindset. Clinical exposure remains central to preparing medical students for real-world practice. These insights can guide institutions striving to align plastic surgery training with evolving educational and clinical demands.

Key words: Surgery; Plastic; Education; Medical; Undergraduate; Curriculum; Consultants; Surgeons; Education