Curriculum

The Yale Otolaryngology Curriculum is a 2-year, comprehensive curriculum focused on all facets of otolaryngology. With so many topics to cover, the curriculum is spread out over 2 years, such that each resident hears about each and every topic twice. Each topic area is supervised by an attending physician, with the assistance of a resident. Formalized teaching sessions include traditional lectures, case-based teaching, simulation labs and flipped classroom models, among other teaching methods. There is also an expectation that residents will pursue their knowledge outside of the curriculum with dedicated reading of texts and journals. In addition to medical knowledge, our curriculum provides instruction on wellness, fatigue management, socioeconomic issues and financial planning.

During their PGY-3 year, our residents have the opportunity to take 1 month of elective time to spend in any area of their choice to enhance their education and training. For example, this month can be spent on a rotation in a specialty that works closely with otolaryngology, such as radiation oncology or neuroradiology. It can also be spent on an international educational or research mission. Some of our residents have spent this month on continuing existing research.

Tumor Board
A multidisciplinary discussion about new and existing head and neck cancer patients, Participants include otolaryngologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists, among others.

Radiology Conference
A review of interesting radiologic cases led by Dr. Sasaki and Head and Neck Radiology

Didactic Lectures
Resident Didactic Lecture Schedule

Grand Rounds
A weekly lecture series, with presentations by attending physicians, residents and invited speakers.

Quality Improvement Conference
Once a month, in the place of grand rounds, Quality Improvement Conference provides a forum to discuss quality of care issues, and ways to improve or avoid such issues in the future.

Journal Club
Journal club meets monthly with the residents and an attending, typically focused on a particular practice area. Attending physicians select topical articles and help facilitate discussion with the residents.

Trauma Conference
A multidisciplinary conference with participation from otolaryngology, plastic surgery and oral and maxillofacial surgery focused on evaluation and management of challenging trauma cases.

Temporal Bone Lab
Dissection of temporal bones is a vital part in the education of an otolaryngology resident. Frequent dissection allows a better understanding of anatomy, which translates well to procedures in the operating room.

Sinus Dissection Course
Once a year, we are able to provide an endoscopic sinus dissection course. With the assistance of corporate partners, residents are able to perform routine and advanced endoscopic sinus surgery on fresh cadaver heads, utilizing the latest technology available.

Trauma Plating Course
Once a year, our trauma plating course affords residents practice in the management of facial trauma.

Allergy Testing Course
Incorporating all facets of otolaryngology, residents are given the opportunity to perform allergy testing and interpretation in a safe and controlled environment.

Facial Injection Course
Led by our facial plastic surgery attending, our injection course gives residents experience in appropriate utilization, technique and application of various facial injections.