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.