University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Joe and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine Program

The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery residency program designed to prepare residents for successful careers in ENT. This program emphasizes both surgical and clinical competence while fostering a supportive learning environment. With a commitment to innovative education and patient care, the program excels in molding the next generation of otolaryngologists.

Program Overview

The Otolaryngology residency at the Long School of Medicine is structured over five years, ensuring in-depth training across various clinical and surgical disciplines. Residents gain hands-on experience while working closely with experienced faculty who are leaders in the field. The curriculum balances advanced clinical training with opportunities for research and professional development.1

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to cover all essential aspects of otolaryngology. This includes:

• Clinical Rotations: Residents rotate through multiple subspecialties including rhinology, laryngology, head and neck oncology, pediatric otolaryngology, and otology.
• Surgical Training: Emphasis on mastering surgical techniques is paramount. Residents participate in numerous surgeries under supervision, progressively increasing their responsibilities.
• Didactic Learning: Regular conferences, case discussions, and lectures ensure that residents are well-prepared for board examinations and clinical practice.
• Research Opportunities: There is a strong focus on research, encouraging residents to engage in scholarly activities and contribute to advancements in the field.

Training Sites

Training occurs at various facilities, ensuring comprehensive exposure to different patient populations and clinical settings, including:

• University Hospital: The primary teaching hospital, equipped with a Level 1 trauma center and a diverse case mix, provides residents with hands-on surgical and clinical experience.
• Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital: This facility offers unique experiences in caring for veteran populations, providing insight into specific conditions often found in this demographic.
• Texas Diabetes Institute: Residents gain experience in the multidisciplinary approach to conditions impacting head and neck health.

Research and Educational Development

The program emphasizes research as a crucial aspect of professional development. Residents have the opportunity to join ongoing research projects in areas such as:

• Cancer Research: Engaging with clinical trials and translational research to enhance treatment modalities for head and neck cancers.
• Regenerative Medicine: Exploring innovative solutions for ENT specialties, including stem cell research.
• Public Health Initiatives: Opportunities to address population health and otolaryngological conditions prevalent in various communities.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa sponsorship opportunities to international medical graduates. The types of visas that the program can support include:

• J-1 Visa: Commonly used for residency training, it allows graduates to complete their medical education in the U.S.
• H-1B Visa: Available for those who meet the qualifications, allowing for employment in a specialty occupation.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Otolaryngology residency program at the Long School of Medicine is highly competitive. Candidates are evaluated on several critical aspects:

• Academic Performance: A strong academic record is essential, with emphasis on MCAT scores and overall GPA.
• Clinical Experience: Significant clinical exposure, particularly in ENT or related fields, is highly valued.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong recommendations from faculty or practitioners in the medical field are crucial elements of the application process.

Specific application requirements include:

• Year of Graduation: Candidates must be recent graduates or in the final stages of their medical education.
• STEP Exams: No more than one failure on the STEP exams is typically permitted to remain competitive for selection.