According to recent data, African-Americans make up only 1.9% of academic plastics surgeons and 5.8% of plastic surgery residents, despite accounting for 12.7% of the U.S. population. Even more concerning is that the number of Black plastic surgery trainees is trending in a NEGATIVE direction.
The absence of minorities in plastic surgery has far reaching consequences for the future of the field; for the opportunities of medical students interested in plastic surgery; the career opportunities for minorities, who have begun their training, and most importantly, for the minority patients we serve as surgeons.
The Arthur L. Garnes Society
The Arthur L. Garnes society was created in the legacy of Dr. Garnes, the first Black Chairman of plastic surgery with a history of faith, excellence, and community, to solve this problem head-on. The mission of the Garnes Society is to foster mentorship, collaboration, and fellowship among Black, African-American, and other under-represented minority plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and those who strive to join our ranks.
The Garnes Society is the hub for practicing plastic surgeons, as well as trainees and medical students interested in completing a plastic and reconstructive surgery residency or fellowship. Any professional, who meets these criteria, is able to apply for a membership, regardless of race, gender or ethnicity. Our mission is to increase the representation of minorities in plastic surgery.
