The residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology, determine the impact of pediatric fellowship programs on residency training, and evaluate the need for fellowship training in pediatric otolaryngology.

DESIGN

An anonymous, web-based survey of chief residents in otolaryngology.

METHODS

Respondents described their experience in pediatric otolaryngology using a 5-point Likert scale and reported their comfort levels (yes/no) with various medical and surgical issues in pediatric otolaryngology.

RESULTS

The survey was successfully completed by 70 respondents, representing a response rate of 26%. The majority of the respondents reported positive experiences with regard to the following aspects of pediatric otolaryngology training: didactics (81%), clinical research opportunities (78%), positive faculty role models (87%), career mentorship (74%), independent medical (84%) and surgical (81%) decision-making, and overall comprehensive residency experience (87%). Basic science research opportunities (50%) were reported as less available than clinical research opportunities (78%) (P = .002). Compared with other surveyed issues, a lower comfort level was reported for management of craniofacial anomalies (P < .001), excision of large lymphatic malformations (P < .001), cochlear implantation (P < .001), laryngotracheal reconstruction (P < .001), and surgical correction of velopharyngeal insufficiency (P < .001). No statistically significant difference was noted in responses based on the presence of a fellowship program at the institution.

CONCLUSIONS

The residency experience in pediatric otolaryngology is perceived as comprehensive by graduating chief residents participating in this survey. The presence of a fellowship program does not appear to negatively impact the residency experience. Based on the reported comfort levels, the management of complex issues in pediatric otolaryngology may require additional training.