Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Residency Program

Foundations of Specialty Excellence

The second year (PGY-2) represents an exciting transition into full-time otolaryngology training, where residents develop core surgical skills and begin shaping their professional identity within the specialty. This transformative year blends immersive clinical experiences with progressive operative responsibility across our key subspecialty areas.

Training Highlights:

• 3 months – Comprehensive Otolaryngology
• 3 months – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
• 3 months – Rhinology
• 3 months – Pediatric Otolaryngology

During PGY-2, residents gain substantial experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, honing their diagnostic acumen, treatment planning abilities and procedural skills. With progressive autonomy and active participation in the operating room under close supervision, residents begin to solidify their clinical judgment and explore subspecialty interests that may inform future fellowship or career paths.

This well-rounded and immersive year provides a critical platform for professional growth, preparing residents for increased surgical complexity and leadership opportunities in the years ahead.

The third year (PGY-3) of the Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Residency emphasizes the advancement of surgical proficiency, marked by progressive surgical autonomy, focused subspecialty immersion and dedicated academic research pursuits. Residents transition from foundational skills to managing complex cases while developing their scholarly identity within otolaryngology.

Training Highlights:

• 2 months – ENT Facial Trauma
• 2 months – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
• 2 months – Clinical Research
• 3 months – Laryngology
• 2 months – Otology
• 1 month – Pediatric Otolaryngology

PGY-3 residents perform increasingly complex procedures and gain in-depth exposure to airway, voice and hearing disorders. They also play a central role in the acute management of facial and neck trauma. The dedicated research rotation provides time and resources for residents to develop and implement clinical or translational research projects, present at national meetings and contribute to peer-reviewed literature.

This pivotal year builds upon foundational clinical skills while fostering academic growth, technical refinement and greater autonomy, laying the groundwork for the senior-level leadership and operative roles that define PGY-4 and PGY-5.

The fourth year (PGY-4) of the Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery Residency is focused on deepening subspecialty expertise, advancing surgical skills and supporting individualized career development. Residents assume increased responsibility in patient care, operative decision-making and the mentorship of junior trainees.

Training Highlights:

• 2 months – ENT Trauma
• 2 months – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
• 2 months – Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
• 2 months – Otology
• 2 months – Rhinology
• 1 month – Clinical Research
• 1 month – Elective

PGY-4 residents gain advanced exposure to high-complexity cases, including oncologic resections, facial reconstruction and skull base surgery. The elective rotation offers flexibility to pursue areas of personal interest—such as global health, additional subspecialty training or fellowship preparation—while the research month provides time to complete and present ongoing scholarly projects.

In addition to clinical growth, residents step into key leadership roles within the program, mentoring junior residents, participating in teaching conferences and contributing to quality improvement and educational initiatives. This year is pivotal in preparing residents for the responsibilities and independence in their chief year.

The fifth year (PGY-5) marks the culmination of training in the Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery Residency Program. As chief residents, PGY-5s serve as leaders in surgical care, clinical decision-making and resident education. This final year is focused on consolidating advanced surgical skills, preparing for independent practice and transitioning into the next phase of professional life—whether in private practice, fellowship or academic medicine.

Training Highlights:

• 7 months – Comprehensive Otolaryngology (Chief Rotation)
• 3 months – Head & Neck Surgical Oncology
• 2 months – Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

During PGY-5, residents manage a wide range of complex ENT cases and assume leadership of both inpatient and outpatient care teams. The chief rotation allows for increased operative autonomy, strategic decision-making and comprehensive patient management. Additional focused training in Head & Neck Oncology and Facial Plastics enhances expertise in oncologic resection, microvascular and local flap reconstruction and cosmetic procedures.

Chief residents also take on critical administrative and educational responsibilities, including:

• Resident and OR scheduling
• Mentorship and supervision of junior residents
• Teaching medical students and leading academic conferences
• Participation in quality improvement and residency program development initiatives

By the end of PGY-5, graduates emerge as confident, skilled and independent otolaryngologists ready to succeed in any clinical or academic setting and contribute meaningfully to the specialty's future.

The General Surgery rotation provides essential training in core surgical principles and patient care practices that support the development of a strong surgical foundation. During this rotation, residents gain experience in:

• Preoperative and postoperative management of surgical patients
• Basic surgical techniques, including suturing, sterile technique and wound care
• Evaluation and management of acute surgical conditions
• Participation in general surgical procedures
• Interdisciplinary collaboration within the surgical team and hospital system

This rotation is critical in building clinical judgment, procedural confidence and a solid understanding of surgical workflows—skills that will directly benefit future ENT operative and inpatient care.

The SICU rotation provides critical care training essential for managing complex and critically ill surgical patients. During this rotation, residents develop a strong understanding of perioperative physiology, emergency interventions and multidisciplinary ICU care.

Key learning experiences include:

• Management of airway emergencies and mechanical ventilation
• Hemodynamic monitoring and fluid resuscitation
• Recognition and treatment of sepsis, shock and organ failure
• Participation in procedures such as central line placement, arterial lines and chest tubes
• Collaboration with intensivists, pharmacists and nursing teams in daily rounds

This rotation strengthens residents' ability to care for ENT patients with postoperative or traumatic complications and prepares them for high-stakes decision-making in both inpatient and operative settings.

The Ophthalmology rotation offers foundational exposure to the anatomy, physiology and common pathologies of the eye, which are important for comprehensive care of the head and neck region. Residents gain experience in:

• Basic eye examinations and diagnostic techniques
• Evaluation and management of common ocular conditions
• Understanding orbital anatomy and its relevance to ENT surgery
• Exposure to surgical procedures involving the eye and orbit
• Collaborating with ophthalmologists for multidisciplinary patient care

This rotation enhances residents’ ability to recognize and manage ophthalmologic issues that overlap with otolaryngology, improving holistic patient care.

The Otolaryngology rotation is the core clinical experience where residents gain hands-on exposure to the full spectrum of ear, nose, throat and related head and neck conditions. This rotation emphasizes both inpatient and outpatient care, surgical training and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Key learning experiences include:

• Comprehensive evaluation and management of ENT disorders
• Exposure to diagnostic procedures such as endoscopy and audiometry
• Participation in a wide range of surgical cases, including airway management, sinus surgery and head and neck procedures
• Postoperative care and longitudinal patient management
• Interprofessional teamwork with audiologists, speech therapists and other specialists

This rotation develops residents' clinical judgment, surgical skills and understanding of complex ENT pathology, forming the foundation for advanced training in subsequent years.

The Oral Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) rotation provides residents with exposure to surgical management of diseases, injuries and defects involving the mouth, jaws, face and related structures. This rotation focuses on:

• Evaluation and treatment of facial trauma and fractures
• Surgical procedures involving the oral cavity and maxillofacial region
• Understanding complex anatomy relevant to head and neck surgery
• Collaborating with oral surgeons and other specialists in multidisciplinary care
• Gaining experience in preoperative planning and postoperative management

This rotation enhances surgical skills and broadens residents’ understanding of facial anatomy, preparing them for comprehensive head and neck surgical care.

The Neurosurgery rotation offers residents essential exposure to the surgical management of neurological conditions affecting the head and neck region. This rotation emphasizes:

• Understanding neuroanatomy relevant to skull base and cranial nerve surgery
• Participation in neurosurgical procedures involving the brain, spine and cranial nerves
• Management of trauma and tumors affecting the central nervous system
• Preoperative evaluation and postoperative care of neurosurgical patients
• Collaborative multidisciplinary care with neurosurgeons and neurocritical care teams

This rotation strengthens residents’ knowledge of neurosurgical principles, which are critical for complex head and neck surgeries and integrated patient management.

The Head & Neck Oncology rotation is dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis, surgical management and multidisciplinary care of patients with benign and malignant tumors of the head and neck. Residents gain in-depth exposure to the full continuum of oncologic care through hands-on experience and close collaboration with specialized teams.

Training Focus Includes:

• Comprehensive clinical evaluation, staging and workup of head and neck malignancies
• Surgical techniques for tumor excision, including transoral approaches and open resections
• Neck dissection and management of regional metastasis
• Reconstructive surgery following oncologic resections (local, regional and free flaps)
• Coordination of care with medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology and speech/swallow therapy teams
• Postoperative management, surveillance strategies and long-term follow-up of oncology patients

This rotation equips residents with the surgical expertise and interdisciplinary insight required to manage complex oncologic cases. It emphasizes technical precision, evidence-based decision-making and compassionate care for patients facing head and neck cancer.

The Rhinology rotation offers comprehensive training in the evaluation, medical management and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Residents develop a deep understanding of sinonasal anatomy and pathology, with emphasis on both routine and complex cases.

Training Focus Includes:

• Clinical evaluation and workup of nasal airway obstruction, chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and smell disorders
• Surgical management, including endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), image-guided techniques and balloon sinuplasty
• Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant sinonasal tumors
• Advanced understanding of sinonasal anatomy and its relationship to the orbit, skull base and intracranial structures
• Postoperative care and longitudinal management of patients with chronic rhinologic conditions

This rotation enhances residents’ ability to manage a wide range of nasal and sinus diseases using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and minimally invasive surgical approaches. It also serves as foundational training for those pursuing advanced subspecialty work in rhinology or skull base surgery.

The Pediatric Otolaryngology rotation is centered on the evaluation and management of ear, nose, throat and head and neck disorders in infants, children and adolescents. Residents gain hands-on experience with both common and complex pediatric ENT conditions in a multidisciplinary care environment.

Training Focus Includes:

• Evaluation and management of common pediatric conditions such as airway obstruction, otitis media, tonsillitis and congenital anomalies
• Performing pediatric surgical procedures, including tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy and tympanostomy tube placement
• Managing complex airway cases, tracheostomy care and craniofacial abnormalities
• Collaborating with pediatricians, anesthesiologists, intensivists and speech-language pathologists to ensure comprehensive care
• Understanding pediatric-specific anatomical, physiological and developmental considerations that impact diagnosis and treatment

This rotation equips residents with the knowledge and technical skills required to provide safe, compassionate and specialized care for children with ENT disorders, while fostering an understanding of the nuances of pediatric patient management.

The ENT Trauma rotation offers focused, hands-on training in evaluating and managing acute injuries involving the ears, nose, throat and head and neck region. Residents develop the critical skills needed to respond to urgent and complex trauma scenarios across both surgical and non-surgical settings.

Training Focus Includes:

• Initial assessment, stabilization and triage of facial and airway trauma
• Surgical repair of facial fractures, soft tissue injuries and lacerations
• Emergency airway management, including tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with trauma surgery, emergency medicine and intensive care teams
• Postoperative management and rehabilitation planning following traumatic injury

This rotation prepares residents to deliver prompt, effective and comprehensive care for head and neck trauma patients, emphasizing technical proficiency and collaborative decision-making in high-pressure environments.

The Clinical Research rotation provides residents with dedicated time to actively engage in scholarly work that advances knowledge in otolaryngology. This rotation will cultivate the skills necessary for academic inquiry, critical analysis and evidence-based practice.

Training Focus Includes:

• Designing and executing clinical studies related to patient outcomes, surgical innovation and quality improvement
• Collecting, analyzing and interpreting clinical data
• Collaborating with faculty mentors, statisticians and multidisciplinary research teams
• Preparing abstracts, manuscripts and presentations for submission to regional, national and international conferences
• Developing scholarly competencies essential for careers in academic medicine and lifelong learning

This rotation equips residents with a strong foundation in research methodology and fosters the critical thinking necessary to contribute meaningfully to the future of otolaryngology through evidence-based advancements.

The Laryngology rotation provides focused training in evaluating and managing voice, airway and swallowing disorders. Residents gain experience in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to conditions affecting the larynx, emphasizing multidisciplinary, patient-centered care.

Training Focus Includes:

• Clinical evaluation of hoarseness, vocal cord dysfunction, airway obstruction and dysphagia
• Performing diagnostic procedures, including flexible laryngoscopy, rigid laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy
• Medical and surgical management of laryngeal disorders, including microlaryngoscopy, vocal fold injections and vocal cord surgery
• Management of benign and malignant laryngeal lesions
• Collaborative care with speech-language pathologists, pulmonologists and oncologists to optimize voice and airway outcomes

This rotation equips residents with comprehensive skills in diagnosing and treating laryngeal conditions, preparing them to manage complex voice and airway disorders in general and subspecialty ENT practice.

The Otology rotation provides focused training in diagnosing and managing ear-related disorders, with particular attention to hearing and balance function. Residents gain hands-on experience in both clinical evaluation and surgical intervention.

Training Focus Includes:

• Evaluation and management of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, chronic ear infections and otologic trauma
• Performing otologic surgeries, including tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, ossiculoplasty and cochlear implantation
• Managing complex conditions of the middle and inner ear, such as cholesteatoma and otosclerosis
• Utilizing diagnostic tools such as audiometry, tympanometry and vestibular testing
• Collaborating with audiologists, vestibular therapists and neurologists for comprehensive care

This rotation enhances residents’ proficiency in medical and surgical approaches to ear and balance disorders, laying a foundation for general practice or further fellowship training in otology/neurotology.

The Facial Plastics rotation offers specialized training in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the face, head and neck. Residents refine their understanding of facial anatomy, wound healing and surgical artistry through hands-on surgical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Training Focus Includes:

• Performing cosmetic procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelifts and scar revision
• Reconstructive surgery following trauma, congenital anomalies and oncologic resections
• Soft tissue management, local flap reconstruction and skin grafting techniques
• Understanding principles of facial aesthetics, symmetry and functional restoration
• Working closely with dermatologists, oncologic surgeons and oculoplastic specialists to optimize outcomes

This rotation equips residents with the technical skills and artistic judgment necessary to perform functional and cosmetic facial procedures, balancing form and function in head and neck surgery.