Plastic surgery perspectives among medical students and interns in the Qassim region

Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors that had an impact on the perceptions of medical students and interns regarding the plastic surgery. It was also aimed to determine the potential gap, and suggest the recommended strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2022, based on an electronic survey constructed with professional specialists' assistance based on this study objectives and from available surveys with similar objectives to ensure full coverage of the effective factors. It included demographics and general knowledge about plastic and reconstruction surgery; performed among medical students from second-year students to medical interns at Qassim University. Results: Three hundred thirty-nine medical students participated in this study. Around 55.2% of participants were between the ages of 22 and 24 years. The most common conditions reported as being treated by a plastic surgeon were breast reduction or enhancement surgeries (87%), followed by burns (82%), and rhinoplasty (79%). There was an average level of awareness related to the plastic surgery field among medical students and interns, where the mean value was 1.960 and SD was 0.763. Conclusion: The study concluded that medical students and interns did not have full awareness of plastic surgery. This has emphasized the need for extensive and early introduction of various aspects of plastic surgery into the educational program, and clinical rotations which could enhance the perception of this specialty.