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Residency Program Structure

Rotation Schedule

YearRotations
PGY – 1 OHNS Intern 12 weeks – Parkland Hospital
12 weeks – UTSW University Hospitals
4 weeks – Plastic Surgery
4 weeks – Pediatric Surgery
4 weeks – Neurosurgery
4 weeks – Thoracic Surgery
4 weeks – Surgical Intensive Care Unit
4 weeks – Emergency Medicine
2 weeks – Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
2 weeks – Head and Neck Radiology
PGY – 2 OHNS Resident 3 months – Children's Medical Center
3 months – Parkland Hospital
3 months – UTSW University Hospitals
3 months – Dallas VA Medical Center
PGY – 3 OHNS Resident 3 months – Parkland Hospital
3 months – Parkland Hospital
3 months – Children's Medical Center
3 months – UTSW University Hospitals
PGY – 4 OHNS Resident 3 months – Research
3 months – Children's Medical Center
3 months – VA Medical Center
3 months – Parkland Hospital
PGY – 5 OHNS Chief Resident 3 months – UTSW University Hospitals
3 months – UTSW University Hospitals
3 months – Dallas VA Medical Center
3 months – Parkland Hospital

First Year

During the first year (R1) of the Otolaryngology Residency Program, the resident will advance from simple procedures such as tonsillectomy and laryngoscopy to other forms of endoscopy, maxillofacial trauma, nasal septoplasty, and sinus surgery.

Second Year

During the second year (R2), the resident will perform both minor and major sinus and head and neck trauma surgery. He or she will be expected to show proficiency in minor reconstructive and cosmetic procedures of the head and neck and basic microsurgery of the ear.

Third and Fourth Years

The R3 and R4 years build upon the surgical and clinical experiences of the first two years while facilitating experience in advanced microsurgery of the ear, neurotology, facial plastic surgery, major head and neck surgery, and advanced reconstructive techniques. After completion of the Otolaryngology Residency Program, the graduating resident has usually participated as the primary surgeon in more than 2,000 cases.

The senior resident at each hospital serves as its Chief Resident and assumes responsibility of that service. Also during this period, exposure to research is emphasized. Three months of the R3 year are reserved for electives, which may be dedicated to clinical or basic science research, further clinical elective training, or other academic endeavors as approved by the faculty.

Research

Research activity is considered an important educational tool at UT Southwestern, and completion of a clinical or basic science research project suitable for publication is mandatory.

Research Rotation and Research Projects

Research Projects

In choosing a research project, whether basic science or clinical, the resident should initially consult the Clinical Research Coordinator. She will be able to give guidance and counsel for IRB paperwork. In the case of clinical projects, the resident will be put in touch with the appropriate faculty member who will serve as sponsor on the project.

CVD/Allergy/Speech/Swallowing Rotation

During the three-month research rotation, two weeks are provided for learning the disciplines of audiology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and allergy. Angela Shoup, Ph.D., creates a concise, effective schedule for the two-week period encompassing useful experience in all these areas.