Westchester Medical Center Program

The Westchester Medical Center Program offers an Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Residency. The program has a rich educational history spanning more than 25 years, serving as a training site for reputable programs like the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and Mount Sinai. Residents at WMCHealth benefit from exposure to a diverse clinical experience as the only tertiary care hospital with a Level 1 Trauma Center and Children’s Hospital in the Hudson Valley.

The program requires applicants to have passed the USMLE Step 1 at the time of application and to have achieved a passing score on the USMLE Step 2 by that time as well. While not mandatory, research experience is highly valued, and candidates must demonstrate strong motivation and commitment to otolaryngology through their educational background, personal statement, research experience, and letters of recommendation. The program emphasizes desirable personality traits such as emotional maturity, warmth, compassion, and good communication skills.

Application for residency at Westchester Medical Center must be completed through ERAS. Applicants are required to provide various documents including the application, personal statement, medical school transcript, four letters of recommendation, MSPE (Dean's letter), and ECFMG certification if applicable.

Interviews for PGY-1 positions typically occur in December and January for the following academic year, commencing on July 1. The program notes that for the 2022-2023 Residency Cycle, all interviews will be conducted virtually in adherence to AAMC recommendations.

The program director, Dr. Jennifer McLevy Bazzanella, and the faculty aim to create a supportive learning environment that fosters accessibility, communication, and collaboration among all members. The program's mission focuses on providing residents with the necessary skills to excel as general Otolaryngologists or to pursue further subspecialty training upon graduation.