The Inaugural PRS and PRS Global Open Medical Student Forum

The primary factor driving interest in plastic surgery is exposure during medical training.1 However, despite the specialty’s depth and variety, medical school exposure to plastic surgery is often limited, typically extending only slightly beyond basic anatomy.2 Consequently, interested individuals often seek additional resources and experiences independently.1 In recent years, the rise of social media has transformed how medical students interact with the field of plastic surgery. Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube have become invaluable for sharing surgical techniques, clinical cases, and expert opinions.3 These platforms offer students unprecedented access to knowledge and opportunities to engage with the global plastic surgery community. However, although social media provides a glimpse into the field, it also presents challenges.3 A structured and credible platform, grounded in academic rigor, is crucial for balancing the information landscape, ensuring that students have access to accurate and comprehensive knowledge. The PRS and PRS Global Open Medical Student Forum, launched this year, provides that very platform (Table 1). This initiative offers students the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the plastic surgery community, connect with leading surgeons, and access high-quality research and clinical content. The forum strives to broaden access by making its activities inclusive for US and international students from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited prior plastic surgery exposure. The inaugural forum welcomed 21 students and has since expanded to 36, underscoring the growing demand for such a platform. The forum is structured around several key activities designed to foster both academic and professional growth. Table 1. - PRS and PRS Global Open Medical Student Forum Overview Membership eligibility The PRS and PRS Global Open Medical Student Forum is open to medical students enrolled in an accredited medical school program who are interested in pursuing their surgical specialty as a plastic surgeon. Forum activities PRS Journal Club Q&AsThe PRS Journal Club Q&As take place monthly on Facebook, offering students a unique opportunity to engage directly with world-renowned plastic surgeons. Before each event, participants can submit questions, which are then addressed during a live Q&A session focused on the surgeons’ published studies. Students also have the chance to discuss research with the authors and participate in peer discussions. This activity fosters critical thinking, provides insights into groundbreaking research, and promotes direct interaction with experts in the field.PRS Global Open Face the CaseEvery month, a new Face the Case video is posted on the PRS Global Open Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. These videos present complex clinical cases accompanied by polls where students can vote on the best approach to managing the case. Following the poll, an expert plastic surgeon leads an open discussion about the case, offering valuable learning opportunities. This interactive format sharpens diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills while encouraging engagement with the plastic surgery community.Research discussionsStudents are encouraged to engage with PRS and PRS Global Open content on social media platforms by commenting, sharing, reposting, or even posting their own videos. These discussions often center around recent PRS publications, allowing students to explore cutting-edge research and contribute their perspectives. Uploading original videos discussing research not only enhances scientific communication skills but also fosters collaboration and dialogue between peers and professionals.In-person eventsIn addition to its online activities, the forum hosts a variety of in-person events, such as conference receptions, live Face the Case sessions, and more. These gatherings offer students the chance to network with prominent surgeons, residents, and fellow participants. Such interactions solidify the professional relationships initiated online and provide mentorship opportunities that are invaluable for aspiring plastic surgeons. Potential long-term impact Career choicesEngaging with key figures in the field and gaining exposure to various aspects of plastic surgery helps students make informed career decisions.Research opportunitiesActive involvement in the forum provides opportunities to develop research skills, collaborate with experts, and access unique research projects in plastic surgery.Residency applicationsParticipation in the forum strengthens residency applications by showcasing commitment to plastic surgery, highlighting research projects, and offering mentorship from leading surgeons.Professional networkThe forum offers students valuable networking opportunities with prominent surgeons, peers, and residents, fostering long-term professional relationships. Additional benefits Active Medical Student Forum members can be automatically considered for membership in the PRS and PRS Global Resident Advisory Board when they become plastic surgery residents, general surgery residents, research fellows, and more. Application process Medical students interested in applying to the forum are encouraged to contact Madeline Ramos via email at [email protected] Among the core activities is participation in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (PRS) Journal Club Q&As, where students interact with world-renowned surgeons and discuss research with authors. Additionally, the forum offers a monthly “Face the Case” series, where students vote on complex clinical cases, honing their diagnostic and clinical reasoning skills. Furthermore, creating and sharing videos linked to recent PRS articles enables participants to stay up to date on the latest research while enhancing their scientific communication skills. These activities exemplify how the forum combines traditional learning with modern platforms to connect medical students with the field of plastic surgery. A highlight of the forum experience came at “Plastic Surgery: The Meeting 2024” in San Diego, where we were invited to the PRS Resident Advisory Board and Medical Student Forum Reception. This in-person event provided a unique opportunity to network with prominent figures in the field, solidifying the professional relationships we had begun to build online. The value of the PRS Medical Student Forum cannot be overstated. It provides early engagement, mentorship, and meaningful connections, all crucial for shaping future surgeons.4,5 These interactions foster confidence, inspire motivation, and provide an authentic glimpse into the life of a plastic surgeon. Future studies should evaluate the program’s downstream effects on participants to create a blueprint for engaging medical students in the specialty. The forum has sparked a shared enthusiasm and passion for the field. We strongly encourage other medical students to join, as it presents a unique opportunity to bridge the knowledge gap and actively influence the future of plastic surgery. Knowledge is an unending adventure at the edge of uncertainty. —Jacob Bronowski DISCLOSURE The author has no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.