7 January 2007
As plastic surgeons we get used to the general public thinking that we are just cosmetic surgeons.When other professional colleagues,particularly those working in teaching hospitals,appear to think the same,we find it rather galling.
As in other surgical specialities,the number of well qualified SHO's trying to get MMC training posts,far exceeds those available.Many of these SHO's have completed basic surgical training, undertaken a research degree, and completed 2-3yrs in plastic surgery in the hope of getting a training number. They will have been qualified for at least 7yrs - probably the time it takes to become a consultant in public health - only to be now told that the rules have changed and their chances of continuing in the speciality will be much reduced.These trainees have done everything that has been asked of them and are some of the highest quality trainees in any speciality, but now to be thrown on the scrap heap.
As to the number of plastic surgeons required,if Dr.Zaman truly understood the scope of the speciality and the work load involved, then he would also understand why more plastic surgeons are required. When he mangles his hand with a chain saw who does he think will be doing the reconstruction,when he sustains a burn or necrotising fasciitis who will trat him? If his wife is unfortunate enough to need a mastectomy for breast cancer,who is going to do the reconstruction,if his child is born with a cleft lip and palate or a congenital hand deformity,who is going to do the surgery?
I am priveliged to work in a large plastic surgery unit of 16 consultants. Most of us have full-time contracts doing 12 sessions per week,and yes,most of us do some cosmetic surgery beyond our contracted hours.We operate on more than 2,000 hand injury cases per year,we treat more than 1,000 burns plus other trauma and skin cancer.
No particular speciality in medicine is more worthy than any other,it depends on timing.If there is a flu pandemic then public health doctors will have their moment of glory,when a psychotic patient burns himself we are crying out for the psychiatrists,if there is another terrorist attack then it will be the plastic surgeons who are in the highest demand to try to put back the pieces.
Dr.Zaman should visit a busy plastic surgery unit to see for himself just what the speciality involves.
Competing interests: I am a consultant plastic surgeon.
www.bmj.com
As in other surgical specialities,the number of well qualified SHO's trying to get MMC training posts,far exceeds those available.Many of these SHO's have completed basic surgical training, undertaken a research degree, and completed 2-3yrs in plastic surgery in the hope of getting a training number. They will have been qualified for at least 7yrs - probably the time it takes to become a consultant in public health - only to be now told that the rules have changed and their chances of continuing in the speciality will be much reduced.These trainees have done everything that has been asked of them and are some of the highest quality trainees in any speciality, but now to be thrown on the scrap heap.
As to the number of plastic surgeons required,if Dr.Zaman truly understood the scope of the speciality and the work load involved, then he would also understand why more plastic surgeons are required. When he mangles his hand with a chain saw who does he think will be doing the reconstruction,when he sustains a burn or necrotising fasciitis who will trat him? If his wife is unfortunate enough to need a mastectomy for breast cancer,who is going to do the reconstruction,if his child is born with a cleft lip and palate or a congenital hand deformity,who is going to do the surgery?
I am priveliged to work in a large plastic surgery unit of 16 consultants. Most of us have full-time contracts doing 12 sessions per week,and yes,most of us do some cosmetic surgery beyond our contracted hours.We operate on more than 2,000 hand injury cases per year,we treat more than 1,000 burns plus other trauma and skin cancer.
No particular speciality in medicine is more worthy than any other,it depends on timing.If there is a flu pandemic then public health doctors will have their moment of glory,when a psychotic patient burns himself we are crying out for the psychiatrists,if there is another terrorist attack then it will be the plastic surgeons who are in the highest demand to try to put back the pieces.
Dr.Zaman should visit a busy plastic surgery unit to see for himself just what the speciality involves.
Competing interests: I am a consultant plastic surgeon.
www.bmj.com
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