Training & Curriculum
The goal of the residency program at Cedars-Sinai is first and foremost to provide elite clinical training. Graduating residents will be proficient in a wide variety of surgical procedures in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.
It is also the philosophy of the Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery that residents achieve a thorough understanding of the basic sciences relevant to otolaryngology, as this is crucial to both training and maintenance of clinical skills and expertise upon completion of the program.
Additionally, the Division is dedicated to training clinical otolaryngologists who are compassionate about patient care and have excellent interpersonal skills that relate to the art of medicine.
PGY-1
- Clinical training in the PGY-1 year consists of 13 four-week long rotations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
- Rotations include seven rotations in otolaryngology—head and neck surgery, and one rotation in each of the following areas: surgical intensive care, trauma surgery, plastic surgery, neurological surgery, emergency medicine and anesthesia.
- The seven otolaryngology rotations are designed to develop proficiency in basic surgical skills, general care of otolaryngology patients both in the inpatient setting and outpatient clinics, management of otolaryngology patients in the Emergency Department, and cultivation of an otolaryngology knowledge base.
- The six non-otolaryngology rotations are designed to foster proficiency in the perioperative care of surgical patients, interdisciplinary care coordination and airway management skills.
PGY-2
- Clinical training in the PGY-2 year includes nine months at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the associated outpatient clinics.
- These nine months include three months on the “Red” service (head and neck surgery, laryngology, and pediatric OHNS), three months on the "White" service (general OHNS, rhinology, otology and FPRS), and three months on a "Community-Based Practice" rotation learning from Cedars-Sinai-associated private practice faculty spanning the breadth of OHNS subspecialties.
- The PGY-2 year also includes a three-month pediatric OHNS away rotation at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.
PGY-3
- The PGY-3 year includes a three-month research block designed for residents to focus on research with a chosen mentor.
- The remainder of the PGY-3 year is evenly split between the "Red" service and the "White" service.
PGY-4
- Clinical training in the PGY-4 year includes a return to Rady Children’s Hospital for three months, with a greater focus on advanced pediatric care including airway reconstruction and complex otologic surgery.
- The PGY-4 year also includes a three-month rotation at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, with the clinical training spanning the breadth of all OHNS subspecialities.
- The remainder of the PGY-4 year is spent at Cedars-Sinai, evenly divided between the "Red" and "White" services.
PGY-5
- Clinical training in the PGY-5 year includes a three-month elective rotation, in which the resident spends dedicated time honing their skills in their anticipated subspecialty (if pursuing fellowship), or gaining additional experience in any general area of clinical interest (if planning on pursuing comprehensive OHNS).
- The PGY-5 year also includes a second three-month rotation at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center.
- The remainder of the clinical time is spent at Cedars-Sinai, evenly divided between the "Red" and "White" services.
Have Questions or Need Help?
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Otolaryngology Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai, please send a message.