Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the medical field, the importance of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeons is ever-growing.

As medical advancements continue to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals adept at restoring form and function in children heightens.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we provide a customizable pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgeon job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical repair or reconstruction of physical deformities, abnormalities, or injuries in children.

Their work is often highly intricate and delicate, given the growing bodies of their patients.

They are responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluating and diagnosing pediatric patients with deformities, injuries, or abnormalities that require plastic or reconstructive surgery
• Discussing with patients’ families about the surgical options, potential risks and outcomes
• Performing various surgical procedures, including reconstruction of congenital deformities, correction of craniofacial abnormalities, and repair of traumatic injuries
• Working alongside other healthcare professionals, including anesthesiologists, nurses, and pediatricians to ensure comprehensive care for the patient
• Conducting follow-up visits with patients to monitor healing and progress
• Providing post-operative care, including wound care management and pain relief
• Keeping updated with the latest surgical techniques and advancements in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Documenting all patient interactions, surgical procedures, and treatment plans in the patient’s medical record
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, ensuring they understand the child’s medical condition and the care plan

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a dedicated and experienced Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for diagnosing and treating children suffering from defects, abnormalities, and injuries requiring reconstructive surgery.

You will also be performing a wide range of surgeries including reconstructive, craniofacial, and congenital defect surgeries.

Your deep understanding of child anatomy and physiology, excellent surgical skills and ability to communicate effectively with young patients and their families, will be critical to your success in this role.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient evaluations and consultations to determine the need for surgery.
• Plan and execute surgical procedures, taking into account the unique needs of pediatric patients.
• Manage post-operative care and monitor patient recovery.
• Communicate with patients and their families, explaining procedures, risks, and post-surgical care.
• Work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Participate in research and continuing education activities to maintain current knowledge in the field.
• Adhere to all medical ethical guidelines and maintain patient confidentiality.
• Document and maintain patient medical records.

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree from an accredited institution and completion of a surgical residency program.
• Board certification in Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Proven experience in a similar role.
• Exceptional surgical skills and knowledge of child anatomy and physiology.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with children and their families.
• High level of professionalism and adherence to ethical guidelines.
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. On-call duties and irregular hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of Surgery or Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $300,000 minimum to $500,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Do?

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are specialized surgeons who work with children and infants.

They are primarily concerned with diagnosing, treating, and managing children’s conditions that require reconstructive or plastic surgery.

They perform procedures on various parts of the body to correct or improve a wide range of conditions, such as congenital defects, traumatic injuries, burns, and illnesses that may have led to significant physical changes.

Common surgeries they perform include cleft lip and palate repair, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, and correction of congenital anomalies.

They may also perform surgeries to treat deformities caused by burns or injuries.

They collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of pediatricians, anesthesiologists, and other specialists to ensure the overall well-being of their patients.

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons also provide advice and guidance to parents and caregivers about the surgical process, potential risks, and the recovery process.

They play a crucial role in aiding the physical development of children and improving their quality of life.

Furthermore, these professionals are involved in research to develop new techniques and procedures to improve surgical outcomes for pediatric patients.

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon should possess a variety of specialized skills and qualifications, including:

• Completion of a medical degree (MD or DO), a surgical residency, and a fellowship in plastic and reconstructive surgery with a focus on pediatrics.
• Board certification in Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
• Demonstrable surgical expertise in the correction of congenital anomalies, craniofacial surgery, and other pediatric plastic surgery procedures.
• Strong hand-eye coordination and dexterity for delicate and complex surgical procedures.
• Ability to empathize with children and their families, providing clear communication about procedures, risks, and expectations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills to identify and resolve potential complications during surgical procedures.
• Strong decision-making abilities, particularly under high-stress conditions or in emergency situations.
• Excellent team skills for coordinating with a multidisciplinary team, including anesthesiologists, nurses, pediatricians, and other specialists.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• Ability to conduct and interpret research, with a goal to constantly improve surgical techniques and patient outcomes.

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Experience Requirements

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons need to complete a rigorous pathway of education and training before qualifying for this role.

Initially, they need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in pre-medical studies or a related scientific field.

This is followed by earning a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from a medical school, which typically takes four years.

During their medical school education, they gain essential clinical experience in various areas of medicine.

However, this is only the beginning of their practical experience.

After graduating from medical school, they need to undertake a general surgery residency program for five to seven years, where they gain hands-on experience in surgical procedures, patient care, and medical ethics.

This is followed by a specialized fellowship in plastic surgery, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years, where they gain focused experience in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Considering the pediatric aspect of the role, some surgeons may choose to further specialize and undertake an additional 1 to 2 years of fellowship training specifically in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This gives them the necessary experience to handle delicate procedures on children and infants.

Overall, a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon should have a minimum of 14 to 16 years of education and training, which includes extensive practical experience in surgery, plastic surgery, and pediatric plastic surgery.

They should also be board certified in plastic surgery.

However, many hospitals and clinics may prefer candidates who have several years of professional experience post-fellowship, handling complex cases in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Those with experience in research, teaching or leadership roles may be preferred for senior or head positions.

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Education and Training Requirements

A Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon requires a significant amount of formal education.

They must first complete a bachelor’s degree, often in pre-med or a science-related field.

This is followed by a Medical Degree (MD) from an accredited medical school, which typically takes four years.

After obtaining an MD, they must complete a residency in general surgery, which may last from 3 to 7 years.

Subsequently, they need to complete a fellowship in plastic surgery, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years.

This is where they gain specialized training in surgical procedures involving the skin, muscle, and other soft tissues.

If they wish to specialize in pediatric plastic surgery, additional training in pediatrics is essential.

This can be gained during a fellowship program in pediatric plastic surgery, which lasts a minimum of one year.

In addition, surgeons must obtain state licensure, which includes passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination.

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons can also seek board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery to enhance their credentials.

Continuing education is essential in this field to stay updated on the latest surgical techniques and technologies.

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon can expect to earn an average salary of $409,665 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can significantly vary depending on factors such as years of experience, the complexity of the procedures they perform, the city or region they practice in, and the specific institution they work for.

 

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon need?

Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons need advanced surgical skills, a deep understanding of pediatric anatomy and the unique considerations in treating pediatric patients.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with young patients and their families, describing complex medical procedures in understandable terms.

They must have a high level of patience and empathy to handle young patients who may be frightened or distressed.

 

What kind of training does a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon need?

A Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon must have a medical degree from an accredited medical school, followed by a residency in general surgery.

After this, they must complete additional specialized training in plastic surgery.

Subsequently, they need to complete fellowship training in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This entire process can take over a decade.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon’s resume?

A Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon’s resume should display a medical degree, general surgery residency, a plastic surgery residency, and specialized pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship.

Also, look for board certification in Plastic Surgery, and ideally, additional certification in Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Besides the educational qualifications and certifications, consider the surgeon’s experience, especially in handling complex cases, and any research or publications in the field.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

A good Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon has excellent surgical skills, a deep understanding of pediatric anatomy, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.

They should have a high level of empathy to understand and alleviate the anxieties of young patients and their families.

Good surgeons are also lifelong learners, keeping up with the latest advances in their field, and are effective communicators who can explain complex medical procedures in simple terms.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon?

Yes, hiring a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon can be challenging due to the highly specialized nature of this role and the extensive training required.

The pool of qualified candidates is relatively small, and they are in high demand.

Additionally, the hiring process can take a long time due to the need to verify credentials, review case histories, and assess surgical skills.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the intricate details of what it means to be a Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

Guess what?

It’s not just about performing surgeries.

It’s about piecing together the future, one successful operation at a time.

With our handy Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting pinpoint-accurate listings or perfecting your resume.

Remember:

Every successful operation is a part of a larger healing journey.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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