Predictors of Plastic Surgery Applicant Success: An Analysis of the Texas STAR Database.

INTRODUCTION: Integrated plastic surgery residency is one of the most competitive medical specialties. Although previous studies have surveyed integrated plastic surgery residency program directors regarding desired applicant characteristics, there is a paucity of literature assessing detailed application characteristics and reported match outcomes from applicants in recent application cycles. This study examines application characteristics associated with matching into integrated plastic surgery residency from 2017 to 2023. METHODS: The authors accessed the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency database, which contains survey information from graduating medical students nationwide regarding residency application characteristics and specialties/programs to which applications were submitted. Characteristics of matched versus unmatched applicants between 2017 and 2023 were compared using χ 2 and 2-sided, independent t tests. Univariate logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of a successful match. RESULTS: A total of 381 integrated plastic surgery residency applicants responded to the Texas Seeking Transparency in Application to Residency survey from 2017 to 2023. Mean United States Medical Licensing Exam Step 2 CK scores; the number of away rotations, interview offers, and honored clerkships; and Alpha Omega Alpha membership rate were significantly associated with and predictive of matching. Preference signaling of programs was associated with an increased interview offer rate. CONCLUSIONS: Higher board examination scores, increasing numbers of honored clerkships, away rotations, and Alpha Omega Alpha membership were identified as statistically significant predictors of matching into integrated plastic surgery residency. Prospective applicants should use this information to help guide their efforts in these areas that appear to be associated with a successful transition to residency.

The Price of Productivity: Evaluating the Cost of a Research Year.

OBJECTIVE: Research years during medical school are becoming increasingly common amongst applicants to competitive residency programs. As many of these positions are unpaid, it is important to consider the financial implications of these experiences and the feasibility of participation from students of all backgrounds. This study aims to quantify the cost of a research year during medical school. DESIGN/SETTING: We identified the top 50 NIH-funded medical schools of 2022 and obtained cost-of-living information for each of their respective counties. Estimated loan interest accrual resulting from a research year was calculated using information on the cost of attendance to medical school and annual interest rates for federal education loans. Cost-of-living calculations were stratified by geographic region, and interest accrual calculations by timing of research year and attendance at public versus private medical schools. RESULTS: Top 50 NIH-funded medical schools in the West are located in counties with the highest mean and median costs of living, each approaching nearly $45,000 per year. Medical schools in the Midwest are located in counties with the lowest mean and median cost of living, at less than $36,000 annually. Estimated loan interest accrual resulting from a research year ranges from $3177 to $17,789, depending on timing of the research year and type of medical school attended. CONCLUSIONS: This study exemplifies the significant financial burden that a research year can impose on medical students. As more residency applicants pursuing competitive specialties opt for research years during medical school, it is important to consider the associated financial implications. Many research year opportunities are unpaid or underpaid, which may prevent interested individuals from participating; this is especially the case for those who are from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Moving forward, it is imperative that we ensure the availability of equitable and funded research year opportunities for students of all backgrounds.

Scalp Closure in Midline Cutis Aplasia-An Absolute Indication for Preoperative Imaging.

The ideal evaluation and treatment of aplasia cutis congenita remains disputed. We present a case of midline scalp cutis aplasia that healed by secondary intention, leaving an area of residual alopecia. There were no clinical indicators of an underlying calvarial defect. Tissue expansion of the scalp was done in preparation for scalp closure. However, on the removal of the expanders and scalp advancement, an unrecognized midline calvarial defect in which a scar tract of herniated dura was found. This resulted in a dural tear, repaired with minimal hemorrhage. However, manipulation of the sagittal sinus resulted in a right subdural hemorrhage followed by cerebral ischemia and a stroke. On the basis of this clinical scenario, we recommend that all cases of midline scalp cutis aplasia undergo preoperative imaging with thin slices of the calvaria before performing scalp advancement-even if the only clinical indication for surgery is scalp alopecia without a palpable skull defect.

Prolonged Inflammatory Reaction to Fractured Calcium Phosphate Cement Cranioplasty Secondary to Sequestration Within the Diploe.

Calcium phosphate cement remains the choice biomaterial for cranial reconstruction and augmentation in pediatric patients after 90% completion of cranial growth, especially compared with other nonallograft alternatives. While trauma to the site of calcium phosphate augmentation is a known risk for cement fracture, subsequent micro-fragmentation and sequestration of the cement beneath the fracture site can produce a localized inflammatory reaction that requires surgical intervention to adequately address. The authors present the course of a patient undergoing a prolonged inflammatory reaction to calcium phosphate micro-fragmentation after trauma to the site of previous augmentation performed to mend bitemporal hollowing. Cement microfragmentation and migration through an associated nondisplaced fracture of the outer table required extensive debridement of the underlying diploe before the resolution was achieved. This case illustrates the need for appropriate evaluation in cases of trauma to areas with cement to mitigate the need for extensive surgical management.