Department of Otolaryngology

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.

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Methodist-University Hospital

Research

VA Medical Center

Neurotology

Plastics/Trauma

Face-to-Face Outreach