What Do Undergraduate Medical Students Value in Plastic Surgery Conferences?

Abstract

Background:
Medical students often have misconceptions about plastic surgery, and improving undergraduate education in the field remains a priority. Conferences—delivered in-person or online—are commonly used to enhance access and awareness. However, there is limited literature on (1) student interest in oncoplastic breast surgery and (2) what medical students value in plastic surgery conference education.

Methods:
In collaboration with the Association of Breast Surgery, we organized 6 hybrid-format lectures focused on breast surgery. Attendees completed optional pre- and postconference surveys, which were analyzed statistically. Semistructured interviews were conducted with a random sample of 30 respondents and thematically analyzed.

Results:
The event was attended by 111 medical students, with 102 completing both surveys. There was a statistically significant increase in interest in oncology, plastic surgery, and oncoplastic breast surgery following the conference ( P < 0.05). Student attitudes toward breast surgery also improved. Thematic analysis revealed that students valued conferences for increasing exposure to the field and helping shape career interests. In-person conferences were particularly appreciated for their networking opportunities and practical workshops.

Conclusions:
Conferences effectively promote interest and awareness of plastic surgery among medical students. Although in-person formats offer greater interactivity, virtual events provide accessible and scalable alternatives. Future research should focus on developing longitudinal educational initiatives and evaluating the long-term influence of undergraduate events on career decision-making in plastic surgery.