Residency

General Information

The residency program provides comprehensive training in clinical, surgical, and investigative aspects of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The program is designed to produce excellent surgeons who apply sound scientific principles to the practice of head and neck surgery. Two-thirds of our graduates continue in top academic medicine centers across the country.

​The university is a tertiary referral center for a five-state area including Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI region). Training experience builds on graduated increases in patient care over five clinical years. Trainees achieve excellence through didactic lectures, busy operative schedules, clinic exposure, and specific dissection courses. Accessible, involved faculty complement learning with directed teaching in clinics, wards, and the operating suite.

There are four residency positions offered annually. Three of the four spots are for a 6-year program that includes 1 year of dedicated T-32 funded research, and the fourth position is for a 7-year program that includes 2 years of dedicated T-32 funded research. The 6- and 7-year programs are ranked separately in ERAS. See table below for the clinical schedule.

Our sense of camaraderie is reflected in a willingness to collaborate in scientific exploration, and a dedication to high clinical standards. The strong research base includes Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW South Lake Union Research Center, VA Health Services Research and Development Center of Excellence, and others, and provides a unique research opportunity amongst otolaryngology training programs. The clinical and investigative strengths of this department coupled with the beauty of the Pacific Northwest make this a distinctive training program.

MISSION STATEMENT

The intent of our program is to develop leaders in academic otolaryngology. We anticipate that tomorrow’s leaders in otolaryngology‐head and neck surgery will be characterized as translational researchers, individuals who have prepared themselves for leadership through exposure to both research and clinical training. We believe that this will require strong clinical knowledge and skills, an aptitude towards research, be it basic science, clinical or epidemiological, and most importantly a drive to achieve personal excellence. Our goal is to train you to become a mature and capable surgeon by providing you with a series of supervised patient care experiences in a system of graduated responsibility. Residents who match with the department receive otolaryngology and intensive research training at the University of Washington and affiliated hospitals.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington School of Medicine upholds the values of diversity and inclusion in order to achieve and sustain excellence. We are mindful of all aspects of human differences, such as socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, spiritual practice, geography, disability, and age. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Video Library for Prospective Residents

Please see our COLLECTION OF VIDEOS describing the residency program in greater detail.

Requirements

Helpful information for prospective residents:

• Essential Requirements for Residents in Otolaryngology
• Residency Selection Process

Applicants with one of the following qualifications are eligible for the residency program in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Washington:

• Graduates of medical schools in the United States and Canada accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• Graduates of colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
• Graduates of medical schools outside the United States who have completed a Fifth Pathway program provided by an LCME accredited medical school.
• Graduates of medical schools outside the United States and Canada who meet one of the following qualifications:

1. Have received a currently valid certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates prior to appointment, or
2. Have a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a US licensing jurisdiction in which they are training.

Residents' Current Clinical and Research Projects

Rotation Schedule

The residency training program consists of three portions: an otolaryngology internship, dedicated research training for 1-2 years, and 4 years of clinical training in otolaryngology.

Life in Seattle

Seattle is a bustling metropolis situated between Lake Washington and beautiful Puget Sound. The water emphasizes the beauty of the forested mountain ranges, the Cascades to the east and the Olympics to the west. The views of Mount Rainer and Mount Olympus are a constant reminder we are never far from natural beauty. It's an active outdoor town with bicyclers using protected trails, early morning kayakers, and joggers who fully utilize the many parks situated in the midst of busy neighborhoods. 

Seattle has 2 million inhabitants in the metro region and has remained vibrant in these changing economic times. In recent reports, Seattle continues to attract college graduates for opportunities in venture capital, software, hi-tech enterprises, and specialty retail. 

Seattle is a food lover’s paradise. The bounty of local seafood and farmers'  markets makes exploring the restaurant scene an adventure in itself. Exotic spices and unusual ingredients are easily acquired in our many ethnic neighborhoods and markets.

From the classical sounds of the Benaroya Hall or the McCaw Opera Hall, to the jazz and “grunge” scene, Seattle has something musical for everyone. The Experience Music Project museum at Seattle Center allows for an interactive exposure to all varieties of music.

Seattle Visitor Centers and Services

Residents' Photo Gallery