What is an Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon?

An Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon is a Physician who has been prepared by accredited residency programs to provide comprehensive medical and surgical care of patients with diseases and disorders that affect the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems and related structures: the head and neck in general.

The American Board of Otolaryngology awards Certification in the specialty. The required five years of postgraduate specialty training must include one or more years of general surgery and three or more years of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery in approved residency programs. Following residency the Board requires passage of a written qualifying examination, and an oral certifying examination.

The Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon has a command of the core of knowledge, skills and understanding of:

1. The basic medical sciences relevant to the head and neck; the respiratory and upper alimentary systems; the communication sciences, including knowledge of audiology and speech-language pathology; the chemical senses and allergy, endocrinology and neurology as they relate to the head and neck.
   
   
2. The clinical aspects of diagnosis and the medical and/or surgical therapy or prevention for diseases, neoplasms, deformities, disorders and/or injuries of the ears, the respiratory and upper alimentary systems, the face, jaws and the other head and neck systems. Head and neck oncology and facial plastic and reconstructive surgery are fundamental areas of expertise.