10 Essential Tips to Prepare for Your Plastic Surgery Sub-Internship (Sub-I)

VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities) is your gateway to ‘most’ away rotations. Prepare and upload your documents early and meticulously.

• Craft a tailored personal statement specific to plastic surgery.
• Update your CV thoroughly, highlighting relevant USMLE step scores, clerkship grades, presentations, awards, research, and extracurriculars.
• Secure a strong letter of recommendation early; consider mentors familiar with your research, clinical skills, and dedication to plastic surgery.
• Ensure your immunization records, Step 1 completion, and certification (BLS/ACLS) are readily available and up-to-date.
• The steps are: CV → Personal Statement → LOR → Upload

Double-check all submissions to avoid delays due to missing documentation or minor errors.

For a detailed step-by-step guide, refer to the full handbook.

Choose rotations with clear goals in mind:

• If you are interested in specific residency programs, prioritize rotations at these institutions.
• Mix rotations at prestigious academic centers and smaller programs where your performance might stand out more distinctly.
• Plan geographically diverse rotations to signal your willingness and ability to relocate for residency.

• Complete all required training modules and hospital onboarding early.
• Actively communicate with IT departments to guarantee EHR access from day one.
• Keep a detailed checklist of completed administrative tasks and proactively address any potential issues.

The handbook provides an extensive administrative checklist to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Contact junior residents (if possible) ahead of your rotation to clarify:

• Specific daily schedules, rounds times, and expectations for Sub-Is.
• Preferences and quirks of attendings or senior residents you will work with.
• The exact expectations regarding dress code in different clinical settings.

You will essentially function as an intern:

• Take ownership of patient lists, daily notes, and updates.
• Prepare thoroughly for surgical procedures by reviewing patient history, indications, and procedural steps beforehand.
• Proactively anticipate team needs (e.g. pre-rounding preparations, dressing changes, patient positioning in the OR).
• Always be ready to assist in procedures or with patient care tasks without needing explicit instructions repeatedly.

Refer to the handbook for the three A’s.

Prioritize efficient, high-yield resources:

• Handbooks: Keep the Michigan Manual or Essentials of Plastic Surgery with you for quick reviews.
• Online Platforms: Regularly utilize The Plastics Fella, StatPearls or Microsurgeon.org for focused, concise refreshers.
• Videos: Frequently watch concise anatomy and procedure tutorials (e.g. Susan Mackinnon’s YouTube channel).

Create structured digital notes organized by categories (hand, craniofacial, microsurgery) for rapid review before each case.

Full resource recommendations are extensively covered in the handbook.

Sharpen practical skills in advance:

• Practice various suturing techniques (simple interrupted, running subcuticular).
• Master basic knot-tying under timed conditions.
• Rehearse surgical instrument handling to demonstrate familiarity and comfort in the OR setting.
• Remember, you do not need to be an expert on day 1 of your first sub-I.

• Always dress neatly and professionally, tailored to the situation (clinic vs. OR).
• Avoid discussing sensitive or controversial topics even if the residents are.
• Maintain a polite, respectful demeanour towards all staff, from administrative personnel to attendings.
• Clearly communicate your busy schedule and limited availability to family and friends to set realistic expectations during your rotation.

• Proactively arrange professional meetings with the Program Director, Chair, or other senior leaders.
• Prepare concise, informed questions and clearly articulate your professional goals and how the program aligns with them.
• Use email scheduling to ensure timely.

• Build supportive relationships with fellow Sub-Is; coordinate roles and tasks to enhance team efficiency. It is not a zero sum game.
• Demonstrate teamwork clearly and positively, as this directly reflects on your professional maturity and residency readiness.
• Avoid behaviors that undermine teammates; instead, actively seek opportunities to help peers shine.