WHAT IS OTOLARYNGOLOGY
What's in a name? To some, the name otolaryngology-head and neck surgery might seem unnecessarily long and full of self-importance. It was chosen, however, to encompass the incredible breadth of the field. Otolaryngology (ō’tō-lar-ing-gol’ŏ-jē), commonly referred to as ENT (ear, nose, & throat) or Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, combines both medical and surgical treatments to cover a broad range of conditions impacting the head and neck region. Essentially, it involves all areas from the clavicles up, excluding the eye and spine, and with a few exceptions, remains outside of the dura; “from pleura to dura.” Some otolaryngologists will also harvest free flaps from the limbs, abdomen, or back to reconstruct parts of the head and neck!
TRAINING/RESIDENCY STRUCTURE
Medical School: For most, the medical school journey encompasses 4 years of study: The first 2 years include a mix of classroom and lab time designed to cover basic science curriculum in areas including anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, and pharmacology, while the second 2 years primarily involve clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals and clinics. A small percentage of applicants will choose to take an additional year to perform basic science/clinical research or to obtain another degree, such as an MPH or MBA. MD/PhDs will customarily take an additional 3-6 years to obtain a PhD.
Residency: US residency programs in otolaryngology consist of a minimum of 5 years of training. The first year, the intern year, comprises a series of rotations within different specialties as mandated by the ACGME. Since 2016, however, interns are able to spend 6 months on the otolaryngology service! The remaining 6 months vary based on the residency program, but are chosen from the following: anesthesia, general surgery, neurological surgery, neuroradiology, ophthalmology, oral-maxillofacial surgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and radiation oncology. At least 1 month must be on an intensive care rotation. The following 4 years are dedicated to graduated training within otolaryngology. The final year of education culminates in a requisite chief resident year. A handful of academically-geared residency programs include an additional 1-2 years of basic science/clinical research, bringing the total to 6-7 years.
Fellowship: Fellowship training generally requires an additional 1-2 years; however, many otolaryngology residents across the country do not pursue advanced fellowship training. A summary of the pros and cons regarding additional fellowship training and an overview of the various fellowship options are provided within the resident content pages. As a general rule of thumb, most fellowships are 1 year in length, with the exception of neurotology, which is usually 2 years. However, some academically-geared fellowships may be up to 2 years. Fellowships (and corresponding societies) include: