Overview
The month-long Emory Rhinology Observational Mini-Fellowship intends to develop an increased awareness of the pathophysiology and diseases of the nose, paranasal sinuses, and associated skull base, and the medical and surgical treatment thereof. By observing patient evaluations in the outpatient clinic, fellows will learn basic and advanced history and physical examination skills for rhinologic disorders. They will also observe nasal endoscopy to gain familiarity with diagnosis and intervention in the clinic setting.
The rhinologic clinical team includes faculty physicians, otolaryngology residents, medical students and other learners, and such advanced practice providers as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and allergy nurses. The observational fellow will learn the importance of this team approach. Fellows may spend dedicated time with the otolaryngic allergy team to observe skin testing and vial mixing for subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy.
Fellows may observe such procedures as diagnostic sinonasal endoscopy, postoperative endoscopic debridements following sinus and skull base surgery, endoscopic biopsies, polypectomy and office based endoscopic sinus surgery, office mucocele drainage, balloon sinuplasty, and others. Such observation is variable and depends on the cases available at the time of the fellowship.
The fellow will observe primary and revision endoscopic sinus surgery in a busy tertiary care referral practice. Common pathologies encountered include chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyposis, allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, paranasal sinus mucoceles, aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease, and benign and malignant paranasal sinus tumors. Endoscopic septoplasty and surgery for nasal obstruction are often performed as well.
The rhinology team has a very busy endoscopic skull base practice and regularly works with endoscopic neurosurgeons. Procedures include cerebrospinal fluid leak repair, resection of skull base tumors, endoscopic pituitary surgery, and transnasal approaches for intracranial tumors. Fellows will become familiar with the technical issues associated with these surgeries and benefit from insights provided by the faculty attendings.
To aid in developing skills to treat rhinologic disorders, the fellow may choose an option that includes access to a state-of-the-art endoscopic dissection laboratory located at Emory University Hospital Midtown. This lab is equipped with endoscopic sinus and skull base dissection instruments that allow for cadaveric dissection.
Goals and Objectives
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To become familiar with the evaluation and treatment of patients with inflammatory rhinologic disorders and diseases of the associated skull base.
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To become familiar with endoscopic procedures of the paranasal sinuses and skull base.
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To develop skills in endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery in the laboratory setting.
Fellow Duties
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The fellow will shadow the physician and/or advanced practice providers and observe patient evaluations and office procedures. Fellows will view surgical procedures in the operating room, but are unable to participate due to licensing issues. Fellows that choose the optional laboratory dissection experience will be expected to develop endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery skill sets.
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Fellows are invited to participate in new or ongoing research efforts.
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Fellows will not have on-call responsibilities.
Conferences
Fellows have the option of attending all educational conferences sponsored by the Emory Department of Otolaryngology, which include weekly grand rounds and didactic lectures.
Housing
While the Emory Department of Otolaryngology cannot offer room or board to visiting fellows, it can assist with locating a suitable arrangement.
Cost and Contact
The month-long Emory Rhinology Observational Mini-Fellowship costs $2,500 with the laboratory option, and $1,500 without. The fee covers the faculty mentors' time and incidentals. Checks may be made payable to Emory University or wired (wire transfer instructions available upon request).
Extensions of the month-long standard will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact Dr. Sarah Wise to inquire about the fellowship.
Program Faculty
Director:
Co-Director: