Skip to content
  • About
  • Contact
  • Contribute
  • Book
  • Careers
  • Podcast
  • Recommended
  • Speaking
  • All
  • Physician
  • Practice
  • Policy
  • Finance
  • Conditions
  • .edu
  • Patient
  • Meds
  • Tech
  • Social
  • Video
    • All
    • Physician
    • Practice
    • Policy
    • Finance
    • Conditions
    • .edu
    • Patient
    • Meds
    • Tech
    • Social
    • Video
    • About
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Book
    • Careers
    • Podcast
    • Recommended
    • Speaking

Building the future of African plastic surgery: Igniting passion in medical students

Shirley Sarah Dadson
Conditions
June 22, 2024
Share
Tweet
Share

Recently, I completed a rotation at the plastic surgery department of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana. Reflecting on this experience, I realized a few things. My perception of plastic surgery practice was naive and uninformed. This experience has been an eye-opener as it has challenged preconceived notions and revealed the multifaceted nature of this wonderful specialty. However, I recognize that most African students do not have the same opportunity. Only a few of the 54 African countries have more than three plastic surgeons. Access to these plastic surgeons is further limited by the fact that they have to meet the needs of an overwhelming number of people. Their practice regularly covers emergency cases leaving less time for research and mentorship. Fortunately, the continent has made numerous efforts to increase the plastic surgery workforce. For example, regional training programs such as those offered by the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and scholarships by their partners have helped increase residency program intake.

Plastic surgery is not as popular a specialty choice as it should be among African medical students. Research on this phenomenon suggests that it is the result of lack of exposure to the specialty. Considering that today’s African medical students are tomorrow’s plastic surgeons, I believe it is time that the global plastic surgery community targets African medical students.

First, I recommend the creation of an Association of Future African Plastic Surgeons (AFAPS) in collaboration with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). I propose leveraging the ASPS’ experience in mentoring and supporting medical students. The AFAPS would be integrated into the Medical Student Forum but would have dedicated activities that target challenges that are specific to Africa.

Secondly, I believe it is essential that the global plastic surgery community changes the narrative around the specialty among African medical students and patients. Based on my recent rotation experience, plastic surgery often conjures images of cosmetic enhancements fueled by media portrayals. However, the reality is far more complex and impactful. During my internship at the National Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery Department at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, I witnessed the transformative power of plastic surgery across a spectrum of cases, from congenital anomalies to trauma recovery. Importantly, African plastic surgery has not leveraged social media to its advantage. Social media has perpetuated several myths about plastic surgery, which I aim to dispel based on my observations:

Plastic surgery can offer both functional and aesthetic improvements. Many patients seek plastic surgery for reasons beyond aesthetics, such as restoring functionality after accidents or combating the effects of aging.

Accessibility for all. Contrary to the belief that plastic surgery is reserved for the affluent, plastic surgery is becoming more accessible, with various financing options available.

Impermanence of results. While outcomes can be enduring, they are not immune to changes such as aging or weight fluctuations.

Scarring is a reality. Although the complete absence of scars is unrealistic, skilled surgeons minimize and strategically place incisions to reduce visibility.

Not a weight loss alternative. Procedures like liposuction are not weight loss solutions but rather contouring options that complement a healthy lifestyle.

Individualized results. Expecting to mirror a celebrity’s appearance is impractical; plastic surgery enhances one’s features within the realm of individual uniqueness.

My stint as an intern was revelatory. It showcased plastic surgery as an amalgamation of art and science. Each procedure is a bespoke creation tailored to the patient’s unique needs. The field demands technical precision, an artistic touch, principles that adapt to diverse challenges, and a commitment to life-altering outcomes.

Plastic surgery is a discipline marked by its capacity to profoundly change lives. It is a realm where science meets art, where each surgeon’s work not only reconstructs physical forms but also rebuilds confidence and hope. As I aspire to join this field, I hope to be joined by my colleagues to change the narrative around African plastic surgery and improve care for billions of Africans.

Shirley Sarah Dadson is a medical student in Ghana.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prev

The doctor's struggle: How prescription opioids can lead to addiction

June 22, 2024 Kevin 0
…
Next

From ER to wallet: Understanding medical expenses [PODCAST]

June 22, 2024 Kevin 0
…

Tagged as: Surgery

Post navigation

< Previous Post
The doctor's struggle: How prescription opioids can lead to addiction
Next Post >
From ER to wallet: Understanding medical expenses [PODCAST]

ADVERTISEMENT

More by Shirley Sarah Dadson

  • Normalizing male plastic surgery in Africa

    Shirley Sarah Dadson
  • Gender-based violence and the life-changing power of reconstructive surgery for survivors

    Shirley Sarah Dadson

Related Posts

  • Why creative endeavors are important for the future surgeon

    Thomas L. Amburn
  • An open letter to graduating medical students

    Lilian White
  • How medical education fails minority students

    Shenyece Ferguson
  • Breaking the silence: the truth about mental health challenges among medical students and why medical schools must take action

    Erin Waldrop
  • Medical students in solidarity: Black Lives Matter

    Anna Delamerced
  • The surprising impact of medical students on patients

    Nicole Cifra, MD, MPH

More in Conditions

  • Facing terminal cancer as a doctor and mother

    Kelly Curtin-Hallinan, DO
  • Why doctors must stop ignoring unintentional weight loss in patients with obesity

    Samantha Malley, FNP-C
  • Why hospitals are quietly capping top doctors’ pay

    Dennis Hursh, Esq
  • Why point-of-care ultrasound belongs in emergency department triage

    Resa E. Lewiss, MD and Courtney M. Smalley, MD
  • Why PSA levels alone shouldn’t define your prostate cancer risk

    Martina Ambardjieva, MD, PhD
  • Reframing chronic pain and dignity: What a pain clinic teaches us about MAiD and chronic suffering

    Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, MD
  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • America’s ER crisis: Why the system is collapsing from within

      Kristen Cline, BSN, RN | Conditions
    • Why timing, not surgery, determines patient survival

      Michael Karch, MD | Conditions
    • How early meetings and after-hours events penalize physician-mothers

      Samira Jeimy, MD, PhD and Menaka Pai, MD | Physician
  • Past 6 Months

    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • Beyond burnout: Understanding the triangle of exhaustion [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Facing terminal cancer as a doctor and mother

      Kelly Curtin-Hallinan, DO | Conditions
    • Online eye exams spark legal battle over health care access

      Joshua Windham, JD and Daryl James | Policy
    • FDA delays could end vital treatment for rare disease patients

      G. van Londen, MD | Meds
    • Pharmacists are key to expanding Medicaid access to digital therapeutics

      Amanda Matter | Meds
    • Why ADHD in women requires a new approach [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

Subscribe to KevinMD and never miss a story!

Get free updates delivered free to your inbox.


Find jobs at
Careers by KevinMD.com

Search thousands of physician, PA, NP, and CRNA jobs now.

Learn more

Leave a Comment

Founded in 2004 by Kevin Pho, MD, KevinMD.com is the web’s leading platform where physicians, advanced practitioners, nurses, medical students, and patients share their insight and tell their stories.

Social

  • Like on Facebook
  • Follow on Twitter
  • Connect on Linkedin
  • Subscribe on Youtube
  • Instagram

ADVERTISEMENT

  • Most Popular

  • Past Week

    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • America’s ER crisis: Why the system is collapsing from within

      Kristen Cline, BSN, RN | Conditions
    • Why timing, not surgery, determines patient survival

      Michael Karch, MD | Conditions
    • How early meetings and after-hours events penalize physician-mothers

      Samira Jeimy, MD, PhD and Menaka Pai, MD | Physician
  • Past 6 Months

    • Forced voicemail and diagnosis codes are endangering patient access to medications

      Arthur Lazarus, MD, MBA | Meds
    • How President Biden’s cognitive health shapes political and legal trust

      Muhamad Aly Rifai, MD | Conditions
    • Why are medical students turning away from primary care? [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • The One Big Beautiful Bill and the fragile heart of rural health care

      Holland Haynie, MD | Policy
    • Why “do no harm” might be harming modern medicine

      Sabooh S. Mubbashar, MD | Physician
    • The hidden health risks in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

      Trevor Lyford, MPH | Policy
  • Recent Posts

    • Beyond burnout: Understanding the triangle of exhaustion [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast
    • Facing terminal cancer as a doctor and mother

      Kelly Curtin-Hallinan, DO | Conditions
    • Online eye exams spark legal battle over health care access

      Joshua Windham, JD and Daryl James | Policy
    • FDA delays could end vital treatment for rare disease patients

      G. van Londen, MD | Meds
    • Pharmacists are key to expanding Medicaid access to digital therapeutics

      Amanda Matter | Meds
    • Why ADHD in women requires a new approach [PODCAST]

      The Podcast by KevinMD | Podcast

MedPage Today Professional

An Everyday Health Property Medpage Today
  • Terms of Use | Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • DMCA Policy
All Content © KevinMD, LLC
Site by Outthink Group

Leave a Comment

Comments are moderated before they are published. Please read the comment policy.

Loading Comments...