Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Welcome to the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee! 

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Committee aims to provide University of Florida medical students with opportunities to explore the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery through mentorship, education, research, and hands-on experiences. Throughout the year, we coordinate events that allow students to interact with PRS faculty, residents, fellows, and medical students interested in the specialty. Whether you are early in your medical school journey or already considering a career in PRS, we hope to create a welcoming environment where students can learn more about the field and build meaningful connections. 

To learn more about the UF Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, click here.  

What is Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery? 

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a surgical specialty focused on the restoration, reconstruction, and enhancement of the human body. The field combines technical precision, creativity, and problem-solving to improve both function and quality of life for patients. PRS encompasses both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, treating conditions related to congenital differences, trauma, burns, cancer reconstruction, and cosmetic concerns. 

Plastic surgery includes a wide variety of subspecialties and procedures, ranging from microsurgery and craniofacial reconstruction to hand surgery and aesthetic procedures.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency & Fellowship 

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency training is completed through either: 

• An integrated six-to-seven-year residency program beginning after medical school, or 

• An independent pathway completed after prior surgical training. 

Many plastic surgeons pursue additional fellowship training to further specialize in areas such as: 

• Hand surgery 
• Craniofacial surgery 
• Microsurgery 
• Burn surgery 
• Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery 
• Pediatric plastic surgery 
• Gender-affirming surgery 
• Complex reconstructive surgery 

PRS Events 

PRS events are announced throughout the year via email and student organization updates. Previous and upcoming events include: 

• Introduction to Plastic Surgery: Learn more about careers in PRS, residency pathways, and the broad range of reconstructive and aesthetic procedures within the specialty. 

• Suture & Surgical Skills Workshops: Hands-on workshops where students work directly with PRS residents and faculty to practice suturing and foundational surgical techniques. 

• Advanced Skills Sessions:  Educational sessions focused on topics such as operating room basics, plastic surgery instrumentation, flap design principles, microsurgery exposure, and advanced closure techniques commonly used in PRS. 

• Resident & Match Panels: Opportunities to hear from current residents and medical students who successfully matched into plastic surgery about mentorship, research, applications, and life in the specialty. 

• Case Presentations & Educational Talks: Discussions of complex reconstructive and aesthetic cases encountered in the operating room and clinic. 

• Social Events: Informal events designed to connect students, residents, and faculty in a collaborative and supportive environment. 

We also hope to continue expanding opportunities for collaboration with PRS interest groups at other institutions to help students build connections and mentorship networks beyond UF.

Shadowing Opportunities 

The UF Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery welcomes medical students interested in clinical, research, and operating room shadowing opportunities. Students are encouraged to reach out to PRS faculty and residents to learn more about available experiences within the department. 

To learn more about the fourth-year PRS elective, click here. 

Please contact a PRS Committee Co-Chair with any questions regarding shadowing, mentorship, or involvement opportunities. 

Grand Rounds/Didactics 

Grand rounds and didactic sessions provide students with the opportunity to hear presentations from leading physicians and visiting speakers in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Topics often include complex reconstructive cases, new surgical techniques, research advancements, and multidisciplinary patient care. A limited number of seats are typically available for medical students interested in attending.