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Despite increasing female representation in medical schools, women remain underrepresented in senior plastic surgery posts, reflecting attrition along the surgical career pathway. Limited early specialty exposure, reduced operative participation, and inconsistent mentorship contribute to this disparity. Early engagement is a recognized determinant of specialty choice, however, access to plastic surgery training opportunities remains geographically and structurally unequal. Virtual reality (VR) offers a scalable method of delivering immersive and standardized surgical exposure independent of theatre access. The Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery (VRiMS) Women in Surgery (WinS) initiative was established to address inequities in early plastic surgery exposure. This pilot study evaluated whether remotely synchronized VR simulation could enhance perceived accessibility, confidence, and motivation among aspiring female plastic surgeons.

Eleven female medical students from five UK regions participated in a 1.5-hour consultant-led synchronized VR workshop. The session incorporated a focused lecture, three-dimensional anatomical exploration, and a stepwise 360° cadaveric simulation of an anterolateral thigh flap. Primary outcomes were changes in procedural confidence and anatomical understanding. Secondary outcomes included perceived accessibility, career motivation, and participant engagement. Pre- and post-workshop surveys using 5-point Likert scales were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative free-text responses were evaluated through thematic analysis to explore participant experience and perceived career impact.

Procedural confidence increased significantly from 2.09 ± 0.70 to 4.45 ± 0.52 (p < 0.001), and anatomical understanding improved from 2.27 ± 0.79 to 4.55 ± 0.52 (p < 0.001). Participants reported high relevance to career development (5.00 ± 0.00) and enhanced perceived access to plastic surgery training (4.91 ± 0.30). Qualitative themes included increased motivation to pursue plastic surgery, and perceived reduction of geographical barriers.

Remote synchronized VR simulation appears feasible and effective as an early career pathway intervention to promote more equitable career progression within plastic surgery. Larger longitudinal studies are required to assess sustained impact on specialty choice and career outcomes.

The increasing number of women in medicine contrasts with the traditionally rigid structures of surgical careers. Comparative European data on the balance between parenthood and an academic career in plastic surgery is limited.

An online survey of academic plastic surgeons in Europe collected data on demographics, work models, parenthood, institutional support, and perceived discrimination. Predictors of perceived work-life balance were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.

A total of 456 participants from 18 European countries were included (median age 44 years; 54.5% women). Perceived work-life balance varied between countries (35.1% in Germany, 78% in the Netherlands, 70% in the Nordic countries; p<0.001). Men were more likely to hold higher academic and clinical positions (p<0.001). Women took on more childcare responsibilities and reported more negative career-related effects of parenthood, as well as discrimination related to family planning (both p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, open communication regarding family planning (OR 5.49; p<0.001) and the possibility of part-time work (OR 2.92; p=0.004) were positively associated, while career-related restrictions on family planning (OR 0.39; p=0.033) and perceived discrimination against mothers (OR 0.41; p=0.019) had negative effects.

The balance between parenthood and academic career in plastic surgery is primarily shaped by structural flexibility and a supportive organizational culture. Persistent gender differences highlight the need for sustainable, family-friendly structures in academic plastic surgery.

Although the proportion of female students in medicine has been increasing for years, women continue to be underrepresented in surgery worldwide. Female surgeons are a significant proportion of the professional society. In the field of plastic surgery in Germany, the proportion of female practitioners is above the national medical average; however, their representation in leadership positions remains low. We aimed to assess whether there are sufficient representation of female members at all stages of training and whether there are enough "role models" in leadership positions to support the promotion of female members. This is essential to ensure the future viability of plastic surgery, especially in light of the ongoing generational change.

To better understand the needs of female plastic surgeons, we conducted a survey among members within the German Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DGPRÄC). This study aims to analyse the distribution of female physicians within the Society of German Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (DGPRÄC) based on their training level as well as their personal and professional backgrounds.

The professional distribution was as follows: 29% of participants worked as residents, 19% as specialists, 4% as functional and 18% as senior consultants, 6% as managing senior consultants, 5% as chief physicians, and 18% as independent specialists. The majority of participants worked in clinical settings, with over two-thirds employed in university hospitals or maximum-care facilities. Approximately two-thirds of respondents worked full-time. Overall, 50% of participants reported having children, with most becoming parents during residency. Regarding work distribution after childbirth, 43% of mothers continued to work full-time. The results underscore the need to improve professional development and work-family balance for women at all career stages.

The most important goals of a network included professional development after specialist training, the establishment of mentoring programs and the promotion of soft skills, especially for women in leadership positions. The results of the survey demonstrate a clear need for specific networks for women in plastic surgery to specifically support collegial exchange and professional support.