Training the physician-scholar in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

The Resident Education Committee of the Society of University Otolaryngologists constructed a questionnaire for young academic otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to better understand their training background and to garner their opinions concerning adequacy or deficiencies in various aspects of that training. The questionnaire was mailed to 145 individuals who were in academic posts for 5 years or fewer in 1997. There was an overall response rate of 88.3%. Of the 128 respondents, 89% identified additional training, most commonly a clinical fellowship, in preparation for an academic career. The median number of hours per week devoted to professionally related activity was 61, of which two thirds was spent in direct patient care. The most common source of funds to pursue research activities was intradepartmental resources. Most individuals were satisfied with their jobs, although one quarter were considering leaving academic practice within the year. The single most important reason motivating selection of an academic career was a desire to teach. Details of the specific training and competencies and recommendations for improvement in resident training were obtained. Specific recommendations were generated for improving the training of future academic otolaryngologists; these recommendations include clarity of job description, a single track for clinical training for academicians and nonacademicians, more training in pertinent skills including research training, protected time for research, and amelioration of some of the downsides of academic life.