Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery

Department Website: med.unc.edu/ent

FAQs/Course Recommendations/Additional Info

How do students get assigned a career goal advisor?
If you are interested in learning more about otolaryngology-head & neck surgery as a specialty please reach out to Dr. Rupali (Pali) Shah or Dr. Christine Demason. If you are seriously considering applying for residency in Otolaryngology – head & neck surgery, please consult with Dr. Rupali (Pali) Shah.

What should my Individualization Phase look like?

Recommended Courses:

AI/Acting Internship	CC/Critical Care	ACS/Advanced Clinical Selective	Electives
OTOL 452- AI at central campus in otolaryngology, head & neck surgery, consider second AI as non-OHNS, similar to specialties as below	SURY 422, SURY 426, NEUR 408 or 451, SURY 462, or any medical ICU CC	anesthesia, oral and maxillofacial surgery, radiology, pulmonary, plastic surgery, hem/onc, rad/onc	1-2 away rotations in otolaryngology, neuroradiology, other options with career overlap: anesthesia, oral and maxillofacial surgery, neurosurgery, pulmonary, plastic surgery, hem/onc, rad/onc, gastroenterology, radiology

Do all my rotations need to be in ENT?
No. For individualization phase, we do not recommend taking more than just the central AI for Otolaryngology unless you are taking a LOA year or potentially if you were at a non-central campus and/or were unable to get experience in app phase.. If you are taking a LOA year, we recommend taking the ACS or an otolaryngology elective course prior to LOA and the AI when you return prior to away rotations.

Should I do an away rotation?  What in?
Yes, we recommend 1-2 away rotations in otolaryngology after you have completed your home AI.

Do I need a rotation at UNC if I spent my time in Charlotte/Asheville/Wilmington?
Yes, at least the AI and in some cases it is helpful to do an elective in otolaryngology prior to the AI to meet the department and get experience in ENT. However, this is ideally discussed with a CGA prior to scheduling.

When do I need to meet with my career goal advisor?  How do I prepare?
As soon as you are interested in otolaryngology – the sooner the better. Make sure to bring your CV.

How many letters of recommendation do I need?  From whom should I get them?
At least three but often four. Typically, one is from the department chair and usually from other otolaryngology attendings. Many people get one from one of their away rotations.

When do I ask for my letters?  What do they need?
Summer before ERAS. Often people ask on their AI – asking earlier is always helpful. It is helpful for letter writers to have your CV and potentially a draft of your personal statement if you have one.

How do I determine the best programs I should apply to?
Apply broadly. Think about what is most important to you. Some factors to think about and how you would prioritize them- location, proximity to friends/family/loved ones, size of program, divisional representation, etc.
I just got this great piece of news…do I need to notify programs
If it would really elevate your CV it may be helpful to write a letter as a supplement to your application but not necessary.

My LORs aren’t in, and ERAS just opened!
Always ask for letters early. Make sure to reach out to the attending to remind them to get them in on time.

I am waitlisted for an interview at X and I’d really like to see that program.  What do I do?
Reaching out to the program helps as well as potentially having a faculty mentor reach out to them can also help

I didn’t get an interview at X program.  Should I send them a “letter of intent”?
Reaching out to the program helps as well as potentially having a faculty mentor reach out to them can also help
Should I send thank you letters to programs?
It can be helpful.

Should I send a letter to the program I am planning to rank #1?
This can be helpful. Ensure that this is done honestly, it is a small field.

How do I respond if a program reaches out to me after my interview?
Always be polite and respond but don’t make promises that are not true – Otolaryngology is a small community.