Reflection on representation within academic plastic surgery: The PREPPED experience
Resident educators from nine plastic surgery institutions in February attended the third annual Plastic Surgery Research, Education, and Preparation Promoting Equity and Diversity (PREPPED) Conference in St. Louis. Representing programs that varied in composition and geographical location, attendees were unified by their personal backgrounds as women of color in medicine. The experience through three days was profound as we engaged with faculty, mentees and peers – and we believe the experience highlights the importance of the work and mission of programs such as PREPPED.
PREPPED is a plastic surgery program for third-year, underrepresented medical students, including (but not limited to) students who identify as having a low socioeconomic background; part of a racial minority; part of the LGBTQ+ community; and those without a home plastic surgery program. PREPPED is sponsored and supported by ACEPS, the Garnes Society and other sponsors, to provide students with financial support and the opportunity to attend the ACEPS Annual Winter Meeting to meet with educators and leaders in the field. This program provides a three-day, intensive boot camp, covering the principles of plastic surgery, application preparation and lectures on how to succeed while on subinternships.
As a program that didn't exist when we entered the field of plastic surgery, we're beyond grateful for what this program has to offer future plastic surgeons. Jasmine Craig, MD, MPH, PGY-2 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, calls it the program that every underrepresented in medicine (URiM) plastic surgery trainee wishes they had.
"URiM students already have to cross cultures to be in the field of medicine, which can ultimately be a strength. However, surgical culture demands crossing even further into a foreign subculture that's dictated by its own set of rules, spoken and unspoken," Dr. Craig says. "PREPPED serves as the ultimate bridge-builder, as it provides an environment where students can learn the expectations required to thrive in the specialty of plastic surgery and integrate into the culture."
The conference brings program directors and residents from all over the country to lead group sessions, speak on panels and work with students on suturing and exam skills. This opportunity provides an impactful experience for students and educators alike.
"PREPPED is a safe space, where my confidence had the chance to blossom as I was surrounded by mentors, colleagues, medical students and friends who celebrated my presence in plastic surgery as a Black woman," says Mykal Gerald, MD, PGY-2 at The Ohio State University, reflecting on her experience as a resident educator.
As individuals who are underrepresented in plastic surgery – whether by race/ethnicity, sexual orientation or upbringing – being part of a conference such as PREPPED reminded us of our "why." Attendees had the opportunity to meet faculty whom we consider mentors and role models – faculty who lead in academia where there are the few minority members. We also met mentees we've known for years through other outreach and mentorship programs for underrepresented medical students.
"One of the highlights of the meeting was the chance to mentor students and provide them with much-needed encouragement and support," says Ayana Cole-Price, MD, MSc, PGY-3 at University of Michigan. "As I shared my journey and experiences with them, I could see their enthusiasm and determination grow. It was gratifying to play a role in nurturing the next generation of diverse plastic surgeons."
Part of the PREPPED course is one-on-one preparation and review of personal statements and curriculum vitae with a plastic surgery faculty member and resident, in order to strengthen applications and provide insight into ways to stand-out as an applicant on paper for subinternships and interviews. It was an absolute honor to get to meet such incredible, mission-driven students. Getting to encourage them to share their stories and mission refueled my desire to continue to share mine.
"PREPPED is so much more than a meeting," says Lauren Catterall, MD, MPH, PGY-2 at Southern Illinois University. "Anyone who attends is guaranteed to leave with the motivation to continue improving equity, diversity and inclusion in our specialty."
As resident educators, we connected with many accomplished medical students who come from all walks of life and, more importantly, exude resilience. We were able to represent our respective institutions and the values we have regarding the importance of diversity within our programs and within medicine. As a field that historically hasn't had much diversity in its training or leadership, I cannot stress enough the importance of representation. Our match this year included two competitive applicants who attended PREPPED the previous year, and 50 percent of our sub-internship applications this year came from PREPPED attendees. Resident representation at PREPPED has a direct impact on our ability to recruit applicants from all backgrounds.
We would also like to acknowledge the founders of PREPPED: Meera Reghunathan, MD; Jessica Blum, MD, MSc; Greta Davis, MD; Haripriya Ayyala, MD; Amber Leis, MD; Paris Butler, MD, MPH; and Amanda Gosman, MD. We cannot thank the founders and sponsors of PREPPED enough for their devotion to education and mentorship. Residents will forever appreciate the opportunity to have a space to connect with incoming students, fellow residents and faculty mentors who identify similarly to us.
We hope our stories and voices emphasize how important it is to continue to support diverse trainees at all levels and we continue to urge programs to support their faculty and trainees to attend initiatives such as PREPPED, which have significant impact on educational experience.