Preclinical Years
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The preclinical years of medical school are important for students considering a career in Otolaryngology.
Otolaryngology residency programs value involvement in extracurricular activities, community service, leadership, and research. According to the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey:
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Leadership qualities are cited by 79% of programs as a factor used to make interview decisions.
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Demonstrated involvement or interest in research is cited by 74% as a factor used to make interview decisions.
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Volunteer/extracurricular activities are cited by 62% of programs as a factor used to make interview decisions.
In our book, Success in Medical School: Insider Advice for the Preclinical Years, we provide you with a detailed blueprint on how to do just that.
The preclinical years are an excellent time to build these credentials
3 ways to Build your Credentials in Otolaryngology as a Preclinical Student
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Almost all students who apply to otolaryngology will have performed research. Starting early can provide students with more significant opportunities to participate. Many schools with ENT departments provide opportunities to perform research during the summer after first year. "Ideally the research should be completed and published by the time the application is due," writes the Department of Otolaryngology at Drexel University. "Research specific to otolaryngology is best, but experience which can be utilized for future projects, such as basic sceience research, is also useful."
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Funding for medical student research is available through several organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, and the American Head and Neck Society.
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Travel grants to defray the cost of attending a conference where research will be presented are offered by several organizations, including the Association for Research in Otolaryngology.
For more information on how to stand out in Otolaryngology as a preclinical student, turn to our book Success in Medical School: Insider Advice for the Preclinical Years.