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Scientific Oral Presentations

Comprehensive Otolaryngology

Session: Scientific Oral Presentations 3 -Comprehensive Otolaryngology

U.S. Otolaryngology Residency Applicant Subspecialty Exposure During Medical School

Monday, October 13, 2025
1:06 PM - 1:12 PM EDT
Location: 242
Introduction: There are 192 accredited medical schools in the US, 125 of which are affiliated with Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (OHNS) residency programs. OHNS exposure varies significantly among medical schools, potentially influencing students' career interests. This study aims to assess the scope of OHNS exposure for medical students and its impact on early subspecialty interest.

Methods: This cross-sectional study distributed an anonymous Qualtrics survey to the 2023-2024 Electronic Residency Application Service OHNS residency applicants (Feb-May 2024). The survey collected demographic data, applicants' experiences within OHNS (clinical exposure, mentorship, operative experience, didactics, and research), and subspecialty interests. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Of 512 OHNS residency applicants, 57 (11%) responded to the survey, representing 29 US states, with a mean age (SD) of 27.4 (2.2) years. Respondents were 61.4% female and 59.6% White. The most common subspeciality participation was in Head and Neck Surgery (80%), followed by Laryngology (74%), and Pediatrics (71%). Majority reported limited exposure to Sleep Surgery (36%) and Allergy (20%). The highest subspecialty interests were in Facial Plastics (35%), General Otolaryngology (32%), and Pediatrics (30%). 62% of respondents expressed interest in fellowship training, citing operative cases (80.7%), attending lifestyle considerations (52.6%) and clinical cases (40.4%) as key motivators.

Conclusions: OHNS subspecialty exposure during medical school is highly variable and may shape students’ career preferences. Expanding opportunities for diverse exposure within OHNS could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the field and better support applicants in making informed career decisions.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Kaitlin H. Hori, BS

    Medical Student
    University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, CA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Ramon Bustos, MD

    Resident Physician
    Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Los Angeles, CA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Tamara N. Chambers, MD

    Associate Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
    Los Angeles, CA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Janet S. Choi, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor
    Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Los Angeles, California, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.