Inclusion of Otolaryngology in Medical Student Education: A National Survey

Objectives: Otolaryngology-related conditions make up 25% of primary care complaints; however, US medical schools do not routinely require otolaryngology instruction, potentially negatively impacting knowledge, attitudes, and medical student career choices. This survey was intended to (1) determine the extent of clinical and pre-clinical otolaryngology education at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education institutions, and (2) focus future educational efforts. Methods: A prospective online survey was sent from the Education Steering Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) to all Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) otolaryngology training programs. Results: Forty percent (42/105) of program directors responded. They reported that medical students could graduate without any clinical instruction in otolaryngology in 85% (34/40) or any formal otolaryngology instruction in 59% (24/41). An otolaryngology rotation was required in only 5% (2/41) of programs. Increased exposure to otolaryngology was noted in 44% (18/41) while decreased exposure was seen in only 22% (9/41). Otolaryngologists provided formal teaching sessions for less than 8 hours over 4 years of medical school in 90% (26/29) of programs. When asked about instruction in specific topic areas, respondents did not know if topics were covered in 19-37% (8-15/42), regardless of topic. Conclusions: Otolaryngology-provided education is extremely limited in ACGME medical student education despite its importance in patient care. We suggest that the lack of otolaryngology integration in the medical student curriculum should be the focus of future educational efforts, including a national medical student curriculum.