Assessment of Selection Criteria and Influencing Factors in a Plastic Surgery Residency Program in Qatar: Perspectives of Program Directors and Residents

Plastic surgery residency is highly competitive, with program directors (PDs) using defined criteria for applicant selection. International evidence shows multiple factors influence both leadership decisions and applicant preferences. In Qatar, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) accreditation and the new Qatari Board shape residency training, yet no local data examine whether directors' selection criteria align with residents' program choices or how accreditation and certification impact these decisions. The authors aimed to identify the selection criteria prioritized by current and former PDs and associate PDs (APDs), and to explore the key factors influencing residents' decisions to join the Qatar Plastic Surgery Residency Program. A cross-sectional study using structured, anonymous online questionnaires was conducted. Surveys assessed demographics, selection priorities, program choice factors, and perceptions of ACGME-I accreditation and Qatari Board certification. Data were analyzed descriptively, comparatively, and thematically. Six PDs/APDs participated. Grade point average and previous plastic surgery experience were the most influential selection criteria, whereas conference presentations and postgraduate degrees were least important. Directors also valued strong clinical rotation reputations, being a fresh graduate, passing licensing examinations, and previous electives; basic-science research and gender were less influential. Nineteen residents responded. ACGME-I accreditation was the strongest factor in program choice, followed by surgical exposure, structured teaching, case diversity, and mentorship. Directors and residents aligned in valuing academic performance and high-quality clinical training, whereas accreditation and certification were key determinants of program choice. These findings provide the first local evidence to guide recruitment strategies and support ongoing development of plastic surgery training in Qatar.