Otolaryngology
Did you know...
"Each year we receive approximately 300 applications. It is impossible for us to interview all 300, hence the applications are carefully reviewed in order to select approximately 6-8 individuals for each open position."
- Dr. Barry Schaitkin, Program Director of the University of Pittsburgh otolaryngology residency program
We can help you match...
See how The Successful Match book has helped others
See how Success on the Wards has helped others
Why pursue Otolaryngology as a career?
2010 Otolaryngology Salary
Overview of Residency Training
To become an otolaryngologist, five years of residency training are required. Only the latter four years are spent fully immersed in otolaryngology, and residents must first complete an internship or postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) in general surgery.
According to the AMA and AAMC, there are over 1,400 residents training in 103 ACGME-accredited otolaryngology residency programs. Ninety-seven percent are USMDs, 3% are international medical graduates, and <1% are osteopathic graduates.
|
Otolaryngology residents in the United States |
|||
|
# of total residents |
% USMDs |
% IMGs |
% osteopathic graduates |
|
1,406 |
97% |
3% |
<1% |
| Data adapted from Brotherton S, Etzel S. Graduate medical education, 2009 - 2010. JAMA 2010; 304(11): 1255 - 1270. | |||
2010 Match Data
Otolaryngology remains a very competitive specialty. In the 2010 NRMP Match, 66 of 326 U.S. senior applicants failed to match. The mean USMLE Step 1 score among matched U.S. seniors was 240. The mean score among unmatched seniors was 223.
Relatively few positions in allopathic residency programs are filled by international medical graduates and osteopathic applicants. Of note, osteopathic students may also apply to the 19 osteopathic otolaryngology residency programs. For more information, visit the AOA website.
Why pursue Otolaryngology as a Career?
Otolaryngologists discuss reasons why they chose to pursue a career in otolaryngology:
Gerry Funk, MD
Jay F. Piccirillo, MD
2010 Otolaryngologist Physician Compensation/Salary
Find out how much an otolaryngologist makes
Subspecialties of Otolaryngology
Subspecialties in which otolaryngologists can pursue fellowship training leading to board certification include neurotology, pediatric otolaryngology, plastic surgery within the head and neck, and sleep medicine.
Excelling in your Core Clerkships
In a recent NRMP survey of otolaryngology residency program directors, 58% cited "honors in clinical clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. Our book, Success on the Wards: 250 Rules for Clerkship Success shows students proven strategies for success in core clerkships. Nineteen U.S. medical school have made our book a required or recommended text for third-year medical students. Read reviews of the book and Q & A with the authors. The first chapter is available free to read. The book can be purchased through our online store or at Amazon.
Excelling in your Otolaryngology Clerkship
References most commonly used in the otolaryngology clerkship (see page 1168)
Otolaryngology Residency Application
Almost all residency programs require applicants to submit their completed application through the Electronic Residency Application Service, also known as ERAS. ERAS does not, however, allow applicants to submit their curriculum vitae or CV as part of this application. Instead, ERAS requires all applicants to transfer information from their CV to the ERAS Application Form. It is the ERAS Application Form that is then sent to programs for review along with the the rest of your application.
Once the application is received, program directors will read it closely and carefully. The application will be used to assess the quality of your written communication skills. Programs place considerable emphasis on communication skills because effective communication has been shown to directly affect the quality of care given to patients.
Therefore, it is imperative that all information in your application is well communicated and error-free. In our experiences reviewing and editing applications, errors are common.
We have considerable experience reviewing and editing the ERAS Application Form can make sure that your application is polished, professional, and powerful.
Our ERAS Application Review/Editing Service can be purchased through our online store. All clients will work directly with Dr. Samir Desai, author of The Successful Match.
Important Information for the Aspiring Otolaryngologist
Improving methods of resident selection
Challenges we must confront
Pregnancy during otolaryngology residency: experience and recommendations