PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship Training Program of the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery – Training Management Group (PAAS-TMG) is a four-year structured fellowship program designed to provide progressive, supervised, and competency-based clinical training in cosmetic and aesthetic surgery. This is an accredited training program by the Philippine Federation of Cosmetic Surgeons..

The program is divided into two phases. The first two years consist of a structured rotation in the Department of General Surgery, where the fellow acquires the foundational principles of surgical practice, perioperative care, and decision-making. The third and fourth years focus on comprehensive cosmetic surgery training, emphasizing both surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures.

Throughout the program, the training fellow is given responsibilities and operative privileges commensurate with demonstrated competence, experience, and professional maturity, under the direct supervision of accredited PAAS trainers.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To develop competent, safe, ethical, and compassionate cosmetic surgeons who will practice the art and science of cosmetic surgery in accordance with the standards of the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

  • To provide training fellows with sound scientific knowledge in the diagnosis, management, and treatment options of cosmetic surgical cases

  • To provide comprehensive training in cosmetic surgical skills and techniques as prescribed by the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery

  • To familiarize training fellows with clinical and research methodologies, including the writing and presentation of scientific papers

  • To instill responsibility, discipline, professionalism, and compassion in the management of cosmetic surgical patients

  • To develop leadership, administrative competence, and ethical decision-making

  • To maintain an optimal environment for teaching and learning in cosmetic surgery

ACADEMIC OBJECTIVES

TRAINING

  • To produce competent, compassionate, and artistically skilled cosmetic surgeons

  • To provide advanced cosmetic surgery training for surgeons and trainees from related specialties

  • To conduct staff development programs to enable trainers to be recognized as experts in their respective fields

RESEARCH

  • To undertake research relevant to the advancement of cosmetic surgery

  • To promote accuracy, integrity, and scientific rigor in data reporting

SERVICE

  • To provide humane, ethical, and comprehensive care for cosmetic surgery patients

  • To participate in national efforts to improve cosmetic surgical care delivery

PROGRAM OUTCOME

At the completion of the four-year fellowship program, the training fellow is expected to meet all requirements set forth by the Philippine Academy of Aesthetic Surgery, qualifying him/her to take the Certifying Board Examination of the Board of Aesthetic Surgery.

KEY / CORE COMPETENCIES

The training fellow is expected to master the following foundational subjects:

  • Surgical anatomy, physiology, and pathology

  • Wound healing

  • Hemostasis

  • Shock and resuscitation

  • Metabolic and endocrine response to injury and stress

  • Fluid and electrolyte management

  • Surgical nutrition and metabolism

Clinical Competencies

The training fellow must demonstrate competence in the diagnosis, pre-operative and post-operative care of patients undergoing cosmetic surgical procedures involving the:

Head and Neck

  • Rhinoplasty

  • Blepharoplasty

  • Otoplasty

  • Rhytidectomy

Breast and Soft Tissue

  • Augmentation

  • Reduction

  • Mastopexy

Torso

  • Abdominoplasty

  • Liposuction

  • Gluteal augmentation

Other Areas

  • Aesthetic gynecology

  • Extremity contouring (brachioplasty, liposuction)

CONTENT / MODULES OF THE TRAINING PROGRAM

YEARS 1–2: GENERAL SURGERY ROTATION

During the first two years, the fellow is immersed in the Department of General Surgery to acquire essential surgical principles and competencies.

Scope of Training

  • Asepsis and antisepsis

  • Surgical diagnosis and decision-making

  • Pre-operative and post-operative care

  • Management of surgical complications

  • Mastery of assisting techniques and operating room protocols

Activities and Duties

  • Conduct pre-operative patient evaluation under supervision

  • Review laboratory and diagnostic results

  • Assist during surgical procedures

  • Uphold doctor–patient confidentiality at all times

YEARS 3–4: COSMETIC SURGERY FELLOWSHIP

This phase is designed to provide advanced exposure to cosmetic surgery cases with increasing operative responsibility.

Scope of Training

  • Independent case planning under supervision

  • Performance of cosmetic surgical procedures based on a case matrix

  • Non-surgical aesthetic procedures

  • Patient communication and ethical consent

Activities and Duties

  • Perform cosmetic surgical procedures as part of the required case matrix

  • Participate in pre- and post-operative conferences

  • Present journal articles and case reports

  • Complete and submit research requirements

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNERS

Criteria for Advancement

  • Satisfactory grades in annual in-service examinations 

  • Favorable evaluation by trainers on surgical skills, motivation, professionalism, and ethical conduct

  • Presentation of case reports and journal reviews during Monthly Scientific Meetings

Guidelines for Promotion

  • Written examinations

  • Completion of required assisted and performed cases

  • Trainers’ evaluation

  • Peer evaluation

CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION

  • Submission of a complete Case Matrix / Logbook

  • Passing the in-service examination

  • Favorable trainers’ and peer evaluations

  • Submission and presentation of a research paper

  • Final approval by the PAAS President and Training Officer upon recommendation of the Training Committee

LEARNING STRATEGIES / LEARNING ACTIVITIES

  • Case conferences

  • Journal presentations

  • Didactic lectures selected by the Training Officer

  • Monthly Scientific Meetings

  • Anatomic cadaver dissection

  • Online education (webinars, virtual meetings)

  • Workshops

  • Participation in aesthetic surgical congresses and conventions