Otolaryngology Residency

The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Otolaryngology Residency Program offers dynamic training that emphasizes clinical excellence and high-value, patient-centered care.

A Message From the Program Director

Welcome to the Otolaryngology Residency Program. 

We firmly believe resident education improves the quality of care for our patients. Residents receive hands-on training by working with our physicians in adult and pediatric clinics. In the operating room, our residents' case numbers are in the top percentile in the country. 

We strive to remain agile by continually tailoring our didactic sessions. Senior residents work closely with attending physicians and help to lead book clubs and teaching conferences. Residents undertake innovative research projects, publishing their work and presenting at national meetings. 

Educating the next generation of physicians is central to our Jesuit mission — a commitment that is reflected in our decisions, activities and communication as well as our residents' high match rate into fellowships and jobs of their choice. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. 

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Program Highlights

The five-year, ACGMA-accredited otolaryngology residency provides comprehensive training in otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery, with a major emphasis on outpatient care, inpatient management and operative technical skills. 

• Leading volume of surgical cases
• Home call
• Protected research time
• Faculty mentorship
• Subsidized travel to regional and national meetings
• Proven pipeline to top-choice fellowships/jobs

Meet the Faculty

Apply

The residency program has two available first-year positions each year. Program leaders typically receive around 200 applications and interview 36 applicants. All applicants are notified of their status by November. Candidates complete two interview sessions. 

The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). 

Review the Application Process

Candidate Strengths

Program leaders value trainees who have unique backgrounds, perspectives and goals, and who can function as integral team members caring for a diverse, high-volume case load. The ideal trainee shapes the culture of the program, strengthening it for future generations. 

Applications are reviewed holistically without specific cutoffs or strict criteria; however, program leaders align their assessments with the following values:

• Success as a physician requires sustained, high-level performance through training and throughout a career. Thus, sustained efforts across longtitudinal commitments can demonstrate an applicant's readiness. These could include:
  • Research in a focused domain
  • Excellent grades across disciplines
  • Leadership in athletics, music, the arts, or a volunteer or service organization
• The department does not require a research year or other gap year prior to applying. The ability to interpret research is an important experience and a core competency of otolaryngology training. Program leaders believe applicants acquire this competence in medical school and can extend it during resident training. 
• Residents work closely with otolaryngology faculty throughout their training. It's critical that trainees have the communication skills and emotional intelligence to work well with a diverse group of passionate individuals. 
• Saint Louis University is a mission-driven institution. Program leaders embrace applicants who share their values of scholarship, discovery, equity, collaboration and caring for the whole person. 

About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Residency Program

SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.