Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Programs Available in Plastic Surgery at UC San Diego

• Plastic Surgery Virtual Subinternship: Our virtual subinternship is a minimal cost option for exploring plastic surgery as a career and residency option. We are proud to offer top priority to those students coming from institutions that do not have a home plastic surgery program.
• Division of Plastic Surgery Scholarship for Underrepresented Students for Visiting Subinternships: One funded visiting clerkship position for 4 weeks in the division of plastic surgery at the University of California San Diego in San Diego, CA in August/ September 2021 for a highly qualified application with a background under-represented in medicine. Please click here for overview and requirements.
• Plastic Surgery Mentorship: UC San Diego Division of Plastic Surgery is proud to present the Plastic Surgery Mentorship Program, meant to provide support and 1:1 mentorship to students who are underrepresented in surgery, from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, or without home plastic surgery programs. We are now capped at 30 mentees for the 2020-2021 academic year, but will re-open applications in Fall of 2021. This program is offered in connection with the American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACAPS) who has partnered with multiple institutions committed to providing a faculty and resident who can be contacted by applicants with interests, questions, or concerns regarding DEI in specific residency programs. You can find the list of participating ACAPS institutions by clicking here. 
• Holistic Review: In resident selection for the UCSD Division of Plastic Surgery, we engage in holistic review of applications. We aim to provide balanced consideration to experiences, talents, and academic metrics. The focus on traditional metrics (USMLE score, grades, number of publications) is reduced while the emphasis on candidates' experiences, attributes, and commitment to the underserved is emphasized.
• Caring for Underserved & Global Communities in Plastic Surgery: Two wonderful opportunities include quarterly surgical trips to Tijuana with ConnectMed International and treating physical deformities in young patients through the Fresh Start Surgical Gifts program at Rady Children’s Hospital.
• UCSD Plastic Surgery Interest Group and Plastic Surgery Research Group: You can connect virtually with these two groups to learn more about plastic surgery as early as your first year in medical school. You will be connected with faculty, residents, and research projects that explore the nuances of plastic surgery and the impact the field has on so many. 

Programs at UC San Diego with which the Division of Plastic Surgery Collaborates  

• PRIME-HEQ: The UC San Diego School of Medicine (SOM) Program in Medical Education – Health Equity (PRIME-HEq) is part of a system-wide effort at the University of California to train physicians better able to meet the needs of the diverse Californian population who are traditionally underserved by the medical system.
• Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA): This new program aims to provide Latinx premedical students at UCSD structured guidance and review in completing the AMCAS application, personal statement, eliciting strong letters of reference, presentation and interviewing skills, academic, cultural and financial support. This year-long program offers mentorship, sessions throughout the academic year, and MCAT stipend. LMSA has a number of opportunities, one of which is Café con Leche, a bimonthly lunch talks with Latinx physicians to discuss their personal journey in medical education and the importance of diversity in medicine. Learn more by visiting the website.
• LGBTQ- PhaM: The mission of LGBTQ-PhaM is to forge community among LGBTQ individuals, to foster professional relationships for LGBTQ students and allies, and to confront LGBTQ health disparities through education and advocacy. In working towards these goals, LGBTQ-PhaM hopes to empower the voices of transgender and gender non-conforming folks, people of color, women, and the LGBTQIA+ Community. Learn more by visiting the website.
• Pre-Medical APAMSA: APAMSA is composed of pre-medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. This UCSD chapter provides a platform for pre-medical students to meet, exchange experiences, and develop personally and professionally through leadership and service. Learn more by visiting the website.
• UCSD Student National Medical Association: The mission of this group includes promoting the sponsorship of programs for minority youth to encourage their entrance into the health professions, as well as the promotion of increased levels of minority students recruitment, admissions, and retention in schools training health professionals. Learn more by visiting the website.

Research and Publications by UC San Diego Faculty and Residents

• Discussion: Melting the Plastic Ceiling: Where We Currently Stand on Measures to Support Women in Academic Plastic Surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 Sep; 146(3):708-709. Reghunathan M, Gosman AA. PMID: 32842120.
• Discussion: The Impact of Race, Age, Gender, Income, and Level of Education on Motivations to Pursue Cosmetic Surgery and Surgeon Selection at an Academic Institution. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 05; 145(5):940e-941e. Reghunathan M, Gosman AA. PMID: 32332534.
• Diversity in Plastic Surgery: Trends in Female Representation at Plastic Surgery Meetings. Ann Plast Surg. 2020 May; 84(5S Suppl 4):S278-S282. Reghunathan M, Parmeshwar N, Gallus KM, Gosman AA. PMID: 31972574.
• Reply: Diversity in Plastic Surgery: Trends in Minority Representation among Applicants and Residents. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 01; 145(1):221e-224e. Parmeshwar N, Gosman AA. PMID: 31625987.
• Diversity in Plastic Surgery: Trends in Minority Representation among Applicants and Residents. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 03; 143(3):940-949. Parmeshwar N, Stuart ER, Reid CM, Oviedo P, Gosman AA. PMID: 30817668.

Other Media

• American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons, Diversity and Inclusion in Plastic Surgery  Residencies (Moderator: Amanda Gosman, MD, August 25, 2020)