Wake Forest University School of Medicine Program

The Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is an integrated six-year program that accepts two or three applicants annually. The program offers a diverse collection of rotations focusing on general surgery and surgical sub-specialties in the first 24 months, followed by four years dedicated to clinical training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Highlights of the program include being one of the oldest integrated residency training programs in the country, high success rates on licensure exams, opportunities for medical mission trips, support for clinical and bench research, and an independent chief cosmetic clinic. Residents also benefit from annual stipends for educational items.

The program is committed to graduating highly competent technical plastic surgeons, providing thorough plastic surgery training, fostering lifelong learning, and creating a supportive training environment that feels like family among residents and faculty. The residency program began in 1973 and fully integrated in 2000, expanding to include a third resident every other year starting in 2020.

Application to the program requires completion of the PSCA application and registration with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Required documentation includes USMLE Step I and II scores, medical school transcripts, ECFMG certification (for foreign medical graduates), a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a current photograph.

Residents rotating through the program gain vast clinical training in reconstructive surgery, with exposure to various procedures such as breast reconstruction, burn reconstruction, oncologic reconstruction, hand surgery, microsurgery, and pediatric and craniofacial surgery. The chief year includes a dedicated chief resident cosmetic clinic where residents manage shared patients, conduct consultations, and collaborate with faculty on operative plans.

The program offers monthly journal clubs, visiting professor lectures, weekly core curriculum conferences, research opportunities, and presentations. Residents are encouraged to participate in research projects throughout their training and are required to present their work at national meetings. The program has a history of producing successful graduates who pursue careers in private practice or academia.

External clinical sites are available at nearby towns, and the main campus has facilities for all plastic surgery services. An extensive call rotation schedule involving hand trauma call with orthopedics and face trauma call with otolaryngology provides residents with hands-on experience. The program also supports international mission trips focused on helping underserved populations in countries such as Moldova, Bolivia, Togo, Kenya, Dominican Republic, and Vietnam.

Overall, Wake Forest University School of Medicine's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency Program offers a comprehensive and supportive training environment for residents seeking in-depth plastic surgery experience and a commitment to global outreach.