Plastic surgery training in Ibero-Latin America: A cross-sectional survey study.

ABSTRACT

Ibero-Latin American countries share a common background, similar cultures and historical experiences. Despite this, plastic surgery training presents striking differences among these countries. The aim of this survey-based study was to provide a general overview of plastic surgery training in this region. Results showed a great heterogeneity of training programs which confirms that plastic surgery education is very diverse in terms of requirements, programs content and duration, evaluations and certifying authorities. Standardization of these programs will surely improve the interaction between the different training centers, thus facilitating collaboration and academic exchange. Additionally, this will pave the way for the automatic recognition of degrees for those interested in working in other countries of the region.