MSIV Sub-Internship

Plastic and reconstructive surgery sub-internship for 4th year medical students

The three-week sub-internship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is designed to provide a comprehensive exposure to the clinical and surgical management of plastic surgery patients. Under the guidance of the Plastic Surgery Chief Resident, students will actively participate as members of the plastic surgery team.

Sub-internship applications are managed by the David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) program. Medical students interested in applying must submit all required materials at least two months before the elective's start date. For detailed course descriptions and application instructions, please visit the DGSOM website.

Eligibility

• U.S. and Canadian Medical Students: Please refer to the DGSOM website for specific application procedures. 
• International Medical Students: Due to limited course availability, our elective program is open only to pre-selected students from institutions with established reciprocal exchange agreements. We appreciate your understanding.

First day instructions

• Reporting Time: Rounds begin at 0600 or as scheduled by the inpatient chief. On the first day, report to the 6 West Round Room to pre-round with the assigned intern.
• Contact Information: If you need assistance, use the virtual pager system (ext. 89006) or contact the paging operator at (310) 825-6301.

Goals of the three week sub-internship

During the sub-internship, students will encounter cases across multiple domains, including general reconstruction, breast surgery, craniofacial surgery, and cosmetic surgery.

• Morning Rounds and Patient Management: Engage in patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Assist in Surgery: Gain hands-on experience in a variety of surgical cases.
• Attend Clinics and Conferences:
  • Outpatient Clinic
  • Multidisciplinary Craniofacial Clinic
  • Plastic Surgery Didactic Conferences

Rotation requirements

To successfully complete the sub-internship, you must:

• Obtain Daily Sign-Outs: Obtain sign-out from the chief resident before leaving the hospital each day.
• Participate in Afternoon Rounds: Participate in afternoon rounds with the chief resident when not operating.
• Participate in Weekend Rounds: Round with the team on one weekend day during the rotation.
• Participate in Overnight Calls (Optional): Encouraged but not required.
• Attend Conferences: You are expected to regularly check the conference schedule and attend all lectures and conferences scheduled during your elective. Please note that the dress code for dinner conferences is business casual.
• Keep a Case Log: Keep a detailed log of all observed cases, including the patient's MRN, diagnosis, treatment plan, outcome, complications, and your role (observer, first assist, etc.). Be prepared to discuss each case.
• Complete Case Observation Requirements:
  • Craniofacial Team: Ear Reconstruction, Cleft Lip Repair, Cleft Palate Repair, Le Fort Osteotomy.
  • Breast Team: Breast Reconstruction (Free Flap and Tissue Expander), Breast Reduction, Nipple/Areolar Reconstruction.
  • Cosmetic/General Reconstruction Team: Abdominoplasty, Rhytidectomy, Breast Augmentation, BSC/SCC Excision, MOHs Closure, Skin Graft.

Evaluation criteria

Student performance will be evaluated by both a faculty member and the Plastic Surgery Chief Resident. Evaluations are based on the following criteria:

1. Patient Evaluation Skills:
   • Conduct focused History and Physical (H&P) examinations, addressing the primary problem and related concerns. A comprehensive H&P is required for new patients who have had or will need surgery.
   • Develop concise oral presentation skills to effectively communicate patient cases to residents and faculty in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
2. Diagnostic Knowledge:
   • Understand a variety of diagnostic modalities used in plastic surgery, such as CT scans, MRIs, and biopsy/pathology evaluations. Learn their indications, limitations, risks, and alternatives.
3. Surgical Knowledge:
   • Gain familiarity with preoperative evaluations, surgical instruments, potential risks, postoperative care, and follow-up for plastic and reconstructive surgeries.

Evaluation submission

UCLA provides evaluations for visiting students only. Upon request, we will send a copy of your student performance evaluation to your home school after the elective is completed. Students are also required to complete an evaluation of the elective and teaching faculty via the UCLA evaluation system.

Exit interview

During the last week of the rotation, students will have an exit interview. This interview will also serve as your interview for the residency program. Please contact us to schedule your exit interview.

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