The Plastic Surgery Foundation
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PSF Diversity and Inclusion Grant
Recruitment and Retention

Purpose

The PSF recognizes the importance of fostering a culture of diversity and inclusivity in the field of plastic surgery. Currently, healthcare disparities persist in the United States and within the field of plastic surgery. It has been well documented that patients are more likely to seek care from providers with cultural backgrounds (e.g. racial/ethnic, etc.) more similar to their own when these providers are available.

For this reason, and because providers from racial/ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented in medicine and plastic surgery often provide care to patients with similar backgrounds, an increase in diversity in medicine and plastic surgery will lead to increased access to care and enhanced cultural competence for patients, particularly in communities that have been historically underserved due racism, stigma and other cultural and socioeconomic factors.

It is also imperative that we encourage an environment of inclusion within our plastic surgery workforce, which incorporates diversity in our leadership, to bring forth a variety of perspectives and opportunities for these leaders to contribute ideas and to serve as role models and mentors to encourage other students currently underrepresented in the specialty, to choose plastic surgery as a profession.

The goal of this pilot grant is to fund research projects that will lead to the identification and creation of prospective tools, resources, approaches and/or strategies for improving diversity and inclusion in plastic surgery, and these tools should be widely adoptable throughout the specialty. Projects that are retrospective or historical in nature are less likely to be competitive.

Testimonial

"Our approach extends beyond an individual program to involve faculty from diverse backgrounds from top academic institutions across the country to help support our students in the journey to sub-internships and applying into plastic surgery – to ensure they have the support to succeed. Through our research, we will measure impact, but early student testimonials are providing an indication of the value of our efforts."

Meera Reghunathan, MD
University of California, San Diego
2021 PSF Diversity and Inclusion Grant Recipient

Amount & Duration

Up to $10,000 for 1-year pilot projects

Apply

The 2024 PSF research grant cycle is NOW CLOSED.

The application deadline was December 1, 2023.

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