Resident travel scholars share their takeaways from PSTM23 in Austin

The plastic surgery residents who won travel scholarships to Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2023 in Austin, Texas, shared their takeaways from this year's meeting with PSN.

An incredible impact

Attending PSTM23 renewed the passion that I feel for my career. I had the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues from all over the world and learn more about important topics in our field. I scheduled many sessions to try to learn as much as possible. The session on The PSF's Surgeons in Humanitarian Alliance for Reconstruction, Research and Education (SHARE) program particularly caught my attention – in fact, during my medical training, I spent a month in Ghana as a medical volunteer in an orphanage, trying to fulfil my need to help others. The PSF past President Andrea Pusic, MD, MHS, was an inspiring and incredible mentor for me during PSTM and I aspire to become part of SHARE in the future. I would actually like to promote a way to bring more Italian residents and plastic surgeons to this initiative.

I attended several interesting sessions, especially on breast reconstruction and BIA-ALCL, which are my main areas of interest. I had the pleasure to attend PSTM22 in Boston last year and attending this year's meeting gave me the chance to strengthen the connections with ASPS. I think PSTM is the most important event in our specialty in the world and I look forward to attending every year.

I was able to participate this year in the WPS, YPS and Leadership Development committee meetings, which allowed me to focus on some of the fundamental principles and skills needed to become a successful leader in our field. It also helped me appreciate projects that could be developed as a woman and international member to increase accessibility, as well as diversity of membership and leadership. As a young plastic surgeon with a great desire to grow, build and improve, these opportunities can be precious in the development of projects and initiatives to carry forward.

Overall, I enjoyed four days filled with learning and strengthening important relationships, all of which made me grow exponentially in such a brief time. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to be recognized in Italy as an example and mentor for my fellow residents. The award gave me the strength to believe even more in my dreams, to be determined to achieve my goals and to work toward a closer relationship with ASPS. I think this had an incredible impact on my career at the national and international levels, and I will commit to pay this mindset forward as an example for my younger colleagues, strengthening the connection between SICPRE and ASPS.

– Alessandra Ceccaroni, MD
PGY-2
University of Salerno
Italy

Learning from the giants

It was a huge privilege to be able to attend PSTM23, meet experts in the field, learn of the latest advances in our specialty and gain exposure to a variety of pathways in the field. It was also enlightening to audit meetings of committees that make impactful decisions about the content, work and planning that goes into making an event of this magnitude happen. I was also impressed that so many international attendees, including other resident scholars, were present – a testament to the global practice of medicine and the exciting idea that we can all learn from each other's culture and practices.

There were so many amazing lectures and panels, and I was able to hear from giants in the field and learn from their expertise. One of my favorite moments was getting to see my research mentor from medical school, James Zins, MD, at one of the talks, and catching up about what both of us were doing in our careers. I think the biggest challenge of a meeting this size is knowing when and how to spend your time, as the meeting is designed to showcase all aspects of plastic surgery and offer events that appeal to everyone's areas of interest. Luckily, PSTM on-demand content is available online, so if something was missed there may be a chance to view it at a later date.

One of my "wow" moments came during the WPS Annual Women's Luncheon. Residents and medical students from our home institution, the University of Texas Medical Branch, were all sitting together at a table, and the panel held a section for past female ASPS presidents and other plastic surgery organizations in attendance at the meeting. It was impressive enough to realize that at least 15 past presidents and leaders were present in the same room, but the first name called was the chair of our Division of Plastic Surgery at UTMB, The PSF past President Linda Phillips, MD. To hear the impact she had not only on women in plastic surgery but really on the specialty as a whole made me feel so honored to be learning from her as a mentor during my residency. The luncheon also featured a talk with three different female plastic surgery leaders from different countries to better understand the shared experience of being a woman in leadership – and discussing the nuances that may be divergent in different healthcare systems was very enlightening with regard to my future career. As a woman in plastic surgery, I hope to stay involved and provide support, mentorship and sponsorship for the next generation of women plastic surgeons – just as Dr. Phillips has for me and the other trainees at our institution.

– Andi Cummins, MD
PGY-3
University of Texas Medical Branch
Dallas

Immense significance

My experience at PSTM23 underscored the immense influence and significance of ASPS/PSF members, igniting my aspiration to eventually contribute to one of these influential roles. It also sparked my interest in attaining a position where I can actively participate in shaping complex social and political matters.

I audited the Social Media Subcommittee, ASPS/PSF Board of Directors Meeting and WPS Steering Committee Meeting, learning the significance of social media is growing – albeit with greater controversy. It's essential for us to remain vigilant in monitoring the use of social media and adapt swiftly to changes that may require alterations in current regulations. Furthermore, I found it interesting to learn about the collaboration between plastic surgery and other specialties aimed at addressing the ongoing political issues in the United States.

My most significant accomplishments included presenting two meaningful abstracts from my research year and providing support for my colleagues who presented other abstracts that I contributed to. I also successfully expanded my professional network by establishing valuable relationships with faculty members and fellow residents in attendance. My "wow" moment, however, occurred when I witnessed the profound influence that individuals affiliated with ASPS/PSF exert – not only within the global plastic surgery community but also beyond the realm of medicine (evidenced by actor Mario Lopez hosting the PSTM23 Opening Ceremonies). This experience further fueled my career aspirations, inspiring me to one day hold a position in societal leadership. Another standout moment was my connection with my paired scholar mentor, who provided insightful advice and insight while establishing herself as a valuable resource for addressing future questions and providing guidance throughout my residency.

This scholarship provided me with the financial means to attend PSTM23, which not only enriched my knowledge but also facilitated the development of new mentor relationships. I am immensely grateful for the generosity and support extended to me by ASPS.

– Emily Finkelstein, MD
PGY-1
University of Miami

Filled with excitement

Taking part in PSTM23 was memorable both as an upcoming plastic surgeon and from a personal perspective. I have attended other plastic surgery meetings, but nothing compares to the scale and magnitude of PSTM. I attended committee meetings for WPS, YPS, the Leadership Development Committee and the ASPS Global Leadership Forum. From WPS, I learned that despite the demanding and intense schedule each surgeon has, it's essential to always prioritize your own well-being. It's also delightful to see women surgeons with various backgrounds discuss ways they can empower each other. In Indonesia, although most plastic surgeons are female, we remain underestimated when compared to our male counterparts.

I feel immensely blessed being the first scholar from my center and to also represent Indonesia in this program. Although I never considered myself to be a "lone traveler," I mustered the confidence to approach and hold discussions with plastic surgery giants and pioneers regarding the future of the specialty and how it can be applicable in Indonesia. There are many developments in surgical techniques and planning that could be applicable in daily practices in my country, which filled me with excitement to share with my peers. During the "Advances in Head and Neck Microsurgery" session, I learned about other workhorse flaps (such as scapular and iliac flaps) that could be utilized in the reconstruction of mandible other than fibular flaps. Keeping in mind the patients that I often see in Indonesia, this provided me with immediately useful knowledge to provide more reconstructive options following head-and-neck tumor ablation.

During the ASPS Global Leadership Forum, I spoke with Randy Miller, MD, and residents from Italy about the issues they face in our countries – both the United States and Italy have many practices that claim to provide plastic surgery procedures, but they're done by uncertified personnel. As a result, many patients then suffer complications and seek help from board-certified plastic surgeons. ASPS immediate-past President Gregory Greco, DO, also mentioned in relation to the "I am a board-certified plastic surgeon" campaign to ensure the dissemination of credible health information by credible personnel in social media. It really brought home that all plastic surgeons, despite our backgrounds, are responsible for educating our patients and should work together to ensure the dissemination of credible health information.

I am eager to keep improving myself, learning from the best resources and expanding my networks through keen relationship with the ASPS to become a resourceful plastic surgeon for my country.

– Alita Indania, MD
PGY-3
Universitas Indonesia-Cipto Mangunkusumo
Indonesia

Inspiring to witness

PSTM23 definitely further piqued my interest in participating in ASPS and The PSF in the future. I enjoyed the sessions on facelift, body contouring, migraine, rhinoplasty, TIDE talks and, of course, the Innovation Challenge, in which I participated as a speaker – and won the runner-up prize.

I was able to witness the ASPS Board of Directors meeting, the Visiting Professor Committee meeting and the Social Media Subcommittee meeting, all of which provided invaluable insight into the dedication and commitment of the members. It's inspiring and you can really see how it translates to success of the Society.

I'd say my biggest "wow" moment was winning the runner-up prize in the Innovation Challenge, but it was also an honor to be an author or co-author on seven oral presentations and, honestly, just to connect with world-renowned plastic surgeons. The innovation prize in particular provided further validation of the efficacy of my innovation. It will now serve as a great springboard to move further along the innovation timeline – focusing on regulatory approval and raising funds. I'm grateful to ASPS for the scholarship, which supported me in coming to the United States and has undoubtedly had a significant impact on my career and innovation goals.

– Ankur Khajuria, MD
PGY-3
Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust
United Kingdom

New insights

My time at PSTM23 was a phenomenal experience. Although I previously collaborated with The PSF's SHARE program, attending the SHARE panel and talks at the meeting inspired me to get more involved with the organization and organize my PSF grant proposal. I audited committee meetings including the Visiting Professor Steering Committee, Residents Council and Leadership Development Committee. My biggest takeaway from these was the early impact I can have as a resident – and the numerous avenues to get involved and make an impact in our specialty. The ability to network with the Technology, Innovation, Discovery and Entrepreneurship (TIDE) Committee, and attending the Innovation Challenge and TIDE talks we have worked to put on was invaluable.

I think that networking with colleagues I have not been able to see post-COVID, as well as with leaders in our field, was probably my greatest takeaway this year. The only challenge was there was so much to do in such a short amount of time. Besides seeing the incredible things plastic surgeons are doing in every subspecialty of our field, the global and humanitarian impact plastic surgeons have proved incredibly inspiring, and I left wanting to push myself to do more and be better to contribute to these ventures.

I want to be a surgeon who advances the needle. I hope that at the end of my career I will have made an impact on the field and my patients. I truly want to thank ASPS and The PSF for giving me the opportunity to attend this year's meeting, and for the chance to connect with and learn from people currently changing the game. This opportunity gave me new insight into these goals and direction on how to achieve them.

– Garrison Leach, MD
PGY-3
University of California-San Diego

Revitalized and excited

My attendance at PSTM23 reaffirmed my interest in getting involved with ASPS and The PSF. I found it truly inspiring to see plastic surgeons from around the world come together to share ideas, debate and discuss different topics in our specialty – and help shape national policy and the future of plastic surgery.

My greatest insight from the audited meetings during PSTM was learning more about the Residents Council and the different areas in which residents can get involved with ASPS. I also learned about the mentorship programs that ASPS offers, which helped me inform my co-residents about ways we can get involved and some changes that might affect each of us in the near future.

My biggest success during the meeting was my presentation on ChatGPT in plastic surgery during the PRS Global Open Tech Talk. I believe this is an important topic that will have significant impact on our field in the years to come. Another significant "wow" moment was the resident networking event where our scholarship awards were presented. The turnout was incredible, and I was able to reconnect with resident colleagues from the interview trail and faculty members from prior institutions I have spent time at, as well as meet new people. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know a few medical students from around the country who are applying to plastic surgery in the coming years. Mentorship and education are passions of mine, and being able to offer advice and encouragement to these students was very fulfilling. I left the meeting feeling revitalized, excited and filled with ideas – and I think that's what these meetings are all about.

– Nicholas Oleck, MD
PGY-3
Duke University
Durham, N.C.

Creative solutions

Attending PSTM23 strengthened my interest in mentorship, education and social media. Prior to the meeting, I held several formal and informal mentorship roles. However, after meeting in-person with mentees and mentors at PSTM, I gained more appreciation for the role and really saw how I wouldn't be where I am today without the mentors who supported me on my journey to plastic surgery. I hope to give back by continuing my involvement serving as a mentor in other ASPS programs.

PSTM23 also piqued my interest in furthering resident education. It was amazing to see everyone's knowledge displayed during the Residents Bowl. I would love to create material for ASPS EdNet courses – and my ultimate dream would be to make these courses free to medical students and international residents and attendings.

It was also great to hear from early-career surgeons and female attendings involved in YPS and WPS, and I found it amazing to see how early-career plastic surgeons supported one another in YPS by organizing talks on contract negotiation, practice management and self-promotion. Additionally, it was inspiring to witness the growth of WPS from less than 20 members to more than 300 today.

I had not seen my first mentor in plastic surgery, Mike Johnson, MD, since medical school graduation. I relished the opportunity to visit with him, as I would not have had the confidence to pursue plastic surgery without his guidance. Since starting residency, I've developed an interest in microsurgery and hope to pursue fellowship upon graduation. ASPS graciously matched me with an incredible breast microsurgeon, Minh-Doan Nguyen, MD, who provided me with excellent advice. Dr. Nguyen not only solidified my interest in microsurgery, but she also connected me with previous graduates from my residency program who currently practice all over the country.

As a junior surgical resident, it can be easy to lose sight of my "why" for pursuing plastic surgery. Long hours, endless call shifts and the demands of adjusting to off-service rotations leave little time to reflect on my career goals. However, as I listened to the stories during the Patients of Courage segment of Opening Ceremonies, my motivation for selecting plastic surgery was reinforced. Witnessing the relationships between these patients and their plastic surgeons renewed my love for plastic surgery. To me, the relationship between a patient and their plastic surgeon is one of the most sacred in the field of medicine. Helping patients adjust to their new reality after trauma, setting shared goals and using creative solutions to restore form and function is a true privilege that I am incredibly excited to experience. With each day that passes, my excitement to become a plastic surgeon grows. My thanks to ASPS for allowing me to attend PSTM23 and for its continued support of advancing my plastic surgery education.

– Kelly Spiller, MD
PGY-2
University of Cincinnati

Invigorated, grateful

My experience at PSTM23 opened my eyes to how plastic surgeons at every stage in their career – and among the spectrum of practice patterns – have vast opportunities to participate in ASPS/PSF. I enjoyed attending the YPS Steering Committee meeting to see how plastic surgeons early in their career are putting forth effort to provide fresh perspectives to advance the field and develop their leadership skills. While meeting with my PSTM assigned mentor, Patricia Mars, MD, I learned that plastic surgeons can get involved with ASPS and associated committees really at any point in their practice career. It was also great to see that surgeons from academic, private or mixed settings are all involved. Moving forward, I want to play a more active role in the ASPS Residents and Fellows Forum while I'm in training.

My goal for this meeting was to meet as many people as I could and attend as many educational sessions as possible. I think I succeeded, meeting both residents and attendings from other plastic surgery programs throughout the country as well as several private practice surgeons. I also had the opportunity to learn more about products in the exhibit hall that I've never used nor seen. The panels and abstract sessions provided a lot of information that will help me move forward in my training. I particularly enjoyed molding a nose from clay in the facial sculpting session, learning about managing breast complications and learning about mentorship from top plastic surgery leaders.

Prior to attending PSTM23, my exposure to plastic surgery was exclusively from a California perspective due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as attending only local meetings because of financial constraints. I loved seeing the variety of techniques and perspectives from leaders around the country. It broadened my interests and understanding of topics. My University of California-Irvine mentors have frequently told me that plastic surgery is a tight-knit community, but it wasn't until I attended PSTM that I fully appreciated this statement. I loved seeing how collegial and engaged plastic surgeons from around the world were with each other, and I enjoyed seeing plastic surgeons even at the senior-most level taking notes at panel discussions after hearing pearls or new techniques to advance their practice. It was poignant to see how the passion and creativity that drive most people to plastic surgery doesn't fizzle out. I felt invigorated and even more grateful for my opportunity to be trained as a plastic surgeon and to become involved in ASPS.

– Ekaterina Tiourin, MD
PGY-3
University of California-Irvine