The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and
Neck Surgery at the University of Tennessee-Memphis provides comprehensive
postgraduate training in the medical and surgical management of head and neck
disorders in a rich academic environment. The program is structured to include
4 years of training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery following a 1 year
general surgery internship. Currently, the department is approved for a total
of 10 residents, such that 2 or 3 candidates are selected on alternate years
through the National Otolaryngology Matching Program.
The educational curriculum is divided into 9
clinical rotations and a block of dedicated research time. Each rotation is
3,4, or 6 months in duration. Rotations performed in the first 2 years focus
on the development of basic skills and fundamental knowledge, with guidance
and supervision provided closely by faculty and senior residents. Rotations in
the final 2 years foster increasing levels of independence with respect to
patient management, the performance of procedures, and administrative
activities. The chief resident year (fourth year of otolaryngology training)
is specifically dedicated to the performance of advanced procedures and the
management of difficult cases. Chief residents are also expected to teach and
supervise more junior residents, with faculty oversight. Sound clinical
judgment, technical skill, and scholarly activity are developed and encouraged
throughout the 4 years of training.
The primary adult teaching hospitals include
Methodist University Hospital, the Regional Medical Center ("The Med"),
Veteran Affairs (VA) Medical Center, and Baptist Memorial Hospital.
Specialized pediatric experience is provided at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital
and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. The department is led by Chairman
and Residency Program Director Jerome W. Thompson, MD, MBA. The full time teaching staff is comprised of both university and
VA-based faculty. Part time and volunteer faculty members complement the
clinical and academic experience.
The department sponsors a comprehensive
series of resident education lectures as well as grand rounds. The didactic
curriculum also includes regular patient care conferences, multi-disciplinary
tumor board, morbidity and mortality conference, journal club, board review
forum, and research conference.
