Philippine Society of Cosmetic Surgeons

Launches the 4-Year Residency Training Program in Cosmetic Surgery (2026)

A New Pathway for Aspiring Cosmetic Surgeons

The Philippine Society of Cosmetic Surgeons (PSCS) proudly announces the official launch of its 4-Year Residency Training Program in Cosmetic Surgery beginning in 2026. Developed to meet the growing demand for structured, comprehensive, and competency-based education in aesthetic surgery, this pioneering program offers newly licensed physicians an opportunity to pursue a career in cosmetic surgery immediately after medical school without the prerequisite of completing another surgical residency.

For its inaugural year, the program will accept only four (4) residency positions, ensuring intensive mentorship, individualized training, and maximum surgical exposure. This limited intake reflects the Society's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education, patient safety, and professional excellence.

Unlike traditional training pathways that require prior residency in a cutting specialty, the PSCS 4-Year Residency Program welcomes newly graduated physicians with a passion for aesthetic medicine and surgery. Previous surgical residency training is not required. Instead, residents will undergo a carefully designed curriculum that progressively develops their knowledge, clinical judgment, technical skills, and ethical practice.

Years 1–2: Foundation in General Surgery

The first two years of training provide residents with a solid foundation in surgery through rotations in General Surgery at an accredited medical facility in Metro Manila. During this period, trainees gain extensive experience in surgical principles, peri-operative patient management, emergency care, wound healing, anesthesia fundamentals, infection control, and operative techniques. This phase builds the discipline and surgical confidence necessary before advancing to specialized cosmetic procedures.

Years 3–4: Comprehensive Cosmetic Surgery Training

The final two years are dedicated exclusively to Cosmetic Surgery under the supervision of experienced PSCS mentors. Residents will progressively advance from observing procedures to assisting, and ultimately performing cosmetic surgical procedures under direct guidance and supervision. The curriculum covers facial aesthetic surgery, body contouring, breast surgery, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, liposuction, fat grafting, abdominoplasty, minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, and other contemporary cosmetic techniques.

Training emphasizes not only technical excellence but also patient selection, treatment planning, complication prevention and management, aesthetic judgment, professionalism, ethics, and compassionate patient care.

Beyond the Operating Room

The PSCS Residency Program provides a well-rounded educational experience that extends far beyond clinical training. Residents actively participate in:

Hospital clinical exposure
PSCS scientific meetings and continuing medical education programs
National conventions and annual congresses
Hands-on aesthetic surgery workshops and cadaver laboratories
Community aesthetic surgery missions
Clinical research projects and scientific paper presentations
Case conferences, journal discussions, and multidisciplinary learning activities
Opportunities for local and international academic collaboration

Building the Future of Cosmetic Surgery

The PSCS 4-Year Residency Training Program represents a significant milestone in the advancement of cosmetic surgery education in the Philippines. By combining a strong surgical foundation with focused aesthetic surgical training under experienced mentors, the program aims to produce competent, ethical, and globally competitive cosmetic surgeons dedicated to delivering safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered care.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with only four training positions available. Physicians who aspire to build a rewarding career in cosmetic surgery are encouraged to apply and become part of the next generation of PSCS-trained cosmetic surgeons.