Becoming a plastic surgeon requires even more schooling and experience than other types of doctors do because the field deals with highly sensitive issues like body image and self-esteem. It takes time and effort to become a plastic surgeon, but Dr. Peter Driscoll believes that if you’re up for it – and if you have what it takes to become a plastic surgeon, the payoff, in the end, will be worth all your hard work.
There Are Many Types Of Plastic Surgeons
Plastic surgeons are highly trained in general and plastic types of surgery, among others. They perform cosmetic procedures, reconstructive procedures, burn care, and hand surgery, and specialize in areas like facial or hand surgery. Some medical researchers work alongside surgeons to develop new methods for treating patients with burns or injuries that require skin grafts.
Complete Medical School First Before Getting Into A Residency Program
Before you can become a plastic surgeon, you must first complete medical school and an accredited residency program. Medical school is typically four years long, while residency programs are typically three to seven years long, depending on what specialty of surgical medicine you want to practice.
General surgery residents spend three to seven years completing their training in an accredited surgery facility before becoming general surgeons. Plastic surgery residents also complete their training at accredited surgery facilities, but may only need three or four years before practice, if they specialize in cosmetic surgery rather than reconstructive procedures (which require more advanced training).
Educational Requirements Include Undergoing Numerous Plastic Surgery Training
The educational requirements for being a plastic surgeon include earning a bachelor’s degree and then completing four years of medical school and three to seven years of training in general surgery. After that, you’ll be eligible to apply for a certification exam for surgeons.
The said examination process for surgeons takes about two years to complete. Once you’re certified, you can begin working as a plastic surgeon or continue your education by earning an advanced degree like an MD or Ph.D. from an accredited university.
If you want to become a successful plastic surgeon, you must have good communication skills so that patients feel comfortable talking with you about their concerns before and after surgery. You also need strong leadership abilities since many people will look up to them as role models due to their position within society as leaders within their field.
Most Plastic Surgeons Complete Their Residencies At Accredited Hospitals
Most plastic surgeons complete their surgical residencies at accredited hospitals, usually after completing medical school. The medical internship for surgeons is a period of supervised training in a hospital or medical center.
During the said residency program, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of general surgery, including trauma care and critical care medicine. You may also have opportunities for additional training in areas like cardiothoracic surgery, pediatric surgery, and vascular surgery during your time as an intern/resident.
It Takes Six To Eight Years To Become An Accredited Plastic SurgeonFinally, Dr. Peter Driscoll states that it typically takes anywhere from six to eight years of training before you can become an accredited plastic surgeon. This includes four years at an accredited medical school, one year in a surgical residency program, and three years as an intern with an experienced cosmetic surgeon – then you will finally become a plastic surgeon yourself!
