Medical Students

Our department offers multiple opportunities for medical students to learn about the specialty of Otolaryngology.

Through these experiences, you will build a strong understanding of Otolaryngology as a surgical specialty as well as the common ENT concerns that may be presented in outpatient visits, particularly in pediatrics. You will also gain hands-on experience in the field of Otolaryngology, working with top physicians in the field at one of the five training sites around the Twin Cities.

Visiting Clerkships

To register as a visiting student, submit an application directly to the Medical School through the Visiting Student Application Service (VSAS). The Medical School will hold your application until about six weeks before the start of the period for which you are applying. 

If space is available in the otolaryngology subinternship after University of Minnesota medical students have registered, then the Medical School will allow Department of Otolaryngology faculty to decide which visitors to admit.

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Otolaryngology Future Scholars

The aim of the Otolaryngology Future Scholars Program is to provide early exposure to otolaryngology for students from programs without an otolaryngology residency. The program will provide clinical experiences as well as coaching on applications and interview skills to help participants become competitive otolaryngology residency applicants.

As part of a broader commitment to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of otolaryngology, the program is open to all students interested in exploring a career in otolaryngology; those students underrepresented in medicine (UIM) and those who identify as women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The program will invite up to 5 first or second year medical student-scholars to the University of Minnesota Medical School campus for one week, May 20-24, 2024. Preference will be given to those from programs without otolaryngology residencies. Scholars will be provided clinical experiences in the operating room and clinic, exposure to on-going research in the department and a series of professional development activities geared toward making the participants strong applicants for the competitive match in otolaryngology. In addition, scholars will participate in a series of community building social events aimed at exposing scholars to life at the University of Minnesota and in the Twin Cities.
 

Application Process

Our application process is open from October 17, 2022 - January 16, 2023 for the upcoming summer. Selected candidates will be notified by February 1, 2023. Please submit your materials by completing this online application form

Requirements:
Applicants will be responsible for uploading all documents including:

  • Cover Letter - please address the following questions:
    • How will this program benefit you or what do you hope to gain from this program?
    • Do you have a specific area of interest in Otolaryngology? If so, what is it and why?
  • CV
  • Unofficial Transcript

Submit Application

Clinical Experience

Scholars will spend time in both the clinic and in the operating room with a variety of faculty members gaining exposure to the breadth of subspecialties in otolaryngology. Scholars will function as observers.

Research Experience

Scholars will be exposed to ongoing research at the University of Minnesota Department of Otolaryngology. This will include talks by our basic scientists and tours of their laboratories.  Scholars will also gain exposure to the clinical research being carried out by our clinicians.  While it is understood that one week of exposure is too short for scholars to engage in research projects, it is hoped that scholars may be able to identify projects that they may become involved in going forward, helping them gain valuable research experience while also keeping them engaged and deepening their connection to the University of Minnesota.

Professional Development

Scholars will be provided with:

  • Information regarding the application and match process for otolaryngology
  • Individual coaching regarding their CV and discussion of opportunities for activities to improve their applications
  • Opportunities to format their CVs into professional formats
  • Information and the opportunity to practice interview skills including virtual and in-person formats
  • Suggestions and feedback on writing personal statements for their applications
  • Suggestions, opportunities to practice, and feedback giving scientific talks
  • Training in evidence based medicine

Social Events

Scholars will be provided opportunities to interact with University of Minnesota Medical School students, graduate students, and residents from diverse backgrounds to learn about what life is like in Minnesota. Scholars will have the option to participate in various social events as available.

Underrepresented in Medicine (URiM) Medical Student Scholarship

Our URiM Medical Student Scholarship provides financial assistance for a 3rd or 4th year visiting medical student from an underrepresented group (as defined by the Association of American Medical Colleges) who is planning to pursue residency training in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

The selected student will receive a stipend of up to $2,000 to be used for their travel and/or housing expenses during their one month rotation at our site. Please note that the selected applicant is not permitted to combine this award with other URiM Travel Awards through the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery.

Applicant Requirements

  • Applicants must be upcoming 4th year medical students (Class of 2023) at a domestic LCME-accredited medical school. 
  • Applicants must also provide the following materials
    • Current CV
    • Unofficial transcript 
    • Step 1 score (USMLE unofficial transcript)
    • Letter of recommendation (one letter of recommendation only) 
    • Personal statement addressing how you contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

Application & Selection Process

Please submit your materials by completing this online application form. The application includes a department online screening tool in addition to the traditional VSLO (Visiting Student Learning Opportunities, formerly VSAS) application requirement per the rotating institution. Selection will be based on a holistic approach. Students’ academic achievements, demonstrated leadership, academic research, otolaryngology interest, and good academic standings will all be considered when selecting a candidate. Following the review of all applications, virtual Zoom interviews will be completed with top candidates.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please contact Chelsey Favretto at otoed@umn.edu.

COURSES & ASSIGNED READINGS

Courses

We offer four subspecialty courses that can be taken in years MS3 and MS4: 

Expectations

Expectations

Medical students taking clinical rotations in Otolaryngology are expected to:

  • Watch the following videos 
  1. Episode 1: Ear exam 
  2. Episode 2: Oral cavity and neck exam
  3. Episode 3: Face and nose exam 
  4. Episode 4: Nasopharynx and Larynx exam 

Medical students should read Primary Care Otolaryngology, answer the questions at the end of each chapter, and ask residents and faculty any questions necessary to clarify those answers. 

General Otolaryngology Textbooks

  • CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, Fourth Edition, by Anil Lalwani, 2020.
  • Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: Clinical Reference Guide 6th Edition by MD RAZA PASHA and MD JUSTIN S. GOLUB, 2021.
  • Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th Edition, by Paul W. Flint MD, Bruce H. Haughey MD FACS, Valerie J. Lund CBE MS FRCS FRCSEd, K. Thomas Robbins MD FACS, J. Regan Thomas MD FACS, Marci M. Lesperance MD, and Howard W. Francis. 2020.
  • Bailey's Head and Neck Surgery: Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery- Otolaryngology) Sixth Edition by Clark A. Rosen MD FACS, 2022.
  • Atlas of Head and Neck Surgery: Expert Consult 1st Edition, by James I. Cohen and Gary L. Clayman, 2011.
  • Operative Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 3rd Edition, by Eugene N. Myers and Carl H. Snyderman, 2017. 

Please reach out to Dr. Ashok Jethwa, jethw008@umn.edu, if have questions about more specific resources.

SHADOWING & RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

We accepts students in their MS1 and MS2 years for half day shadowing in the UMMC clinics, which may include limited research opportunities. Please email otoed@umn.edu if you would like more information on the application process for any of our courses.   

Medical Student Resources

HeadMirror.com is a good resource for medical students looking for information about the Otolaryngology residency and match process.

Check out the Otolaryngology Student Interest Group at https://twin-cities-umn.presence.io/organization/otolaryngology-interest-group-4426