GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
RESIDENT CURRICULUM FOR OTOLARYNGOLOGY
Rotation Coordinator:
Robert C. Wang, M.D.
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery
2040 W Charleston Blvd, Suite 601
Las Vegas, NV 89102
702) 671-2298
OVERVIEW
EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE
Otolaryngology involves the diagnosis and management of disorders of the ears, nose and throat. The
general internist should be able to evaluate and manage such common disorders, such as pharyngitis,
otitis and sinusitis, and recognize more complicated conditions that require subspecialty consultation.
He or she should play a key role in screening for and prevention of aerodigestive tract malignancies,
which occur particularly often in patients who smoke. The general internist should also be competent
in evaluating such specific symptoms as hoarseness, hearing loss and facial pain.
Teaching Methods
The rotation will be under the supervision of the attending otolaryngologist. The resident will see
consultations and patients as assigned by the attending otolaryngologist in the outpatient Patient Care
Center. The resident will obtain the initial data, write a consultation note, and present the patient to
the attending physician. The attending will confirm the findings, teach about the case, and with the
resident, craft the final recommendations.
The attending physician will teach based on case material. The resident and attending will review and
discuss any required reading.
Mix of Diseases
Patients present with a wide variety of ENT problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, otitis
median and externa, rhinosinusitis, nasal polyps, hoarseness, neck masses, known head and neck
cancer, obstructive sleep apnea, epistaxis and hemoptysis.
Patient Characteristics
The patient population is diverse, male and female, of all ages from adolescent to geriatric,
representing most ethnic and racial backgrounds, from all social and economic strata.
Types of Clinical Encounters
Patient encounters occur in the office as initial consultations or ongoing care of patients with ENT
disorders.
Primary Interpretation of Tests
Waters’ view radiograph of sinuses
Limited CT of sinuses
Ordering and Understanding Tests
Audiometry
Aeroallergen skin sensitivity testing
Limited computed tomography of the sinuses
Radiography of the sinuses
Throat culture
Polysomnography
Rapid streptococcal antigen test
Procedures
Insertion of wick in auditory canal
Removal of cerumen
Anterior nasal packing
Speculum rhinoscopy
Transillumination of maxillary sinuses
Indirect laryngoscopy (optional)
Resident Supervision
Residents will be supervised by the attending otolaryngologist. The resident will see consultations
and patients as assigned by the attending otolaryngologist, write initial and follow up consult notes
and review them with the attending otolaryngologist.
Didactic Teaching
Attending Teaching
Didactic discussions will be held regarding patients seen in consultation during the month. Each
resident is required to review common otolaryngologic topics.
Core Reading Materials
The Washington Manual Otolaryngology Survival Guide, Layland M, editor. Lippincott Williams &
Wilkins
Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Otolaryngology, Lalwani A, editor. Lange Medical
Ancillary Educational Materials
Subspecialty Texts of Neurology, Pulmonary Medicine, Nephrology, Endocrinology,
Infectious Diseases, Rheumatology as well as General Medical References (Harrison’s
Principles of Internal Medicine, Cecil’s Textbook of Medicine) are available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week in the resident lounge.
Savitt Medical Library On-Line
Residents have access to the on-line services of Savitt Library (the main library of the
University of Nevada - Reno) via their computer in the resident room, Suite 300 of the 2040
W. Charleston Building. Access to this room is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Full text is available for many peer-review journals including, but no limited to:
ACP Journal Club
Annals of Internal Medicine
British Medical Journal
Cancer
Circulation
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
The Lancet
New England Journal of Medicine
Stroke
Also available on-line:
Harrison’s Principle’s of Internal Medicine, 16th ed.
Merck Manual, 17th ed.
Guide to Clinical Preventive Services, 2nd ed.
The Cochrane Library
Medline and Grateful Med Databases
Pathological Material and Other Educational Resources
Pathological specimens are not anticipated.
Training Sites
University Health Services Patient Care Center
This venue is the faculty outpatient practice site for the University of Nevada School of
Medicine.
Competency-based Goals and Objectives
Otolaryngology Rotation
Learning Venues
Evaluation Methods
1. Orthopedics Specialists of
Nevada
2. Self Study
Level Specificity
A. Attending evaluation
Not applicable –
B. Objective testing
C. Self evaluation
this elective is
taken once during
residency
Competency Patient Care
Learning
Venues
1
Evaluation
Methods
A, C
1, 2
A, C
NA
1
A, C
NA
Demonstrate competency sinus CT and
radiograph interpretation
Demonstrate competency in removal of
cerumen
Demonstrate competence in insertion of
auditory canal wick and application of
medicine
1
A, C
NA
1, 2
A, C
NA
1
A, C
NA
Competency : Medical Knowledge
Learning
Venues
Evaluation
Methods
Demonstrate competency in obtaining
ENT history from patients.
Demonstrate competency in physical
exam skills used to evaluate ENT
disorders and diseases
Demonstrate competency in ENT
examination, including speculum
rhinoscopy and transillumination of
maxillary sinuses
Demonstrate knowledge of proper use of
1, 2
diagnostic tests and radiographs
Demonstrate knowledge of normal ENT
1, 2
anatomy and function
Demonstrate knowledge proper evaluation 1,2
and treatment of common ENT problems,
including hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo,
otitis median and externa, rhinosinusitis,
nasal polyps, hoarseness, neck masses,
known head and neck cancer, obstructive
Level
NA
Level
A, B, C
NA
A, B, C
NA
A, B, C
NA
sleep apnea, epistaxis and hemoptysis.
Competency: Interpersonal and
Communication Skills
Learning
Venues
Evaluation
Methods
Level
Interact in an effective way with
physicians, nurses and medical support
staff.
Demonstrate understanding of patient
preferences in diagnostic evaluation and
management
Maintain accurate medical records.
Serve as a patient advocate.
1
A, C
NA
1
A, C
NA
1
1
A, C
A, C
NA
NA
Competency: Professionalism
Learning
Venues
Evaluation
Methods
Level
Treat team members, primary care1, 2
givers, and patients with respect and
empathy.
Understand, practice and adhere to a code 1, 2
of medical ethics.
A, C
NA
A, C
NA
Competency: Practice-Based Learning Learning
Venues
Review the outcomes of patient care in
1, 2
order to reflect on the approach taken in
the delivery of care.
Utilize established practice guidelines for 1, 2
individual diseases to devise care
strategies.
Identify limitations of one’s medical
1, 2
knowledge in evaluation and
management of patients and use medical
literature (primary and reference) to
address these gaps in medical knowledge.
Evaluation
Methods
A, C
Competency: Systems-Based Practice
Evaluation
Learning
Level
NA
A, C
NA
A, B, C
NA
Level
Recognize the importance of the role of
support systems in the health of patients
with ENT disease, including allergists,
audiologists, and hearing aid providers.
Understand the role of the ENT
consultant and when referral is necessary
or desirable
Venues
Methods
1, 2
A, C
NA
1, 2
A, C
NA
EVALUATION
A. Of Residents
At the completion of each rotation, all clinical faculty are required to complete the standard
ABIM resident evaluation form. All clinical faculty are encouraged to provide face-to-face
feedback with the residents. The night-float resident is evaluated by one of the three service
attendings. In addition, residents may receive interim feedback utilizing the ABIM’s Praise
and Early Warning cards.
B. Of Rotation and Preceptor
All residents are encouraged to evaluate the rotation, and the clinical faculty member, at the
completion of the rotation. This evaluation form is included at the end of this document.
These evaluations are then converted to type and shared anonymously with the clinical faculty.
The program director also discusses the rotation with the residents to ensure rotation quality
and satisfaction.
Otolaryngology Rotation Resident Check List
1. Evaluation reviewed at mid-month and end of rotation by the supervising faculty member and
resident.
2. Completed assigned readings
3. Attended all assigned activities (excluding scheduled time away, required clinics and
emergencies).
4. Completed required case report abstracts and/or posters if assigned by the supervising faculty
member.
5. Demonstrated understanding of the basic principles of otolaryngology.
6. Receive verbal feedback from attending at end of rotation.
Intern/Resident Signature_________________________
Date___________________
Supervising Attending Signature___________________
Date___________________
All items must be completed for rotation credit and checklist returned to the Department of
Medicine by the rotation’s end.