Otolaryngology Clinical Elective Block

The Emory Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery rotation is designed as a basic clinical introduction to our specialty. We realize that many of our students will go on to train in other disciplines, so our primary intent is to provide a broad exposure to general otolaryngology while including instruction in skills beneficial to any generalist physician. For those interested in advancing in otolaryngology, our diverse department can provide excellent exposure to the varied subspecialties and their advanced therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Following completion of this rotation, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate basic medical knowledge of primary care otolaryngology and common head and neck disorders

• Perform a comprehensive head and neck physical examination

• Identify when advanced examination or testing may be required

• Perform basic otolaryngology procedures

The primary texts for the rotation are Primary Care Otolaryngology and ENT Secrets by Melissa Scholes, MD, and Vijay Ramakrishnan, MD (for four-week rotators, optional for others).

Medical Knowledge

Reading Material:

• Primary Care Otolaryngology

• ENT Secrets or similar (optional four week rotators)

• Selected articles (TBA)

Didactics and Conferences:

• Grand Rounds: Thursdays, 7:00 a.m., Emory University Hospital Midtown, 5th floor, Classroom 1

• Lecture Series: Thursdays, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Emory University Hospital Midtown, 5th floor, Classroom 1

• Rotation-specific didactics

• Tumor Board (for four-week rotators): Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m., Emory University Hospital Midtown, 5th floor, Classroom 1

Patient Care

• Participation during rounds and clinic

• Short "checklist" of Primary Care Otolaryngology skills

• More advanced skill set for four-week rotators and others interested

Problem-Based Learning

Ten-minute presentation on patient/topic from rotation experience delivered at the Medical Student Presentation Forum (MSPF).

Professionalism

• Punctuality

• Participation in morning and evening rounds with team

• Participation in didactics, conferences, and requirements listed above

• Participation in final examination including covering topics in reading, didactics, or interesting case topics, may include "systems-based practice" topics in otolaryngology

• Participation in 10-minute final presentation

Communication Skills & Systems-Based Practice in Otolaryngology

Assessment based on all previous evaluation components.

Medical students must have a resident or faculty member initial each procedure listed below upon completion:

• Comprehensive head and neck exam (5x)

• Observe tympanic membrane mobility (pneumotoscopy)

• Observe tympanic membrane with microscope

• Complete CN VII evaluation (3x)

• Indirect laryngoscopy (5x)

• Assist flexible laryngoscopy (5x)

• Audiogram (observe and interpret)

• Observe myringotomy

• Orotracheal intubation

• Skin/subQ closure of wound

• Tracheotomy tube change

In addition, for four-week rotators, students must have a resident or faculty member initial each additional procedure listed below upon completion:

• Tracheotomy

• Nasal packing

• Cerumen removal

• Flexible laryngoscopy (3x)

• Identify structures on nasal endoscopy

Outside rotators must apply for a medical student rotation via the Visiting Medical Student program of the Emory School of Medicine. The application must be submitted no less than two months in advance of your expected rotation date.

There are pre-defined rotation dates that conform to the Emory academic calendar, and we strongly recommend that these dates be used for your Emory rotation. However, conflicts can happen and we may be able to accommodate flexibility. Please notify our office as soon as possible if this is a concern in addition to completing the rotation application.

Our current policy is to schedule two rotators for each of our four-week blocks and two rotators for each of our two-week blocks. This limited number allows for the most individualized and hands-on instruction possible.

Attire during clinical duties is important. Most rotations will have "clinic days" and "operative days." Business attire is generally appropriate. Men should wear dress shirt/tie/slacks or khakis; for women, well-tailored, conservatively styled skirts, pants, dresses, and sweaters are appropriate. For non-clinic days, hospital scrubs are acceptable (a limited supply may be borrowed while on rotation).

Students are expected to participate in all aspects and required elements of the rotation. Promptness is of utmost importance. Typically, our days are not unremittingly grueling, though there are often unexpected events and late evenings. Failure to participate in a full day's work may warrant explanation.

Students rotating on the two-week schedule will have one-week stays at Emory University Hospital Midtown and at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital.

Those on the four-week schedule will rotate one week each in the various subspecialty centers, and occasionally on other campuses.