Clinical experience in our residency program is comprehensive, structured and tailored to different educational styles. We strive to create an engaging and interactive learning environment where all learners are welcome and passionate to be part of health care. Residents are offered many educational opportunities during their five-year training period. In addition to a high volume operative experience, clinical opportunities include evaluation and diagnosis of patients in the outpatient, inpatient and emergency setting; pre- and post-operative care; and systems-based patient management. Residents have the opportunity to follow patients longitudinally, providing learning experiences for critical assessment of outcomes. This training applies progressive responsibility based on each individual’s level of education, experience and competence. Residents develop medical decision-making and surgical skills under the guidance of expert faculty physicians who are at the forefront of their respective specialties.
Simulation Opportunities
Numerous simulation activities exist for our residents throughout the year including the following:
- Annual one-week long cadaveric national anatomy and surgical course covering all aspects of otolaryngology with invited national speakers and residents from around the country and world in attendance
- Annual skull base simulation courses
- Annual facial trauma plating course
- Temporal bone drilling course occurs throughout the year every week
- Pediatric airway simulation course in the IU Health Advanced Simulation Lab
Focus on Surgical Experience
A high volume of surgical procedures is a notable strength of the Department of Otolaryngology residency program at IU School of Medicine. Upon completion, a resident will have performed approximately 2,500 cases in comprehensive otolaryngology services and specialties within a very diverse patient population. This makes us one of the highest volume surgical experience otolaryngology residencies in the country.
An emphasis on hands-on instruction allows each resident to gain experience in patient care and to begin crafting his or her surgical skills immediately beginning in the first year of residency. Residents are challenged to participate in the process of intraoperative decision-making and are considered active members of the treatment team.