Education

Otolaryngology Residency

Goals and Philosophy
The Division of Otolaryngology at Albany Medical Center is dedicated to providing quality education and training in order to fulfill the requirements for board certification. This goal is obtained through a wide range of clinical material available through several affiliated hospitals within the Capital District; didactic lectures of head-neck and temporal bone anatomy, basic science, and disease states; and the provision of research time and support.

The underlying philosophy of the program is that the modern otolaryngologist must be a competent head and neck physician and surgeon. All aspects of otolaryngology are emphasized, including surgery of the temporal bone, surgery of benign and malignant head and neck neoplasms with appropriate emphasis on reconstructive techniques, maxillo-facial trauma, pediatric otolaryngology, and diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Program Design
The Program is divided into a 1 + 4 format with the first year of general surgery completed at Albany Medical Center (AMC).

First Year (PGY-1): General Surgery
Includes various rotations at AMC, Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), and St. Peter's Hospital. Rotations within the Emergency Department and intensive care units improve patient management skills.

Second and Third Years (PGY-2, 3): Otolaryngology
A sound foundation is established through outpatient clinics at AMC and VAMC, along with minor surgical procedures at AMC, the South Clinical Campus of AMC, and VAMC. Residents spend time with attendings during office hours. Reasearch ideas are formulated.

Fourth Year (PGY-4): Otolaryngology
For six months, time is spent primarily at St. Peter's Hospital. Residents work closely with private clinical staff within the operating room while continuing outpatient clinical responsibilities. The remaining time is devoted to research but with intermittent exposure to a facial plastic clinic.

Fifth Year (PGY-5): Otolaryngology
The chief resident year is divided between AMC and VAMC. The chief residents are responsible for all administrative tasks, including resident schedules, inpatient management and consultations, and emergency department care. The chief resident has significant responsibility for medical student and junior resident education. The chief resident works most closely with the attending staff.