Comprehensive Training
Three residents are matched to the clinical track (five years) and two residents are matched to the research track (seven years). All residents are required to complete their general surgery internship year at UI Health Care. During the internship year, each resident’s schedule will include a six-month rotation in Otolaryngology.
- Consistently ranked among the top otolaryngology programs in the nation.
- Home to one of the oldest and most respected cochlear implant programs in America including the first multichannel cochlear implant in 1983 and the world’s first robot-assisted cochlear implant surgery in 2020.
Research Opportunities
The University of Iowa Otolaryngology Residency Program offers a dynamic and NIH-funded research environment, empowering residents to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries across the full spectrum of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Here are just a few areas:
- Genetic Causes of Deafness – Investigating hereditary hearing loss through advanced genomic tools.
- Inner Ear Disease & Hearing Loss – Exploring mechanisms and treatments for sensorineural and conductive hearing disorders.
- Molecular Otolaryngology & Renal Disease – Collaborative research through the renowned MORL lab, integrating otolaryngology and nephrology.
- Tinnitus & Hyperacusis – Leading clinical trials and translational studies focused on auditory perception disorders.
- Comprehensive Investigations – Residents engage in clinical, preclinical, and basic science research across all subspecialties, including head and neck oncology, skull base surgery, and pediatric otolaryngology.
Tracks
Clinical Track
The clinical track program includes four years of concentrated clinical study in all aspects of otolaryngology. Residents rotate through the Head and Neck, Otology/Neurotology and Pediatric Services within the clinic during their second and third years. As their skills progress, residents assume responsibility for the services at UI Health Care and at allied training facilities within Iowa.
Research Track
The research track is designed for the applicant interested in a research career in otolaryngology. After internship, the resident completes two years of research training followed by 4 years of clinical training. The interaction of clinicians and basic scientists from several departments affords the resident the opportunity to be involved in a wide spectrum of research.
This varies from electrophysiology of the auditory system to the genetics of head and neck cancer and gene therapy.
Training Conferences
Basic Science course in Otolaryngology
The PGY-2 resident begins their training with a 6 week intensive Basic Science course. This is divided into an anatomy component allowing the resident to meticulously dissect all structures of the head and neck under staff supervision.
During the remaining five-week lecture series, residents are presented over 120 hours of topics detailing the study of Otolaryngology and all its interrelated disciplines.
Head and Neck Course
Every May or June the “Head and Neck” series of courses is hosted by the Department of Otolaryngology drawing international participants as well speakers regarded as leaders in their specialties. Residents participate in the Head and Neck Course during their third and fifth years.
Functional Endoscopic Sinus Course
This is a two-day course designed to provide information and laboratory experience regarding advanced techniques and approaches in endoscopic sinus surgery. The participants will receive hands-on experience using endoscopic instruments and power instrumentation to perform FESS on fresh cadaver specimens. Fourth year residents attend this course.
The department also hosts an annual Management of the Tinnitus Patient course.
Training Schedule
Weekly Training Schedule
Tuesday:
- 7 a.m. - Grand Rounds (M&M’s 1st Tuesday of the month)
- 5 p.m. - Temporal Bone course
- 6:30 p.m. - Peds Journal Club, every other week
Wednesday:
- 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. - Resident Didactic Sessions
- 5:30 p.m. - Ear rounds – Dr. Gantz first Wednesday of the month
Thursday:
Every other week Melanoma rounds
Friday:
6:30 a.m. - Head and Neck Oncology Tumor Board
Annual Training Schedule
- March: In-service exam
- May: Head & Neck Cancer Course; Endoscopic Sinus Course
- June: Clinical Conference/Resident Research Day
- July/August: Foundations of Oto ( formerly Basic Science Course)
- August: Management of the Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Patient
- October: Fall Clinical Conference
- Various Dates: Visiting Professor Series
Each resident is entitled to 3 weeks of vacation per year
A Team Approach
The team approach was created and implemented not only to expand on the learning capacity for residents, but also to generate more personal time and flexibility. It allows residents to take charge of their patients as part of a continuous care process and ultimately results in more surgical experience earlier in their training.
The Department recognizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance. Residents enjoy more time to study and/or free time as a result of the team approach. Weekly working hours are capped and limited to ensure the well–being of our residents.