Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Otolaryngology

Nature of the work

An otolaryngologist - head and neck surgeon provides comprehensive medical and surgical care for patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, nose, throat, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems and related structures of the head and neck.

Otolaryngologists can receive training in the following subspecialties:

• Otology/Neurotology - treats diseases of the ear and temporal bone, including disorders of hearing and balance.
• Pediatric Otolaryngology - diagnosis and treatment of children with diseases of the ear, nose and throat including disorders of voice, speech, language and hearing.

Training/residency information

Residency in otolaryngology consists of one year of general surgery training followed by four years of otolaryngology training. Up to two years of additional training is required to practice in one of the subspecialty areas.

Workforce and salary information

According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, "the current and predicted workforce supply and demographics are at a satisfactory level, perhaps with a modest oversupply of otolaryngologists when applied to a strict managed care model." The annual salary for otolaryngologists ranges from $229,623 to $403,252.

For more information

• American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
• American Board of Otolaryngology
• Association for Research in Otolaryngology

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the MGMA Physician Compensation and Production Survey: 2004 Report Based on 2003 Data. Reprinted with permission from the Medical Group Management Association, 104 Inverness Terrace East, Englewood, Colorado 80112-5306; 303.770.1111. www.mgma.com. Copyright 2004.

Contact Us    © 1995-2008 AAMC    Terms and Conditions    Privacy Statement