Stanford Medical School Plastic Surgery Clerkship

Stanford Plastic Surgery offers a 4-week sub-internship (SURG 339A) designed for fourth-year medical students who have completed their Core Surgery clerkship and are looking for hands-on experience in plastic and reconstructive surgery. During the rotation, students join the resident team at the intern level, taking part in inpatient post-operative care, daily patient management, and urgent issues, including weekly home call. Students gain exposure to a wide range of cases, from burn care and trauma to congenital conditions and complex reconstruction. A significant portion of time is spent in the operating room, where students assist in procedures and build technical skills like suturing and wound closure. About 20% of the rotation is in clinic, supporting both preoperative and postoperative care. Students also present 1 to 2 cases each week and give a final presentation on a plastic surgery topic.

Training takes place across multiple Stanford-affiliated sites, including Stanford Hospital, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, and Kaiser Santa Clara, so having access to a car is required. Hertz Rental Car on campus gives a discounted rate to Stanford affiliated students.

Consult the Application Process for information before applying. Applications are submitted via VSLO. Please note that this rotation is an educational experience and does not serve as a residency interview. Submissions will be reviewed as they are received until the application Deadline. Preapproval is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to limited space per period, early application is recommended.

We understand that plans change. If you need to change your sub-i schedule, please inform us as soon as possible. This allows us to accommodate you and any other students who may be eager to come to Stanford but were not able to attend as no spots were available.

For more information, you can visit the University's Clerkship Site, or please feel free to contact our clerkship coordinator:

Candice Alfaro
calfaro@stanford.edu