Physician Training and Experience

92 Physician Training and Experience

Rae Lynne P. Kinler and Christopher M. Varona

Summary

The field of hair restoration surgery has evolved over the years, and the training of a hair restoration surgeon has evolved as well. Both the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) have developed standards and goals for training programs in hair restoration surgery to ensure that the education gained is the most comprehensive. A fellowship program can vary from 1 to 2 years, following the core competencies and the curriculum guidelines of the ISHRS. Case logs and evaluations are performed to ensure that the above are achieved and that the fellow is a competent and confident hair restoration surgeon. Following a fellowship, the hair restoration surgeon will be able to attend meetings held by the ISHRS, and upon completion of the required case load as set forth by the ABHRS, will be able to sit for the oral and written boards performed by the ABHRS. Other less intensive options for training exist and these are also outlined in the chapter.

Keywords: fellowship guidelines candidate selection core competencies curriculum case log requirements

Key Points

•Fellowship programs should be between 1 and 2 years of training in hair restoration surgery.

•Candidates interested in hair restoration surgery training should start seeking programs 3 months to 1 year prior to desired start date.

•Curriculum guidelines have been developed to guide a trainee during the fellowship.

•Training can also be started with various “observerships,” which allow the physician to learn from multiple surgeons.

•Some shorter fellowships are available from larger practices. These are followed by a period of supervised surgeries and then independent surgeries.

•Hair restoration surgeons should ideally attend meetings of the ISHRS, stay up to date with the latest advances in hair restoration, and sit for the oral and written boards provided by the ABHRS.

92.1 Introduction

The most comprehensive, yet most time-consuming, route is a hair restoration fellowship, which may consist of 1 to 2 years of full-time training with an established hair restoration surgeon (HRS). However, an already established physician may not have the time or the ability to commit to a full-time fellowship.

92.2 Formal Fellowships

Two important organizations are involved with hair transplantation fellowship administration and board certification after completion of training. Incorporated in 1993, ISHRS is a nonprofit medical association of physicians interested in surgical and nonsurgical hair restoration and preservation. The ISHRS currently has over 100 members globally and serves as a repository of current hair restoration information for patients and physicians as well as a directory of recommended physicians. The organization offers numerous continuing medical education (CME) opportunities throughout the year and also oversees the guidelines and oversight of hair transplantation fellowship programs. Upon successful completion of the training programs, the ABHRS, established in 1996, is recognized by the ISHRS as the academic body in charge of administering and maintaining board certifications for hair restoration surgery. With cooperation between these two academic organizations, training programs for hair restoration surgery have strict standards and goals and assure the most comprehensive education of hair restoration specialists.

The core competencies that are deemed essential for HRSs are as follows:1

•Counsel and advise patients on the risks and benefits of hair restoration surgery. Address the patient’s specific general medical and psychological condition, including consideration of the patient’s age, sex, physical examination, and family history of hair loss.

•Identify, advise, and manage patients whose hair loss is not androgenetic in etiology.

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