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Background: The plastic surgery literature is devoid of research on the topic of professional development tools that may be used to enhance performance as a plastic surgeon. After an extensive review of the medical literature, we selected the most frequently referenced professional development tools utilized by plastic surgeons, which included the following: goal setting, positive visualization, scheduled practice, critically analyzing mistakes, professional development conferences, involvement in sports, motivational videos, podcasts & audiobooks, daily morning routines, self-development books, and advice from mentors. Methods: A 10-question survey was sent to 2542 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The algorithm used to select ASPS members to survey was based on member demographics that would best reflect the views of the entire active society membership. Responses were compared based on demographic factors such as type of practice, gender, and age. Results: A total of 286/2542 (11.25%) ASPS members participated in the survey. Analyzing mistakes (96.3%), goal setting (88.51%), and advice from mentors (85.2%) were most commonly attributed to self-development. Respondents in an academic practice favored conferences and advice from mentors. Participants in a solo practice favored self-help books and morning routines. No statistical differences were observed based on training background. Conclusions: ASPS members attribute their professional development to setting measurable goals, carefully analyzing surgical mistakes, and guidance from mentors. This information opens the door for continued analysis of professional development within plastic surgery as well as supplement training practices at the resident and post-graduate level.

Reconstructive surgery plays an integral role in helping restore form and function in patients with complex oncologic wounds. The intricate process of wound healing can be adversely affected by exposure to chemotherapeutic and radiation therapies. Assessment of available donor tissue quality, previous radiation therapy, vascular status, and donor site morbidity are essential when determining the most appropriate reconstructive approach for definitive wound management. The timing of reconstruction in relation to chemotherapy or radiotherapy regimens influences wound healing. Additionally, the timing of reconstruction is important in order to avoid delaying additional adjuvant therapies. Optimizing nutritional status is critical for improved patient outcomes in the oncologic patient population. At times, palliative efforts by means of surgical debulking are required of a reconstructive surgeon as advanced cancers can leave patients with disfiguring, fungating masses. This review contains 9 figures, and 44 references. Keywords: wounds in cancer, wounds in the cancer patient, oncologic wounds, oncologic wound healing, oncologic wound management, wound complications, effect of chemotherapy on wound healing, effect of radiation therapy on wound healing, oncologic reconstruction