OTOLARYNGOLOGY RESIDENCY PROGRAM

Goals and Philosophy
The residency in Otolaryngology (OTOHNS) at Albany Medical Center consists of a five-year program of training that graduates 2 residents per year. The program consists of one year of general surgery and four years of otolaryngology training. Participating institutions include: Albany Medical Center (AMC), St. Peter’s Hospital and the Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital (VAMC).

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 otology, head and neck cancer, pediatric otolaryngology, laryngology, rhinology, maxillo-facial trauma and reconstruction and facial plastic surgery.

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

First Year (PGY-1): General Surgery
This year includes rotations in OTOHNS, general surgery, emergency medicine, intensive care, anesthesia, plastic surgery and neurosurgery.

Second Year (PGY-2): Otolaryngology
During the second year, residents rotate for 6 months on the pediatric service. A sound foundation is developed in the medical and surgical management of otitis media, recurrent tonsillitis and sleep apnea, sinusitis, hearing loss, neck masses and pediatric airway problems. The remaining 6 months is spent at the VAMC. Residents spend time in both the clinic and OR treating a full spectrum of adult ENT issues. One day a week is dedicated to facial plastics and the treatment of skin cancer.

Third Year (PGY-3): Otolaryngology
During the third year, residents spend 6 months on the head and neck service. Time is spent in the office and operating room treating both benign and malignant diseases. One day a week is dedicated to laryngology and the use of videostroboscopy. During this year there is also 6 months of dedicated research time. Residents can participate in basic science or clinical research.  During the research block, there is intermittent exposure to cosmetic facial plastic surgery.

Fourth Year (PGY-4): Otolaryngology
For 6 months, time is spent as the chief resident at St. Peter’s Hospital. Residents work closely with private clinical staff managing a full range of pediatric and adult ENT illnesses. The remaining 6 months is spent as the chief resident at the VAMC.

Fifth Year (PGY-5): Otolaryngology
The chief resident year is divided between the Head and Neck service and the General / Otology service. 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 the medical students and junior resident education. The chief resident works most closely with the attending staff.

Educational Program
There is dedicated academic time on Thursday mornings. Grand rounds are held weekly. Morbidity and Mortality conference is held monthly. During this time there is also a basic science and clinical lecture series as well as review for the in-service exam. Each year, there is a gross anatomy head and neck dissection course and a temporal bone dissection course. Afternoon conferences include Journal club bimonthly and a head and neck oncology conference held weekly at the VAMC and bimonthly at AMC.

Each year, the Department’s residents present completed research at Resident Research Day. Attendance at regional and national scientific meetings is encouraged and supported.