Department of Otolaryngology

The Department of Otolaryngology offers a fully accredited residency program, which provides education and experience in surgery, basic sciences and research as they relate to diseases of the head and neck. The practice of otolaryngology- head and neck surgery is an exciting one, as it involves aspects of medicine, pediatrics, neurology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and surgery. It is a specialty inclusive of all age groups from newborns with congenital anomalies to the very aged with profound hearing losses or head and neck tumors. Many of those conditions treated by the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon require periodic examinations with extended follow-up, so that the patient-physician relationship becomes more established.

Some practitioners in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery tend to concentrate in specific areas, for instance pediatric otolaryngology, otology, neuro-otology, and head and neck oncology. The specialty also permits the practitioner to emphasize the medical or the surgical aspects of head and neck disorders.

Allergy has been recognized as an important aspect of some head and neck diseases, and otolaryngologists participate in allergic evaluation and therapy. Obviously, the assessment of hearing is an integral component of the service offered by most otolaryngologists. This broad mix of patients represents the most exciting feature of our specialty. From disorders involving cranial nerves, extirpation and reconstruction of major head and neck tumors, to the complex technical manipulations of facial cosmetic surgery all present challenges.

Each resident develops skill and knowledge of all aspects of modern otolaryngology, i.e., head and neck surgery, microsurgery of the ear, neuro-otology, facial plastic surgery, endoscopic sinus surgery, audiology, speech pathology, pediatric diseases, maxillofacial trauma, laser surgery, endoscopy and allergy. Exposure to practice in private, governmental, and municipal hospitals is blended to give the trainee a quality learning experience. Individual supervision and teaching are provided at all levels of training. Participation in the clinics and operating rooms is commensurate with the trainee's level of competence and ability. Ample clinical material is available, ensuring graduated resident responsibility.

A basic science program is strategically placed at the beginning of the trainee's education in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This didactic and laboratory experience is heavily weighted in histopathology and temporal bone dissection.

High priority is given to the education of medical students rotating within the department. Students elect to spend from two weeks to two months on the service. Residents participate actively in a coordinated program designed to furnish the students with a basic core of knowledge and understanding of the discipline. Outpatient clinics, ward rounds, operating room exposure, and special seminars are the foundation of their learning.

The rare combination of two private hospitals, one university tertiary care hospital, one major city hospital and one Veteran's Administration Hospital makes the residency program in Brooklyn a unique opportunity for exposure to all aspects of Otolaryngology.