Inclusion of Otolaryngology in Medical Student Education: A National Survey

Objectives:Otolaryngology-related conditions make up 25% of primary care complaints; however, US medical schools do not routinely require otolaryngology instruction, potentially negatively impacting knowledge, attitudes, and medical student career choices. This survey was intended to (1) determine the extent of clinical and pre-clinical otolaryngology education at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education institutions, and (2) focus future educational efforts.Methods:A prospective online survey was sent from the Education Steering Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) otolaryngology training programs.Results:Forty percent (42/105) of program directors responded. They reported that medical students could graduate without any clinical instruction in otolaryngology in 85% (34/40) or any formal otolaryngology instruction in 59% (24/41). An otolaryngology rotation was require...