Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Plastic Surgery: Where Do We Stand? Highlighting Overlooked Issues in Efforts to Improve Representation.

Objective: The lack of diversity among applicants successfully matching into integrated plastic surgery residency continues to be a topic of significant discussion, yet substantial improvements in representation remain elusive. This article aims to highlight the systemic barriers contributing to the decline in diverse plastic surgery trainees.

Design: This perspective summarizes current and existing challenges in improving recruitment efforts of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) trainees and those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Conclusions: While acknowledging current DEI initiatives, the authors point out those underappreciated modifiable and nonmodifiable obstacles that perpetuate the lack of equity and inclusivity in the match process. We emphasize the importance of continued commitment from program directors and chairs to these initiatives and its generational augmentative effects on achieving true and lasting diversity and equity.