subject: Becoming Plastic Surgeons [print this page] Have you ever wondered how much education and experience is required of plastic surgeons before they can begin their own practice? Well, after years of specialized training and decisions about what type of procedures they'd like to offer, a plastic surgeon is ready to begin his or her own office and offer services to local patients.
During High School
Yes, even a medical degree begins in high school. Students who aspire to enter the medical field after high school should focus on subject such as biology, anatomy, algebra, and English. It's helpful to aim for the highest grades possible. Those who earn high grades are more likely to make their way into a solid college with a great academic reputation.
The Bachelor's Degree
Once high school is completed, it's time to choose a bachelor's degree at a well-known college that will provide an excellent education in the sciences. Some students find it easiest to choose a major like chemistry or biology, but others choose to complete a different major and focus on science classes. As a pre-med student, you can expect to take courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and a variety of other scientific subjects. During their junior year, students who plan to continue in medical school after their bachelor's degree is completed will take the MCAT - the Medical College Admission Test. The MCAT score plus college grade point average as well as volunteer and extracurricular activities will be used during the application process for medical school.
On to Medical School
The next step for would-be plastic surgeons across the nation is medical school. During the first two years, medical students study more science and also medical ethics. Their last two years are filled with clinical rotations, which introduce them to the many different branches of medical practice: radiology, obstetrics, pediatrics, and many others. This is when the student makes the final decision to continue his or her education in cosmetic surgery.
Time for Residency
There are two ways that plastic surgeons complete this final step in their education: the independent method or the integrated method. If a student chooses the independent route, he or she is required to complete three years in general surgery residency, focusing on cosmetic surgery techniques. The integrated method requires at least five or six years of specialized training in cosmetic surgery. This includes supervision by the program director, at least one year as chief resident, and at least 24 months of intense training specifically focused on cosmetic surgery.
The Final Step: Licensing
Once the years of school and training are completed, the new doctor is ready to take his or her board certifying exam. Once this exam is successfully completed, a license may be applied for to practice in his or her chosen state. And all his hard work during training begins to pay off as patients are helped to achieve their personal goals for a more youthful appearance.
The work of plastic surgeons all around the world provides individuals with new confidence in their own appearance and renewed self-esteem!
