Study Design/Subjects/Setting

This was a cross-sectional study of plastic surgeons, both in academic and private practice, who are active members of the ASPS. Under ASPS survey distribution policy, approximately half of the “active” ASPS members (2,479 of 5,800 total active members) were randomly selected to receive an electronic survey.¹⁵ An active member is defined by ASPS as a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, has completed the ASPS Membership process, and pays annual dues. Not included in this cohort are residents and fellows, associate/affiliate members, life members, life inactive members, and international members. Between June 2016 and August 2016, subjects were e-mailed an invitation by ASPS to complete an electronic survey. The purpose identified in the invitation was to “assess the views of plastic surgeons toward financial COI within their field, in addition to evaluating the surgeon’s understanding of the PPSA, which became federal law in 2012.” Two reminder e-mails were sent to subjects after the initial survey invitation.