PAMELA J. BUTLER, M.D.

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The research focused on the experiences of diverse leaders in U.S. plastic surgery, showcasing how factors like gender, race, and ethnicity impact their careers. The panel included four doctors who shared their personal stories of overcoming challenges and the importance of mentorship, emphasizing that hard work and integrity can lead to success despite adversity. This matters because it highlights the need for greater inclusion and support for future surgeons from all backgrounds. Who this helps: This helps aspiring surgeons, especially those from underrepresented groups.

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This study looked at how schizophrenia affects the early visual system, including changes in the eyes and brain areas responsible for vision. Researchers found that these visual system changes can help track the condition's development and predict outcomes like the first signs of a psychotic episode and long-term cognitive decline. This matters because understanding these visual markers can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for people with schizophrenia. Who this helps: Patients with schizophrenia.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) could unfairly impact medical career advice based on race and gender. Researchers created 200 fake medical student profiles with different backgrounds and found that male applicants were seen as more competitive than females, with a shocking 10 times higher chance of getting recommendations for surgical specialties. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic applicants were unfairly rated as less competitive compared to their White counterparts, needing significantly more test points to be viewed equally. Who this helps: This research is important for medical students, especially those from underrepresented groups, as it highlights biases in AI systems that could influence their career opportunities.

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This study looked at how well patients from different racial and ethnic backgrounds recover after surgery to save limbs from chronic wounds. Researchers reviewed 335 surgeries over 13 years and found that Black patients had more health challenges and lower income compared to White patients, but all groups had similar surgery outcomes. This is important because it shows that with a team-based approach to treatment, patients can achieve good results regardless of their race or background. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic wounds, especially those from racially and ethnically underserved communities.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can simplify complex plastic surgery research so that more people can understand it. Researchers tested four different AI models on eight articles about disparities in plastic surgery and found that one model, Grok, did the best in simplifying the information to a sixth- to eighth-grade reading level, significantly better than the others. This is important because it means that Grok can help make important medical information more accessible to patients, reducing barriers to understanding their own healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families who want to understand plastic surgery research better.

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This study looked at online resources about breast reconstruction to see how easy they are to read and how well they represent different ethnic groups. Researchers found that most of the websites were too difficult for the average person to understand, with over half requiring at least a 10th-grade reading level, and only 18% of the sites included images of patients from diverse backgrounds. Improving the readability and diversity of these resources is important to ensure all patients can access the information they need for their breast cancer treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those seeking breast reconstruction options after cancer.

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This study looked at the experiences of women of color who chose not to have breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer. It involved interviews with 20 women, mostly Black, Asian, and Latina, which revealed important themes like cancer stigma, the role of spirituality, and the need for community support. These findings highlight that understanding the unique cultural experiences of these women is essential for improving their quality of life and ensuring fair treatment options. Who this helps: This research benefits women of color who have undergone mastectomy, as well as healthcare providers seeking to improve support and care for diverse populations.

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This study looked at how bra cup sizes differ among various manufacturers, which affects the conversations between patients and surgeons when planning breast procedures. It found that the volume of cup sizes varies significantly, with sizes C to DD showing the biggest differences—meaning that a 36C bra from one brand may hold much more or less than from another, with differences in volume reaching up to 122.8 cubic centimeters. Understanding these differences helps patients and surgeons have clearer discussions about desired breast size, especially for larger sizes where the variations are most pronounced. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking breast procedures and their surgeons.

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This study looked at how race affects the use of preventive surgery called risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) for breast cancer. Among 1,285 women analyzed, the research found that racial minorities, including Black women, were younger on average and had higher rates of conditions like obesity and hypertension. Additionally, while minority patients were more likely to have outpatient surgery and shorter hospital stays, they also faced higher rates of complications, showing significant inequalities in access and outcomes related to RRM. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially minority women at risk for breast cancer.

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This study looked at how often women with breast cancer who initially had a lumpectomy ended up needing a mastectomy, focusing on differences among various racial and ethnic groups from 2009 to 2019. It found that overall, about 10.6% of women who had surgery first converted to mastectomy, compared to only 6.1% of those who received chemotherapy before surgery. Notably, while the likelihood of conversion to mastectomy declined for White women by 7.6%, it actually increased by 8.9% for Black women. Understanding these differences is crucial for improving treatment outcomes for all patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers working to close the gap in breast cancer treatment outcomes among different racial and ethnic groups.

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This study looked at how a new visual training program affects how people with schizophrenia perceive the Ebbinghaus illusion, where the size of a central circle changes depending on surrounding circles. Out of 47 participants, those who underwent the visual training showed a decrease in how much surrounding circles influenced their perception, while those in a control group did not see this change. This is important because it suggests that visual training can help people with schizophrenia focus better and be less distracted by irrelevant details. Who this helps: Patients with schizophrenia.

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This study looked at how often race and ethnicity information is missing from a large database tracking pediatric surgeries between 2016 and 2020. It found that the percentage of patients with no recorded race or ethnicity increased significantly from 5.7% in 2016 to 12.1% in 2020. Patients missing this information faced longer hospital stays and higher rates of readmission and complications compared to those with known race and ethnicity. Who this helps: This helps patients by highlighting the need for better data collection to address disparities in surgical care.

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This study explored how to ensure a safe blood supply to the nipple during breast reduction surgery using a method called dual perfusion. Researchers found that using ultrasound during the surgery confirmed that the nipple was receiving blood from two sources, which may lower the risk of complications. This matters because it can make the surgery safer for patients with very large or sagging breasts. Who this helps: Patients undergoing breast reduction surgery.

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This study looked at how people with schizophrenia learn from social interactions compared to monetary rewards. Researchers found that individuals with schizophrenia had less brain activity in areas linked to decision-making when choosing based on feedback, showing weakened responses during the decision-making phase but not during the feedback phase. This is important because it reveals that while people with schizophrenia can process information when receiving feedback, they struggle to adjust their choices based on what they expect should happen, similar to what is seen with money-based rewards. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia by providing insights for improving their social functioning and learning processes.

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This study looked at successful women leaders in plastic surgery to understand their experiences and pathways. Out of 227 survey participants, 116 were women, and 90 identified as leaders; 70% pursued advanced training, primarily in areas like microsurgery and hand surgery. The findings highlight that qualities like integrity and grit play a key role in their success, and many attribute their achievements to mentorship and networking. Who this helps: This helps women aspiring to lead in the medical field, particularly in plastic surgery.

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This research paper focuses on the importance of mentorship for women in plastic surgery, highlighting that it significantly helps them start and grow their careers in this field. The review found that while more women are entering medical schools, there is still a noticeable gap in leadership roles within plastic surgery, with women facing challenges like unequal pay and difficulty in career advancement. Improving mentorship and providing better support for work-life balance are essential for helping women succeed and promoting fairness in the field. Who this helps: This benefits female surgeons and aspiring women in the field of plastic surgery.

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This study examined the challenges women face in the field of plastic surgery, noting that they are still underrepresented, especially in leadership positions. It found that to improve this situation, changes like transparent hiring practices, family-friendly policies, and better mentorship opportunities are necessary. Implementing these changes is important to ensure that women have equal chances to succeed and contribute in this field. Who this helps: This helps women pursuing careers in plastic surgery and the medical institutions that wish to support them.

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This study looked at how common the impostor phenomenon is among people in academic plastic surgery, which is when successful individuals doubt their abilities despite evidence of their competence. It surveyed 136 residents and faculty from various institutions and found that the average score indicating feelings of being an impostor was 64 out of 100. Female respondents reported higher impostor scores (67.3) compared to their male counterparts (62.0), suggesting that women in this field may experience these doubts more intensely. Who this helps: This research helps medical trainees and professionals, particularly female plastic surgeons, understand and address feelings of self-doubt in their careers.

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This study looked at how factors like gender, race, ethnicity, and family income affect medical students' careers in surgery. Out of over 5,000 students interested in surgery, only 41.5% were able to continue on that path by graduation, with women and students from underrepresented backgrounds facing lower chances of success; for example, Hispanic students were 30% less likely to continue in surgery compared to their peers. This research highlights the need to improve support and opportunities for women and minority students in surgery to create a more diverse medical workforce. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare systems benefit from a more diverse surgical workforce.

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In this study, researchers examined how individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) learn from social interactions compared to learning from money-based rewards. They found that people with SZ struggled more when learning from social feedback than from monetary feedback, performing worse in social tasks. Specifically, SZ were more impaired at recognizing negative emotions, which affected their ability to learn from social situations. This matters because it highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these emotional recognition difficulties to help improve social skills in people with schizophrenia. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with schizophrenia by identifying areas where support can improve their social interactions.

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This study looked at how well people with schizophrenia and those without (called neurotypical individuals) could recognize shapes made up of simple patterns. It found that neurotypical individuals tended to perform better, needing less complex shapes to identify them correctly compared to those with schizophrenia, who struggled more with complicated shapes like spirals and blobs. Understanding these differences is important because it can help researchers design better therapies and tools for people with schizophrenia to improve their visual perception skills. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the racial makeup of authors who publish research in plastic surgery over the last ten years. It found that a majority of senior authors (64.5%) and first authors (59.5%) are White, with only small percentages being Hispanic (4.6% and 5.2%) or Black (1% and 2.6%). Additionally, having a senior author from an underrepresented group greatly increases the chances of a first author also being from that group, by seven times, showing that mentorship is key to increasing diversity in this field. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare professionals by promoting a wider range of perspectives in plastic surgery research.

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This study looked at how visually related experiences reported by people at high risk for developing psychosis are connected to their actual visual functioning. Researchers tested 11 participants, who were mostly in their late teens and early twenties, and found that those who had better contrast sensitivity to certain visual patterns reported more visual disturbances, specifically a strong link between lower contrast sensitivity and higher visual anomalies. These findings are important because they suggest that early visual processing issues may be connected to perceptual problems in individuals at risk for psychosis. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for psychosis and their doctors by highlighting possible early signs of visual processing problems.

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This study focused on how a new visual training program (called VisR) could improve visual processing for people with schizophrenia, who often struggle with seeing contrasts clearly. The researchers found that those who received the combined training for contrast sensitivity and contour integration showed better improvements in their ability to process visual contrasts and experienced a reduction in symptoms, with nearly double the improvement compared to a control group. This is important because enhancing visual processing may lead to overall better functioning and well-being in people with schizophrenia. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia who face visual processing challenges.

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This study examined the gender and racial diversity among directors of five major plastic surgery fellowship programs. It found that only 12.5% of fellowship directors were women and 72.9% were White, indicating a significant lack of diversity in these leadership roles. This matters because increasing diversity in medical training and mentorship can lead to a workforce that better represents and understands the patient population. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those from diverse backgrounds seeking care.

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This study looked at the importance of diversity and inclusion in the field of plastic surgery, focusing on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups, such as women and racial minorities. It found that having a variety of perspectives in the surgical community not only improves patient care but also strengthens the specialty overall. The research emphasizes that promoting diversity does not compromise excellence; instead, it helps create fair opportunities for all and removes barriers for those who have been discriminated against. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking care from a more diverse group of plastic surgeons.

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This study looked at the gender and racial diversity among academic microsurgeons in the US. Researchers found that while women and non-White surgeons received similar support during their training, they were less likely to hold academic positions and felt fewer opportunities for career advancement compared to White surgeons. Specifically, only 8% of female faculty and 28% of non-White surgeons held leadership roles, highlighting a significant underrepresentation in this field. Who this helps: This research benefits aspiring surgeons, especially women and minority groups, by identifying barriers they face in advancing their careers.

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This study looked at trends in matching applicants to independent plastic surgery residency programs from 2019 to 2022. They found that while more applicants (42.3%) were trying to get into these programs, the actual matching rate dropped from 82% to 56%. The research revealed that graduates from U.S. allopathic schools, high test scores, and more interviews increased the chances of success, but many programs are considering cutting their independent tracks due to decreasing numbers of available spots. Who this helps: This information benefits medical students interested in plastic surgery and program directors making decisions about residency offerings.

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This research studied how well the human visual system can detect differences in brightness (contrast) at different levels of detail, using a special iPad tool. Researchers tested 22 adults and found that our ability to see contrasts depends on timing: faster or slower showing of images affects how we perceive differences. They discovered that for most levels of detail, our eyes rely on a sustained mechanism, while lower details are detected through a temporary process. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing vision problems by improving how eye tests are conducted.

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This study compared two surgical techniques for breast reduction surgery: the superomedial and inferior pedicle methods. It found that patients using the superomedial technique had shorter surgery times and better scarring, while those using the inferior technique were 4.3 times more likely to face complications and needed reoperations. These findings are important because they indicate that the superomedial approach is safer and provides better aesthetic outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering breast reduction surgery and their doctors.

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This study looks at the history and impact of Black American plastic surgeons and highlights the challenges they faced in a field that has been predominantly white. It found that Black surgeons were often excluded from professional societies due to systemic racism, but they created their own networks to support one another and made important contributions to plastic surgery that had been overlooked. Understanding this history is crucial because it helps address ongoing disparities and can lead to a more inclusive and diverse medical field that benefits everyone. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by promoting diversity and improving representation in healthcare.

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This study looked at facial vascularized composite allotransplantation (fVCA), a complex surgery for severe facial injuries, and examined whether there are racial and ethnic differences in who receives this treatment. Out of 47 cases studied globally from 2005 to 2020, 36 patients were White, 10 were Asian, and only 1 was Black, showing a significant lack of diversity. Specifically, in the U.S., 16 out of 17 fVCA surgeries went to White patients, making up 94% of recipients, which does not match the general population's diversity and reveals potential unfairness in healthcare access. Who this helps: This research benefits patients seeking facial reconstruction, particularly those from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

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This study looked at why certain graduating medical students choose to pursue plastic surgery and work in underserved areas. Out of over 57,000 students, only 532 (about 0.9%) wanted to specialize in plastic surgery, with Hispanic and multiracial students showing higher interest. Additionally, Black students interested in plastic surgery were significantly more likely to want to practice in underserved areas, and students with community service experience were also more inclined to serve these communities. Who this helps: This research benefits patients in underserved areas by highlighting the importance of diversity among future plastic surgeons.

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This study focused on the lack of diversity in plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) by examining how to increase the number of minority surgeons in the field. The authors found that mentoring and research opportunities were key in encouraging underrepresented medical students to pursue PRS, and they created a student-led group called Operation Diversify Plastic Surgery to provide these resources. This matters because a more diverse surgical workforce leads to better patient care and satisfaction. Who this helps: This helps medical students from minority backgrounds and patients who benefit from a diverse healthcare workforce.

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This study looked at why fewer African American (AA) medical students are interested in becoming plastic surgeons compared to their white peers. Out of 286 surveyed AA medical students, only 24.7% were interested in plastic surgery, while a significant majority of 75.3% were not. The findings highlight important differences in experiences and perceptions between those interested and not interested, indicating a need for targeted support to encourage more AA students in this field. Who this helps: This benefits African American medical students considering a career in plastic surgery.

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This study examined online educational materials for breast reduction surgery to see if they reflect the diversity of patients undergoing the procedure in the U.S. Researchers looked at 616 images in various online resources and found that 82% showed White skin tones, while only 18% showed non-White skin tones. This does not match the actual patient demographics, where 48% are White and 52% are non-White, indicating a bias in the materials being presented. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking breast reduction surgery by ensuring they see a more accurate representation of their peers in educational resources.

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This study looked at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing plastic surgery as a medical specialty. It found that while many plastic surgeons see their problem-solving skills as a key strength (62%), they also face challenges like a poor public perception (54%) and competition from other specialties trying to expand their roles (78%). Improving diversity within the field was highlighted as both a weakness and an opportunity, signaling that greater inclusion could strengthen the specialty and help address these challenges. Who this helps: This benefits plastic surgeons and the patients who rely on their expertise.

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This research paper focuses on how surgical residency programs can improve their selection process by using a holistic review approach rather than just looking at test scores. It was found that using a more comprehensive assessment can better predict a resident's skills and effectiveness in their role. This matters because enhancing diversity in the medical workforce can lead to better healthcare for everyone. Who this helps: Patients and the healthcare system as a whole.

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This study looked at what qualities are most important for being a great plastic surgeon by surveying over 180 plastic surgeons and trainees. The results showed that the top five traits were technical skill (53% of respondents), teamwork (48%), ethics (44%), compassion (37%), and emotional intelligence (33%). Understanding these traits helps improve how future surgeons are selected, ensuring that the selection process aligns with what is truly valued in the profession. Who this helps: This benefits medical schools and residency programs, as well as future plastic surgeons.

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This study looked at ways to improve plastic surgery education by analyzing its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats during a conference with 60 participants. The discussions highlighted at least four opportunities for improvement in each of the six key topics, such as creating better guidelines for aesthetic surgery training and incorporating business education into residency programs. This research is important because it provides practical recommendations to enhance the training of future plastic surgeons, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers. Who this helps: This benefits plastic surgery residents and their future patients.

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This study looked at how satisfied patients are after having their breast implants removed due to breast implant illness (BII). Of the 24 patients surveyed, 70% felt better overall after the surgery, reporting relief from common symptoms like chest pain and headaches. The research found that quicker removal times can lead to fewer ongoing symptoms, while insurance coverage doesn’t seem to affect satisfaction about breast appearance post-surgery. Who this helps: Patients with breast implant illness.