Rush University Medical Center Program

The Rush University Medical Center Program in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery offers a comprehensive five-year residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program is designed to prepare its residents in the field of otolaryngology through hands-on training and personalized mentorship from a dedicated faculty.

Residents in this program develop outstanding surgical and diagnostic skills and gain exposure to a diverse range of otolaryngology subspecialties. The core faculty represents various areas, including otology, head and neck surgery, rhinology and skull base surgery, laryngology, sleep medicine, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as pediatric otolaryngology. Residents also participate in transoral robotic surgery (TORS), minimally invasive skull base surgery, and microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck (free-flap surgery) 1.

Curriculum Overview

All training primarily occurs at Rush University Medical Center. Apart from the intern trauma rotation at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, residents complete a pediatric rotation at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Each resident spends at least a half-day weekly in clinic settings and has a significant commitment to subspecialty clinics. Aside from clinical duties, there is designated academic and reading time scheduled each week, ensuring that residents engage with core didactics centered on their elective specializations 1.

Research and Special Tracks

Residents have the opportunity to participate in specialized tracks, such as the research track, global health track, patient safety and quality improvement (PSQI) track, and leadership track, all designed to enhance their clinical training and professional development. The program integrates protected time for research activities, particularly in the second and fourth years, allowing residents to focus on scholarly projects 1.

Resident Case Volume and Autonomy

The program emphasizes resident autonomy, with residents handling advanced surgical techniques early in their training. Junior residents directly assist attendings, while senior residents often take the lead in cases, enhancing their proficiency as skilled surgeons 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The curriculum includes a comprehensive didactic program covering core otolaryngology topics, board review, multidisciplinary conferences, and bedside teaching rounds, complemented by state-of-the-art simulation training. Each academic day involves structured sessions focusing on a particular subspecialty, enriched by supportive resources including reading lists and educational activities 1.

Global Health Initiatives

The Rush Program engages residents in global health efforts, including biennial trips to the Dominican Republic, where participants collaborate with local communities to provide surgical care. This experience is supplemented by clinics for underserved populations in Chicago, illustrating the program's commitment to addressing health disparities 1.

Leadership Track

The leadership track offers an opportunity for residents to pursue a Master of Science in Health Systems Management during the final two years of the program—an initiative funded entirely by Rush. This track is suitable for those with an interest in healthcare management 2.

Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (PSQI)

The PSQI track equips residents with specialized skills in patient safety and quality management, and includes completion of the IHI open school certification and participation in rotation experiences 2.

Research Track

The research track is ideal for residents aiming for academic careers. It allows the inclusion of graduate-level research education without extending training duration, featuring a Master of Science in Clinical Research degree, with funding for tuition 2.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The Rush Otolaryngology program is competitive and primarily recruits from LCME-accredited medical schools. Applicants are expected to have outstanding credentials, often demonstrated through prior research involvement in otolaryngology and superb interpersonal skills during the interview process. The program primarily supports J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships for international medical graduates (IMGs) 3.

To apply, candidates must submit their ERAS application, personal statements, supporting documents, and letters of recommendation by October 1, as well as their medical licensing examination results 3.