Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program

The Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program at Louisiana State University School of Medicine is a comprehensive five-year training program that prepares residents for proficient practice in the field. This fully accredited program offers a total of 15 residents, with three new residents entering each year through the National Resident Matching Program. The program is characterized by a rigorous curriculum and extensive clinical exposure.

Training is conducted primarily at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - Academic Medical Center, alongside the Overton Brooks Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The program employs a model of operation that includes exposure to four otolaryngology teams at Ochsner LSU Health and one service at the VAMC, ensuring that residents experience a wide variety of cases and patient interactions throughout their training period 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is structured across five years and involves a blend of clinical rotations, independent study, and research opportunities.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

PGY-1: In the first year, residents spend six months in various otolaryngology services and six months in other related rotations such as General Surgery, Anesthesia, and Emergency Medicine. They gain essential skills in patient assessment and basic ENT procedures like flexible laryngoscopy and nasal endoscopy.

PGY-2: The second year involves rotations on two primary Otolaryngology teams, further developing surgical skills including myringotomy and tonsillectomy under faculty supervision, alongside formal conferences and daily rounds.

PGY-3: The third year gives residents the opportunity to engage in extensive hands-on experience across multiple specialties. This year also incorporates a three-month block dedicated to basic science research, allowing residents to focus on scientific inquiries relevant to otolaryngology.

PGY-4: The fourth year emphasizes leadership and teaching, with assignments as chief residents in various services, where they supervise junior residents and engage in complex case management.

PGY-5: In the final year, residents further refine their technical skills and leadership abilities, functioning as chief residents. They perform advanced surgical procedures including facial plastic and reconstructive surgeries as well as management of complex pediatric cases.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral component of the residency program, with dedicated time available for residents to engage in scientific studies under faculty mentorship. This exposure fosters a robust understanding of research methodology and its application in clinical practice 1.

Training Sites

The primary training sites, Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and Overton Brooks VAMC, host a diverse patient population that ensures a comprehensive learning environment for residents. The volume of surgical cases performed annually, approximately 2000, and over 12,000 outpatient visits further enhances the resident experience and competency development 1.

Visa Support

The program provides support for international medical graduates, offering sponsorship for visas necessary for undertaking residency training in the United States. Common visa types sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating the needs of applicants from various backgrounds 1.

Competitiveness

This residency program is known to be competitive, attracting applicants from various medical schools across the country. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a strong academic background and relevant clinical experience. The program is considered friendly towards DO and IMG candidates, broadening the range of eligible applicants who are welcome to apply 1.

Application Requirements

Prospective applicants should meet specific criteria to be considered for the program. The program typically requires graduation from medical school within a specified timeframe, and may also have particular guidelines regarding the number of attempts on the USMLE Step examinations. It is essential for applicants to thoroughly review all requirements at the time of application submission to ensure compliance with the program's standards 1.