Residency for otolaryngology lasts five years. About one third of residents go on to do fellowships.
There are many subspecialties in otolaryngology including: laryngology, head and neck surgery/oncology, microvascular reconstruction, neurotology, facial plastic surgery, pediatric, rhinology and sleep.
What Does a Typical Workday Look Like?
Physicians who specialize in ENT typically work from 8-4 or 9-5 in clinic. They spend about 2/3 of their time in clinic and 1/3 of their time in the OR. There are some emergencies which arise, but typically they spend little time at night or on weekends.
Important Qualities and Traits
Qualities recognized as important to otolaryngology include:
- attention to detail
- manual dexterity
- communication skills
- ability to work in teams
The Department of Otolaryngology has research opportunities in health care disparities, health care delivery, rhinology and oncology available. Please contact Dr. Paul Friedlander for more information.
Additionally, students may want to pursue research opportunities through the DeBakey Scholars Program. This program offers medical students the opportunity to pursue and complete a longitudinal, structured, closely supervised research experience culminating in a capstone presentation prior to graduation. For more information, contact Dr. Derek Pociask.
Tulane School of Medicine has an ENT Interest Group, which meets to discuss career related issues in otolaryngology.
Who are the Specialty Academic/Career Advisors for this Specialty?
Please contact Dr. Jonathan Owens, Dr. Paul Friedlander or Dr. Rizwan Aslam for further information about careers in otolaryngology.
Recommended T3 & T4 Coursework
Students interested in otolaryngology may want to take a 2-week (OTLN 4020) or 4-week (OTLN 4000) elective course early in their fourth year. Additionally, students can take a 4-week research elective (OTLN 4040).
Summary Statistics (from "Charting Outcomes in the Match 2024")
Matched N = 268
1. Mean number of contiguous ranks | 13.6 |
2. Mean number of distinct specialties ranked | 1.2 |
3. Mean USMLE Step 1 score | 243* |
4. Mean USMLE Step 2 score | 256 |
5. Mean number of research experiences | 7.1 |
6. Mean number of abstracts, presentations, and publications | 20.0 |
7. Mean number of work experiences | 2.0 |
8. Mean number of volunteer experiences | 4.3 |
9. Percentage who are AOA members | 33.6 |
10. Percentage who graduated from one of the 40 U.S. medical schools with the highest NIH funding | 36.6 |
11. Percentage who have Ph.D. degree | 2.8 |
12. Percentage who have another graduate degree | 17.9 |
Note: Only U.S. MD seniors who gave consent to use their information in research are included.
*Only applicants who reported taking Step 1 prior to the transition to pass/fail included.
Special Considerations When Applying for Residency
There are no special considerations when applying for residency in otolaryngology.
If you are interested in otolaryngology, contact the department early so that they can assist you in planning appropriately.
Use our ENT faculty as a resource! They can help you pursue a career in otolaryngology!
Step scores are important, but so is demonstrated “fit” with a program, through early experiences and research.
ENT is a fun, exciting, and diverse platform of clinical work and operating room procedures. As such, it blends both the “problem solving” and “procedures” sides of medicine.
Where Past Tulane Students Have Matched
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How Many Programs Should I Apply To?
NRMP's Charting Outcomes in the Match 2024
NRMP's Program Director Survey 2024
American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
American Board of Otolaryngology
Tulane’s Department of Otolaryngology
Books
- Otolaryngology LibGuide from the Rudolph Matas Library of the Health Sciences
- A listing of useful e-books from the AAOHNS
Dr. Katrina D’Aquin can put you in touch with potential mentors.
