Simulation: An Effective Method of Teaching Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin Injection Technique

Simulation-based training in dermatologic surgery: a literature review

Simulation-based training has been shown to increase confidence and improve technical proficiency in surgical trainees. In this review, we describe the methods of simulation-based training currently being utilized in cutaneous surgery education. PubMed and EMBASE were searched for terms related to dermatologic surgery, education, and simulation. Articles published in English from 2013 onward that discussed simulation-based cutaneous surgery training of dermatology, plastic surgery, or otolaryngology resident physicians were included and summarized. Currently utilized simulation modalities in the training of dermatologic surgeons include skin substitutes, cadavers, and technology-based platforms. While each of these modalities have been shown to enhance trainee confidence and/or skill, head-to-head studies comparing their efficacy and usefulness are limited. Dermatologic surgery training, and therefore patient care, may be enhanced by further incorporation of simulation training. However, further studies are needed to clarify the optimal simulation platforms and delivery.

Balancing Medical Education in Aesthetics: Review and Debate

The demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is rising, and the public and other physicians deem dermatologists as top providers of these services. Given these expectations, dermatologic residency training must equip resident physician trainees to care for the growing population of patients with aesthetic concerns. As stands, formal hands-on cosmetic dermatology training in residency is lacking specific structure. Educational, cultural, time, and monetary barriers exist, among others, which restrict residents from attaining proficiency in cosmetic dermatology procedures prior to graduation. This may adversely impact patient safety and deter graduates from offering aesthetic procedures. The standardization of core residency competencies in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures is fundamental to guarantee patient safety and satisfaction while ensuring practitioner competence. The balance between these elements is essential for optimal patient care. We review and debate for modifying and strengthening the current curriculum requirements while presenting means to overcome barriers.

Use of Simulation in Plastic Surgery Training

The nationwide focus on patient safety and the health of residents has increased the demand for educational tools outside the operating room. Simulation is a valuable tool for assessing and developing surgical skills in a controlled and safe environment. The use of simulation as a formal component of training has been increasing in various surgical subspecialties. In general surgery, simulation examinations such as the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery and Fundamentals of Endoscopic Surgery have become a prerequisite to board certification. Although formal simulation examinations in plastic surgery are not universal, there has been an increase in the use of simulation to increase resident competency in the operating room. For now, we will review the current state of simulation in craniofacial, hand, microvascular, and esthetic surgery and discuss applications for the future. We will also discuss the evolving role of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality in plastic surgery training and testing.

Aesthetic Training in Plastic Surgery Residency

Training in aesthetic surgery is a core element in a plastic surgery residency program. Nevertheless, in the past, many studies have shown the lack of resident confidence in aesthetic procedures upon graduation. In recent years, a number of efforts have been made to address this concern, including increasing the required residency aesthetic case requirements and the integration of resident aesthetic clinics to increase exposure and independence in this aspect of training. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these resident-run clinics and have substantiated their value as an important educational tool in residency training and validated their safety in patient care. In fact, survey studies have shown that though residents today show a markedly increased confidence in their training when compared with the past, they still feel there is room for improvement in areas such as facial and minimally invasive surgeries, along with procedures that require higher patient volume to refine. In this article, we review the current state of aesthetic surgery training during plastic surgery residency and discuss future directions in the field.