Obviously I'd have to go to med school first, but where, in the UK, would I go to learn plastic surgery after

Question

I'm only 16, and I know I've no need to worry about my future career yet, but I am taking maths, chemistry, biology (and english lit.) att A-level so I can take medicine at uni and want to know where I would learn plastic surgery after this? Or would it just be relatively 'easy' after med. school? Serious answers please, from people who know what they're talking about. Thanks!

Answer 1

Following med school you will need to complete the 2 year generic training. This would involve the first foundation year which would include training in both general surgery and general medicine. The second foundation year involves three 4 monthly blocks, and can involve a variety of specialities. If you wish to do plastic surgery, you would need to enter a specialist training program in surgery, which would be 2 years long, and then apply for further surgical training which will be for a further 5 years. During this time you would need to complete 3 post graduate exams, and then apply for a plastics rotation, which is competitive due to the relatively low number of plastic's consultants, when compared to other specialities. It's a long road, and if your impression of plastic surgery is that of cosmetic surgery, then you are very much mistaken. If it is cosmetic surgery you are keen to do, this can only be done privately on top of nhs work. If this is the option you'd prefer, it can be approached from a general surgical rotation, with training in the relevant cosmetic surgeries you'd be interested in.

Answer 2

I recommend the Northern General Hospital in Sheffield. I am now 61 and well remember having lots of plastic surgery as a child in the 50's and early 60's. People went to the hospital now closed from all over the country. I got to know people from Kent and Wales even Somerset. It was nationally important. The hospital I was in is now closed and the unit transferred to Northern general. Same staff but a lovely new

unit. The burns unit is very well known.

Answer 3

Becky...I doubt there are many 'plastic surgeons' on here to answer you?

Cosmetic surgery is of course a specific branch of medicine and highly specialised.

You will need to complete your degree and work as a 'house officer' in order to complete your training.  Your career route would obviously need to include significant experience in surgery.

There is no direct route through to a specific career in medicine, so I suggest you contact a college who can advise you on the latest information.

Good luck.

PS.....A friend of mine used to call cosmetic surgery ...specialising in diseases of the rich!

Answer 4

The best place that I know for Plastic Surgery is the World Famous Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead ! They were the forerunner of all that is going on today in this particular field ! The 'Guinea Pigs' were the badly burnt Aircrew in the Aeroplanes caught up in the Aerial Combats during World War Two (WWII) ! I suggest that you give them a call & ask for their help & guidance over your Question(s) !