Recent Laryngology Fellowship Graduates: Where Are They Now?

Over the past 30 years laryngology fellowships have grown in number and diversity. This study investigated the career trajectories of recent laryngology fellowship graduates with the purpose of informing residents considering fellowship.

Cross-sectional survey.

Academic medical center.

The directors of all 27 US laryngology fellowships that graduated/recruited fellows from 2010 to 2019 were contacted, and a list of former fellows was compiled. A short survey was administered in person or via email or phone. Additional data was gathered through internet searches.

One hundred eighty-three fellows were identified having completed American laryngology fellowships between 2010 and 2019 (100M:83F). Fifteen percent now practice internationally and 68% are in academic practice. A higher proportion of women than men enter laryngology fellowship after otolaryngology residency. One hundred twenty-nine fellows responded to our survey. Two-thirds of former fellows report current participation in laryngology research. Seventy-two percent of former fellows are still in their first job after fellowship and 53% believe they have their ideal practice. Women were more likely to enter academics than men after laryngology fellowship. Responders were overwhelmingly satisfied with their fellowship experience, with 95% saying they would choose to pursue fellowship training again.

Most former laryngology fellows enter academia, contribute to laryngology research, practice away from their training institution, and believe they have found their ideal practice. The results of this study may be useful to residents considering fellowship training, centers considering establishing laryngology fellowships, and practices recruiting fellowship graduates.