University of California (San Francisco) Program

The residency program in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco is a comprehensive five-year program designed to immerse residents in all facets of the specialty. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and is regarded as one of the leading centers for research and clinical practice in this field.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide exposure to all subspecialty areas within Otolaryngology. The training involves progressive responsibilities across various sites, including Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF Parnassus, and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. First-year residents (PGY-1) focus on foundational rotations that include Trauma Surgery, Intensive and Critical Care Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. This is followed by comprehensive specialty training in ensuing years.

Training Rotations

Residents participate in diverse rotations: in their second year (PGY-2), they have intensive training in Pediatric Otolaryngology at the Benioff Children’s Hospital and exposure to head and neck cancer surgeries. As PGY-3 residents, they rotate through specialized areas such as rhinology, laryngology, and facial plastic surgery, while taking active leadership roles.

During the PGY-4 year, residents emphasize research with a dedicated three-month research rotation and mentoring opportunities from faculty members. Finally, the PGY-5 year includes chief resident responsibilities where residents supervise medical students and junior residents while managing their surgical schedules and educational conferences.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research beginning in the PGY-3 year, offering a summer clinical research course and a dedicated research block in the PGY-4 year. Residents are expected to engage in research projects, share findings at conferences, and explore a multitude of research opportunities within the department and the broader UCSF research landscape. Support is available from faculty mentors for various Otolaryngology-related projects.

Global Health Initiatives

Residents may also engage in global health initiatives, collaborating with faculty who are active in international health and research projects. Opportunities range from clinical practice in foreign countries to involvement in global research efforts aimed at addressing disparities in healthcare.

Academic Training

The academic framework includes specialty lectures, Grand Rounds, and interdisciplinary sub-specialty conferences. Trainees are encouraged to attend national conferences, supported by a resident travel program to mitigate costs when presenting research findings.

Competitive Application Process

The program is competitive, attracting both MD and DO candidates, including international medical graduates (IMGs). Applicants must submit a complete application via ERAS and fulfill additional requirements such as ECFMG certification and verification of visa status for international candidates. Only J-1 visa status is acceptable; no other visa categories can be accommodated.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in this program receive competitive salaries within a unionized framework, including scheduled raises. Additional benefits encompass relocation reimbursements, meal allowances, and health insurance coverage that includes various forms of medical and dental care. They receive four weeks of vacation annually, along with paid parental leave and sick leave.

Diversity Commitment

The program proudly upholds a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all residents are respected and provided with a supportive environment throughout their residency. As part of this commitment, residents from various backgrounds contribute to a rich educational and clinical atmosphere.

Overall, the UCSF Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residency program strives to produce well-rounded leaders in the field, equipped for both clinical practice and academic positions upon graduation.