Medical Students Interested in Plastic Surgery (MedSIPS)

Welcome to the Aesthetic Society’s medical student webpage, developed exclusively for medical students interested in plastic surgery (MedSIPS). This webpage provides medical students with information about a career in plastic surgery, learn about the residency application process, and gain access to programs specifically developed for MedSIPS. We hope this webpage is helpful to all of you.  

Visit MedSIPS facebook page	Visit The Aesthetic Surgery Journal online to view featured video and articles on Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery is a unique specialty in that it is not bound by any anatomical region of the body, organ system, or age group. Instead, plastic surgery is best described as a specialty that applies knowledge of anatomy and physiology in combination with innovative techniques to restore or improve both form and function.  Plastic surgery encompasses both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. While reconstructive surgery aims to restore the body’s normal form and function, the goal of aesthetic surgery is to improve upon the normal form.

Specific areas in plastic surgery include:

Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery
Breast Reconstruction
Burn Surgery
Composite Tissue Allotransplantation
Craniofacial Surgery
Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Head and Neck Reconstruction
Microsurgery
Peripheral Nerve Surgery

How do I become a plastic surgeon?

In the United States, there are two pathways, integrated and independent, leading to examination for board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. Following completion of medical school, there is a 6 year integrated plastic surgery residency. Alternatively, following completion of residency training in general surgery, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery or urology, there is a 3 year independent plastic surgery fellowship.

In Canada, there is a 5 year plastic surgery residency leading to examination for board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

How do I enroll in the program?

Click here to download the form to enroll in the Medical Student Program

Contact

For more information on opportunities for medical students and The Aesthetic Society please contact Marissa Simpson by emailing Marissa@surgery.org or calling 800-364-2147

MedSIPS Committee Members

Clyde H. Ishii, MD- Chair
Michael C. Edwards, MD- Vice Chair
Jamil Ahmad, MD
Brett Beber, MD
Kyle Edwards
Jeffrey M. Kenkel, MD
Peter Lennox, MD
David Mathes, MD
Renato Saltz, MD
Richard  Warren, MD