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A survey of otologic training in US residency programs
1Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California Medical Center, San Diego 92103.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Resident training in otologic surgery faces challenges due to dwindling case numbers, particularly for procedures like facial nerve decompression and stapedectomy. Most program directors view this as a significant issue impacting surgical competency.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Education
Background:
- Declining otologic case volumes pose a threat to resident clinical training.
- Specific procedures like facial nerve decompression, exostosis repair, and stapedectomy are infrequently performed by residents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of the problem of dwindling otologic cases in residency training programs.
- To understand the current training methods for seldom-performed otologic procedures.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among otolaryngology residency program directors.
- Seventy-three out of 79 distributed questionnaires were returned and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Facial nerve decompression, exostosis repair, and stapedectomy were reported as infrequently performed by residents.
- Current training relies on temporal bone labs, supervision, and private cases.
- 84% of respondents did not believe fellowship training is necessary post-graduation for these cases.
Conclusions:
- A significant majority (76%) of program directors consider the training for seldom-performed otologic procedures a moderate-to-serious problem.
- The declining case numbers present a substantial challenge to ensuring resident proficiency in essential otologic surgeries.