Effect of the Veterans Affairs Medical System on Plastic Surgery Residency Training

Abstract

Data from the retrospective analysis reveal that a broad spectrum of plastic surgical procedures is performed within the Veterans Affairs Health System, serving as a tremendous resource for resident training. The fact that approximately 260 procedures per year are performed demonstrates an active service. Craniomaxillofacial surgery is currently underrepresented compared with other categories at the authors' particular institution. By their definition, nonspecific plastic surgical procedures ("other") account for 275 (16.6 percent) of all 1655 procedures performed. This demonstrates that plastic surgery "overlaps" with other specialties, such as dermatology. The Veterans Affairs Health System will continue to play a significant role in the future training of plastic surgeons. Now, more than ever, a strong Veterans Affairs surgical service, including plastic surgery and its modern techniques, will be needed.