Rhinology Fellowship

The UW Rhinology and Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to provide advanced experience in the comprehensive management of both medical and surgical aspects within the subspecialty. As a preeminent tertiary medical center in the Pacific Northwest, UW Medical Center routinely receives referrals from a vast geographic area, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Washington. This broad referral network positions our fellows to engage with the most complex and challenging cases in the region. 

Collaboration is at the heart of our program, with robust partnerships in Allergy/Immunology, Pulmonology, Neurosurgery, and Ophthalmology. Fellows actively contribute to the care of patients with highly complex nasal, sinonasal, anterior skull base, and orbital pathologies. Notably, our program is distinguished for its particular strength in endoscopic orbital surgery and multi-portal approaches to the skull base including transorbital neuroendoscopic techniques. Through these experiences, the program's primary objective is to train fellows with the skills, knowledge, and confidence essential to emerge as skilled leaders at the forefront of rhinology.

Length of fellowship: 1 year

Number of Positions Available: 1

Clinical Rotations:
Fellows will primarily work at the University of Washington Medical Center with Drs. Abuzeid, Humphreys, and Jafari in both the operating room and clinic, where they will treat patients with complex rhinologic and skull base conditions. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to gain exposure to the multidisciplinary endoscopic orbital and lacrimal surgical experience at Harborview Medical Center. As the year progresses, the Fellow will gain increasing skills and confidence and is provided with the opportunity for greater independence.

Weekly Schedule:
The Fellow will actively participate in patient care in both the clinic and the operating room alongside the Fellowship faculty. Independently, the Fellow will manage a clinic twice a month, scheduling and performing independent surgical cases. Generally, the fellow will dedicate one day per week to working in the operating room with each faculty member, while focusing on clinical responsibilities and research during the remaining days. 

Teaching Responsibilities:
The Fellow collaborates closely with the faculty to provide training for residents in both the operating room and clinical settings. Additionally, the Fellow actively engages in rhinology didactic sessions and takes on a role as a faculty member during the annual regional residents' Sinus Course.

Research Responsibilities:
The fellow will have the opportunity for research mentorship under the guidance of the rhinology faculty. They are expected to actively participate in various ongoing research programs, encompassing both clinical (outcomes) and/or basic/translational research. Furthermore, they will be encouraged to present their research at national meetings. 

Diversity of Cases:
The Fellow will acquire extensive experience by engaging in a diverse range of highly complex surgical cases, with a specific focus on multidisciplinary cases, including those involving the anterior skull base and orbit. By the conclusion of the program, Fellows can expect to have participated in over 350 cases, including demonstrating proficiency in a high volume of complex endoscopic skull base and orbital procedures.

Call Schedule:
Fellows will participate in the faculty call schedule, averaging approximately 4-6 weeks per year. Additionally, they will share day-time call responsibilities with other fellows and faculty, primarily focusing on inpatient rhinology consultations.

Fellowship Co-Directors:

Waleed Abuzeid, MD FARS
Ian Humphreys, DO FARS
Aria Jafari, MD FARS

Additional Information:
This fellowship provides a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with an R6 level. The Fellow holds the title of Acting Instructor.

CURRENT AND PAST FELLOWS

2018-2019: Mamie Higgins, MD (Rhinology Faculty, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH)
2019-2020: Landon Massoth, MD (Rhinologist, Eastern Oklahoma Ear Nose and Throat, Tulsa OK)
2020-2021: Patricia Johnson, MD (Rhinology Faculty, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY)
2021-2022: Nathan Reeve, MD (Rhinology Faculty, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM)
2022-2023: Dhruv Sharma, MD (Rhinology Faculty, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY)
2023-2024: Ion Prohnitchi, MD (current)
2024-2025:  Hector Perez, MD (incoming)