Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery offers a robust training environment geared toward producing proficient and compassionate otolaryngologists. The program's mission is to educate residents to provide high-value care in a diverse and inclusive environment. It is designed to combat healthcare disparities while fostering education, clinical practice, and community health.

The residency program encompasses comprehensive training in medical and surgical care for disorders affecting the head and neck. With an emphasis on versatility, the curriculum prepares residents for both subspecialty fellowships and a comprehensive practicing career in otolaryngology, allowing exposure to varied complexities and age groups throughout the training period 1.

Curriculum Structure

The residency spans five years, commencing with general surgical internships followed by dedicated otolaryngology training. The first year primarily consists of foundational rotations in Critical Care, Neurosurgery, and General Surgery, alongside initial exposure to Otolaryngology. In subsequent years, the curriculum focuses on immersing residents in various subspecialty services such as Head and Neck Oncology, Facial Plastics, and Pediatric Otolaryngology.

The detailed breakdown of the rotations is as follows:

• PGY-1: General surgical internship with a mix of otolaryngology exposure.
• PGY-2: Rotations in General Otolaryngology, Pediatric Otolaryngology, and focused training in Head and Neck Oncology.
• PGY-3: More advanced exposure with dedicated blocks in Head and Neck and additional research time.
• PGY-4: Research and focused clinical rotations in subspecialties.
• PGY-5: Chief resident year with responsibilities in patient management and continuity clinics.

Throughout the residency, there is a strong emphasis on continuity of care, ensuring that residents are involved with patients from pre-operative evaluations through post-operative follow-ups 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the residency experience at Dartmouth-Hitchcock. Residents have structured opportunities to engage in research projects under faculty mentorship. Faculty members have various research interests, contributing to an expanding body of knowledge within the field. For instance, Dr. James Saunders leads initiatives focusing on hearing loss in low-resource settings, while Dr. Joseph Paydarfar investigates advancements in head and neck surgery 1. The research environment is enhanced by collaboration with institutions such as the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, providing residents with rich interdisciplinary engagement.

Unique Program Aspects

The program prides itself on fostering a tight-knit, collegial environment characterized by supportive faculty-member relationships. The small size of the residency ensures personalized training and mentorship, with one-on-one engagement with attendings from the start of the program. This structure allows residents to build confidence and surgical skill based on extensive hands-on experiences with complex cases 1.

Educational Conferences

Residents benefit from diverse educational conferences, including a comprehensive core curriculum that emphasizes case-based learning and mock oral board preparations. Regular meetings cover a range of topics including facial trauma, audiology, and head and neck tumors. Additionally, monthly journal clubs and simulation labs are designed to enhance clinical understanding and practical skills 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

Promoting diversity and inclusion is integral to the program’s philosophy. The Department of Surgery at Dartmouth Hitchcock is committed to creating an environment that respects and values individual differences, fostering innovation and collaboration among residents 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship, accommodating international medical graduates (IMGs) through appropriate visa types. Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review eligibility requirements, including passing scores on relevant examinations, to ensure compliance with institutional expectations.

The competitiveness of the program is heightened by its reputation and supportive training environment. The program has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, welcoming applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including DO and IMG graduates.

Application Requirements

Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), submitting essential documents, including transcripts, recommendation letters, and a personal statement. The program does not impose restrictions based on graduates' year or previous examination failures, rendering it an accessible option for many candidates 1. Interviews are conducted in-person and are supplemented with virtual options, reflecting the program's adaptability and commitment to fostering relationships with applicants.

Quality of Life

The Upper Valley area offers an appealing setting for residents, marked by a rich environment conducive to both professional growth and personal well-being. Access to various outdoor activities, cultural engagements, and community-centric events enriches the overall experience of residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock 1.