Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Cedars-Sinai Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Residency is a robust five-year training program that operates under the approval of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), accepting two residents each year. The mission of the program is to provide elite clinical training through a combination of hands-on comprehensive clinical experience, structured didactic sessions, and an emphasis on research. The core training primarily occurs at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center but also encompasses rotations at prestigious facilities such as Kaiser Permanente and Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego.

Training & Curriculum

With a strong focus on clinical excellence, the residency curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure that residents gain extensive exposure to all major subspecialties within otolaryngology. Training outlines a structured pathway that facilitates proficiency in various surgical procedures applicable in both inpatient and outpatient settings. A unique aspect of this program is its dual-faceted approach, ensuring that graduates are not only skilled surgeons but also well-rounded clinicians.

Yearly Breakdown of Clinical Training

- **PGY-1**: The initial year involves 13 four-week rotations, with a focus on acquiring fundamental surgical skills. Residents engage in seven otolaryngology-specific rotations while also rotating through surgical intensive care, trauma surgery, plastic surgery, neurological surgery, emergency medicine, and anesthesia. This combination nurtures proficient perioperative care capabilities.

- **PGY-2**: Residents spend nine months at Cedars-Sinai, rotating between clinical services and a community-based practice that broadens the exposure to various subspecialties within otolaryngology. A significant component is a three-month pediatric OHNS off-site rotation at Rady Children's Hospital.

- **PGY-3**: The third year focuses on dedicated research, allowing residents to work closely with faculty mentors for three months, supplemented by clinical rotations on both the Red and White services.

- **PGY-4**: In this year, there is a deeper dive into pediatric care with advanced training at Rady Children’s Hospital and extensive experience across all OHNS subspecialties at Kaiser Permanente.

- **PGY-5**: This final year permits an elective rotation tailored to the resident's future career interests. Residents will also have a second rotation at Kaiser and spend time on the Red and White services to consolidate their expertise.

Application Information

Application submissions must be conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants are expected to register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) as an essential step in the application process. The program details specific application component requirements such as:

• Common application form
• Personal statement
• Medical school transcript
• MSPE/Dean's letter
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation
• Photograph
• USMLE transcript (completion of USMLE Step 2 CK prior to interview is strongly encouraged)

The Cedars-Sinai program maintains a rigorous application assessment process, making it a highly competitive residency opportunity within the field of otolaryngology.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a prominent role in the Otolaryngology Residency at Cedars-Sinai, fostering a scholarly environment in which residents are encouraged to explore clinical and laboratory-based inquiry. Throughout the residency, there are designated periods dedicated to research, enabling residents to contribute to ongoing projects and develop their investigative skills, which is pivotal for those aiming for academic or leadership roles in the future.

Facilities & Training Sites

The residency program incorporates multiple training sites to enrich the learning experience:

• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: A teaching hospital with over 860 beds, providing a comprehensive array of clinical experiences.
• Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center: A major tertiary referral center with 560 beds and extensive surgical resources.
• Rady Children's Hospital San Diego: A 524-bed pediatric hospital renowned for its cutting-edge patient care and educational programs.
• Marina Del Rey Hospital: A community hospital focusing on regional healthcare needs.
• Simulation Center for Advanced Clinical Skills: A facility with advanced technology for surgical simulation training.

This diversity in facilities ensures comprehensive exposure to a variety of patient populations and medical conditions.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Cedars-Sinai program also supports a diverse range of applicants, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those holding a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Visa sponsorship is available for residency participants, allowing the program to welcome qualified candidates regardless of their citizenship status. The program's competitive nature is indicative of the high caliber of applicants pursued, accentuating the need for exemplary academic and clinical credentials.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes an inclusive environment where diversity among residents and faculty is valued. This focus contributes to a well-rounded training experience, enhancing the cultural competence of residents as they prepare to serve a varied patient demographic.