Introducing COSMET: An Active Learning Study Tool for Cosmetic Surgery

Abstract

In the academia of cosmetic surgery, multiple specialties contribute to the advancement of knowledge and surgical techniques. To surgeons attempting to learn or review cosmetic surgery, the volume of information can seem overwhelming with different articles and texts emphasizing different ideas. In an attempt to better standardize the education of cosmetic surgeons in an active format, the authors introduce COSMET, or Cosmetic Organized Study Material and Educational Tutorial. In its current form, COSMET is a 25-topic study guide currently under construction and covering the major aspects and procedures of cosmetic surgery. Each topic directs the physician by asking specific board-relevant questions and referring to key authors/articles. This is an ideal tool for fellowship training and may be structured according to a board review course. At a rate of one topic per week, a fellow may complete the tutorial twice over a 1-year term. Experts from around the country may be recruited to contribute to specific topics that they emphasize. COSMET may be reviewed as weekly PowerPoint presentations for fellows and staff, creating a “library” that may be enhanced each year. This tool would also benefit established surgeons seeking a review or recertification. COSMET could be made available in a Portable Document Format for easy web access.