Formal Career Goal Advising Program for Otolaryngology, the UNC Experience

Career goal advising (CGA) is critical to medical student success in the increasingly competitive field of otolaryngology. Otolaryngology is underrepresented in the preclinical curriculum; therefore, early exposure and guidance are limited. At the University of North Carolina (UNC), a formal CGA program was created in 2018 to provide direct access to faculty mentorship. Advisors provide early exposure to otolaryngology, advise the interest group, and meet regularly with students throughout medical school training. All participating students were surveyed. Since inception, the match rate of students applying to otolaryngology from UNC has been 95%. The majority of these students matched at top 25 residency programs. Students reported high satisfaction with access, responsiveness to concerns, preparedness for the match, and confidence in specialty choice. Our program offers a sustainable response to the challenge of exposure and competitiveness in otolaryngology and may provide a template for medical schools to improve faculty mentorship within otolaryngology.