Plastic surgeon residents

Has anyone used the residency program at VCU or UVA for plastic surgery? I'm curious about their reputation. Information on your experience with any resident program would be helpful.
Thanks,
Vicky

I and two other Missouri women have had extended tummy tucks and one had a circumferential surgery at Kansas University Medical Center Plastic Surgery Residency Program in Kansas City, Kansas, and they are awesome so it depends on the program. I would try to follow my Resident into private practice if I needed any more surgery - he's that wonderful. Also, at KU they seem to set a very reasonable price whi*****ludes all pre-op and post-op visits, your compression garment, and mine included a slight revision of a dog-ear on one side. They seem more interested in you as a patient and not so focused on the money!! I love the Residents and their supervisor, Dr. Ponnaru, is a great person too. You need to talk to the program and ask for references from prior patients. They should be able to hook you up and the initial consultation is free at KU. I'll be Virginia programs are excellent but I don't know anyone who's used them.
Hugs and keep working on it. It is such a less-expensive way to go.
Lana

Thank you both for your advice/help. I'm just in the planning stages and looking at all my options. Thanks again, Vicky

I am not sure what part of Virginia you are in but University of Maryland has a reduced cost program.  http://www.umm.edu/plasticsurgery/discount_cosmetic_surgery.htm

I'll look it up. Do you know anyone that used it? I've heard in these programs you can save 40% or so. I wouldn't compromise my safety but if I found a program I was comfortable with, that would be quite a savings.
Thanks,
Vicky

No, but I am compiling a list.  The board moves pretty fast and people move on and may not see a post so everytime I see someone post that has used a resident training program I save the link to an excel file.  Just so when people ask these questions I can refer them to the thread. 

I have had residents assist on all of my plastics and the residents have provided the bulk of my bedside care while in the hospital.  I have some medical issues so anytime I have plastics I am generally in the hospital several days.  I have been very pleased with the care I have received.  But along the lines of what Dr. L says, I have a great deal of confidence in the my surgeons and I know they would not let anyone near me who was not up to snuff. 

Red

I have supervised resident surgeons for over 10 years, and taught full time for 2.  The standards today are higher than ever...largely due to the institutional  (i.e. hospital) guidelines now in place.  When I was in training, I did things (usually trauma and emergencies)  unsupervised by the staff doctor.  That was the standard in the late 80s and early 90s, but no more.

Institutions require the presence of the supervising doctor before the case can start. I know of no exceptions today.  Followup care may be by the residents, and they may rotate every few months. 

The experience of the supervising doc is important, and he or she should be checked out and preferably be a referral from another patient or doctor.





 

 I used a resident at KU and my results were so great I am hoping to plan more surgery with him. I had my first round with a well respected and experienced doctor and the results are terrible. I am going to have to have his work redone. Just because someone is in private practice and recommended does not mean they will give you a good result. Residents are closely watched and have experts to help them.  I would recommend them anytime especially the one I used. I drove 3 1/2 hours to use him. Well worth the drive.