The Impact of Physician Extenders in an Academic Otolaryngology Residency Program: Initial Experiences

Conclusions: Physician extenders are a valuable asset to an academic otolaryngology residency program. Their presence enhances patient access, and care. They have a positive impact on resident quality of life and augments resident education. The Otolaryngology Training Residency Program accepts 3 residents per year. The 5-year training program in Otolaryngology consists of 4 years of progressive training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, preceded by 1 year in general surgery. Each PGY-1 resident spends 3 months on the otolaryngology service. The PGY2 through PGY-5 residents are assigned to a rotation block based on their training level. Our rotations consist of General Otolaryngology, Head and neck Oncology, Facial Plastics, Pediatric Otolaryngology, Rhinology, Otology and Laryngology.