Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

The Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency program provides comprehensive training in clinical, surgical, and investigative aspects of the head and neck. The program is designed to produce excellent technical surgeons who desire to apply sound scientific principles to the practice of head and neck surgery. Two-thirds of our graduates continue in the full-time practice of academic medicine in top centers across the country. Others commit to the multi-faceted practice of Otolaryngology in a community setting as skilled clinicians.

The training experience builds on graduated increases in responsibility for patient care issues over the 4 clinical years. Excellence in clinical care is of paramount importance for our trainees and this is achieved through didactic lectures, a busy operative schedule, general and subspecialty clinic exposure, and specific dissection courses. The residency training program consists of three portions: an otolaryngology internship; dedicated research training for 1-2 years; and 4 years of clinical training in otolaryngology.

The first year of training is an internship in general surgery, and includes rotations in specialties such as ICU, pediatric surgery, neurologic surgery, and plastic surgery. On these rotations, the resident is part of a surgical team of medical students, fellows and 1-2 senior level surgical residents. The primary focus of this year is on learning sound principles of pre- and post-operative care with graduated increases in surgical exposure.

Research is incorporated in the program between the PGY-1 and PGY-2 clinical years. Regardless of the prior experience of the resident, all research will be done in conjunction with an experienced research mentor, not necessarily within our own department. The research topic and mentor is open to selection by the resident depending on their area of interest. The goal of the research year is for the resident to learn or refine their knowledge of research methodology and to develop a research program in their field of interest, which may encompass basic science or outcomes studies. Research training is an integral part of our Residency Training Program and residents are encouraged and supported to continue research productivity during each year of training.

The second year of clinical training, following the internship and research year(s), includes rotations at several medical centers. The focus is on pre-operative and post-operative care of otolaryngology patients, mastering the head and neck examination, endoscopy and airway management skills and appropriate surgical cases for that year of training.

The third year of clinical training provides more individual development of skills and graduated independence. Further development of surgical skills at this level allows for more active participation in procedures as the surgeon versus surgical assistant. The dedicated research rotation allows for completion of work from the research-training year or for proceeding with a different research project.

The fourth year of clinical training focuses on refinement of surgical technique to allow incorporation of your improved clinical sense and skills developed during your third year. More active patient management and decision making occurs this year particularly during the chief rotation. Teaching of junior residents will also be a highlight during this year. Otology/neuro-otology is the focus of the remaining four-month block.

The final year of clinical training is divided into 4 months on clinical service and 4 months of elective time to allow for rotations in areas specific to the resident’s interest. Two months of the elective experience will encompass a dedicated facial plastics rotation. This year truly melds investigative skills with medical decision allowing for major responsibility at each site in daily patient care issues and in complex surgical cases. The Chief Resident will also have a role in administrative duties as well as direct involvement in junior resident teaching.

For additional information, visit the Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery web site.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR		PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Mark Whipple, MD		Patti Peterson
Program Director		Program Coordinator
Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery		Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery
Box 356515		Box 356515
Room BB-1165		Room BB-1165
Phone: 206-543-5230		Phone: 206-543-5230
mwhipple@u.washington.edu		Fax: 206-543-5152
		peterp@u.washington.edu