NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Residency Training Program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a premier residency that provides comprehensive training to aspiring otolaryngologists. This five-year program is designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals through a blend of rigorous clinical experience, immersive didactic education, and extensive research opportunities in a collegial environment.

Residents in the program receive training from a distinguished faculty known for their expertise across multiple subspecialties in otolaryngology, including head and neck surgery, laryngology, otology, audiology, pediatric otolaryngology, facial plastic surgery, and more. The residency involves access to state-of-the-art facilities equipped with advanced surgical technologies, such as robotic surgical systems and laser tools, enhancing the procedural experience of residents.1

Curriculum Overview

The residency program unfolds over five years with a structure designed to maximize hands-on experience and academic growth. The first year (PGY-1) offers a foundation with six months dedicated to surgical and critical care, followed by six months focusing on otolaryngology. This year introduces residents to non-ENT rotations, aiding the development of essential skills in trauma management and critical patient care.1

Subsequent years—PGY-2 through PGY-5—scaffold upon this foundation significantly:

• PGY-2: Residents are immersed in clinical settings, developing initial surgical skills and managing a variety of cases under supervision.
• PGY-3: This year emphasizes complex surgical procedures and includes a dedicated three-month research rotation, with mentorship provided to hone research interests.
• PGY-4: Advances surgical expertise in otology and plastic surgery, with notable leadership experience as chief resident at the VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, where residents manage a full surgical schedule.
• PGY-5: The chief residency year focuses on formative leadership and teaching roles, further solidifying readiness for clinical practice or academic careers.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

The residency offers invaluable clinical exposure at a variety of training sites, including:

• Tisch Hospital
• Kimmel Pavilion
• NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn
• NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
• VA NY Harbor Healthcare System
• NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island

These rotations enable residents to gain experience with diverse patient populations and expand their clinical acumen across all facets of otolaryngology.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a crucial component of residency training. Residents are encouraged to participate actively in both clinical and basic science research, supported by the Resident Research Committee, which aids in project development and execution.1

Academic and Educational Rigor

NYU’s Department of Otolaryngology employs various educational activities aimed at reinforcing clinical learning, including:

• Weekly grand rounds and morbidity & mortality conferences, which provide vital learning opportunities concerning complex cases.
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards and resident-run lectures that encourage comprehensive management discussions across specialties.
• Surgical skill development through sessions in specialized temporal bone and anatomy laboratories.

Application and Competitiveness

The program is competitive and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, emphasizing diversity, including encouragement for underrepresented minority candidates. There are no strict cut-off years for medical school graduation, nor is a specific USMLE score required, although the average score of applicants is around 235. Step 2 scores are submitted if the applicant is selected for an interview.1

Visa Sponsorship

The residency program offers visa sponsorship for international applicants. The typical visa types supported include B-1 (business) visa for observerships and other exchange visitor visas contingent upon clinical experience.2

Graduation Outcomes

Upon completion of the residency, graduates are well-prepared for both academic and independent practices in otolaryngology, with a demonstrated history of achieving high success rates in board certification exams.