University at Buffalo Program

The Otolaryngology Residency Program at the University at Buffalo is meticulously designed to provide a comprehensive education in the medical and surgical management of patients across a broad spectrum of disorders affecting the ears, upper respiratory tract, and alimentary systems. The program spans five years; during this time, residents are expected to develop critical competencies in patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, and improvement, inter-personal and communication skills, professionalism, and system-based practice. Notably, as residents progress, they take on increasing levels of responsibility, culminating in the Chief Resident year where the resident functions as the primary surgeon on many of their own cases, managing pre-operative, operative, and post-operative planning under faculty supervision 1.

The residency program integrates a structured curriculum highlighting both clinical experience and research methodology. Starting with the PGY-1 year, residents undertake required rotations that meet ACGME standards and can tailor off-service rotations to include various surgical subspecialties, anesthesia, ICU, radiology, and pathology. Clinical experiences are rich and provided across four primary hospital sites, which include Buffalo General Medical Center, Sisters of Charity Hospital, Erie County Medical Center, and Oishei Children's Hospital. These sites ensure a multifaceted learning environment, supported by a faculty team of thirty full-time and volunteer supervisors, fostering a profound operative experience in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is meticulously structured into distinct training years:

PGY-1:

This year includes rotations in otolaryngology and various off-service specialties, allowing residents to gain diverse foundational clinical experiences.

PGY-2:

Key rotations during this year focus on pediatric otolaryngology and head and neck trauma, providing critical insight into the management of complex cases.

PGY-3:

This stage emphasizes specialized rotations in rhinology, facial plastic surgery, and an in-depth research project that is intended to result in a publishable paper 4.

PGY-4:

Residents are expected to refine their skills further through intensive rotations at specialized centers, including a pediatric otolaryngology quaternary care hospital and a prominent cancer center, the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

PGY-5:

The final year is dedicated to chief resident responsibilities, where residents gain experience in advanced surgical techniques and administrative duties, preparing them for independent practice or further fellowship opportunities 5.

Research Opportunities

Embedded within the curriculum is a focus on research, especially during the dedicated research rotations in the third year. Residents are encouraged to engage in various clinical and basic science research projects, working closely with faculty mentors and accessing a wide array of resources, including a temporal bone lab 6.

Training Sites

The program operates from four main hospitals, all conveniently located within a ten-minute drive of each other:

• Sisters of Charity Hospital: The primary teaching hospital focusing on advanced endoscopic procedures and head and neck surgeries.
• Erie County Medical Center: A Level I Trauma Center with extensive opportunities in trauma care and facial surgery.
• Oishei Children’s Hospital: Offers a specialized pediatric otolaryngology training.
• Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center: Provides substantial exposure in head and neck oncological surgery 7.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The program engages in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and requires participation in the ERAS application system. Annually, only two residents are accepted. Applicants are assessed based on a variety of criteria, including cognitive abilities, clinical skills, academic records, and research involvement 8. While the program seeks high-caliber candidates, it is approachable for both MD and DO applicants, reflecting a friendly stance towards International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as well.

Visa Support

The Otolaryngology Residency Program supports international applicants by sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visas, assisting those from outside the United States in navigating the residency application process.

Salary and Benefits

Compensation includes competitive salaries alongside a comprehensive benefits package that provides for residency-related leaves, healthcare, and other essential amenities, ensuring a supportive environment for all residents 9.

In summary, the University at Buffalo's Otolaryngology Residency Program offers robust training environments, ample research opportunities, and a supportive community aimed at producing skilled otolaryngologists ready for future challenges in the field.