Assessment of knowledge and perception of plastic surgery among medical students and interns, strategy to improve medical education

Background: Plastic and reconstructive surgery is a unique surgical specialty that is often misunderstood. Unlike other specialties, it encompasses a wide range of procedures, considering anatomical regions, specific diseases, and patient characteristics. This study aims to assess the awareness levels (knowledge and perception) of plastic surgery among medical students and interns at Jouf University's College of Medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and March 2024 at Jouf University, involving 558 medical students and interns. A sample size of 228 was calculated using OpenEpi software with a 99% confidence level. Participants were selected through simple random sampling, and data were collected using a validated questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, and perceptions of plastic surgery. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science, with chi-squared tests applied and a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: The study found that 79.1% of participants had limited knowledge of plastic surgery, and only 4.7% had prior experience with a plastic surgery rotation. Burns were the most recognized condition treated by plastic surgeons (89.8%), with the internet being the primary source of information (72.6%). Significant associations were found between knowledge and factors such as age, academic year, and having a medical family background (p < 0.05). Despite 53.4% of participants demonstrating good knowledge, only 20.1% expressed interest in pursuing a career in plastic surgery, citing competitiveness, and ethical concerns as barriers. Conclusion: This study highlights a gap in medical students' knowledge and perception of plastic surgery at Jouf University. To address this, the curriculum should incorporate clinical rotations and educational sessions covering both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.