Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Residency | MedStar Georgetown University Hospital | MedStar Health

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A group of residents and faculty from the MedStar Health Otolaryngology Head and Neck Residency program stand together for a group photo outdoors.

The MedStar Health - Georgetown University Hospital Residency Program in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

MedStar Health - Georgetown University PartnershipThe MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) Residency in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery is a fully accredited comprehensive training program that graduates alternating 3 to 4 residents per year. The residency program selects high quality residents for a clinically rich and diverse training experience. We provide a stable platform for residency education with focused and stepwise learning experiences over the five years of training. Each year is designed to comply with the requirements outlined by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Residency Review Committee for Otolaryngology and the American Board of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery. In addition to our excellent surgical training, we pride ourselves on our collegial environment and strong resident camaraderie.

Group photo of students in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program perform a surgical procedure.

The progressive clinical training covers all aspects of Otolaryngology and residents are exposed to the full breadth of the specialty including:

  • Head and Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Surgery
  • Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Laryngology
  • Otology and Neurotology
  • Skull Base Surgery
  • Rhinology and Allergy
  • Sleep Medicine and Surgery

Read a Letter From Our Chairman

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  • Faculty

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  • Residents

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Education

  • Curriculum

    Resident education is a primary focus of our training program. Our goals are to teach quality and compassionate patient care, provide exposure to clinical research and to instill a practice of lifelong learning. Our department’s commitment to training exceptional otolaryngologists is reflected in the robust collection of conference, lecture, and course offerings.

    Two students in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program study together in a classroom.The department Grand Rounds and didactic session are held on Thursdays. September through June, Grand Rounds are held 6:30-8:00am, beginning with a resident presentation followed by a faculty or guest lecture. The afternoon didactics are 4:00-6:00pm and focused on an otolaryngology core curriculum delivered by our faculty in an interactive and adult-centered learning format. The two-year rotating curriculum is structured around 6-week specialty blocks. The content includes case-based studies, journal clubs, surgical procedure review, and anatomic dissections.

    In the summer months, the education centers on a simulation-based program. The MedStar Simulation Training and Education Lab (SiTEL) facility provides hands-on learning opportunities for residents and students. Our faculty lead several simulation-based training sessions annually. Residents gain practical hands-on experience via a suturing workshop to practice local reconstructive flaps, a sinus/skull base dissection course, a laryngology simulation workshop, ultrasound training, a bronchoscopy/airway session, a temporal bone dissection course, and a facial trauma course. The annual ORL Emergencies Boot Camp, established by our Program Director, is attended by residents from all over the country.

     

     Departmental Conferences Departmental Courses   External Course Opportunities 
     Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Tumor Board: weekly at Georgetown and each affiliate hospital  Temporal bone dissection course: held throughout the year for PGY-2 residents  Temporal bone dissection course: PGY-3 residents
     Morbidity and Mortality  ORL Emergencies Boot Camp: annually for PGY-2 residents  SimFest: PGY-3 residents
     Skull Base conference  Temporal bone/lateral skull base dissection course: annually for all residents  American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy course: PGY-4 residents
     Otology case conference  Laryngeal dissection course: annually for all residents  
     Pathology conference  Sinus dissection course: annually for all residents  
     Journal club  Trauma cadaver course: annually for all residents  

  • Rotations

    Post-Graduate Year 1

    • 6 months of otolaryngology focused on the development of basic otolaryngologic skills in pediatric and adult patients with a concentration on procedures in general otolaryngology and endoscopy.
      • 4 months on pediatrics & head/neck at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
      • 2 months on general otolaryngology at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
    • 6 months of structured non-otolaryngology rotations divided among related and complementary specialties: Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, General Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Anesthesia, and the Surgical ICU.

    Post-Graduate Year 2

    • 6 months of developing proficiency in adult general otolaryngology and endoscopy at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
    • 4 months centered around rhinology with additional exposure to pediatric otolaryngology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
    • 2 months of concentrated pediatric experience at Children’s National Medical Center.

    Post-Graduate Year 3

    • 4 months in advanced general otolaryngology with broad exposure to head/neck oncology, otology, laryngology and sleep surgery at the Washington DC Veterans Hospital.
    • 4 months rotating through laryngology and rhinology/skull base surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
    • 4 months of Research.

    Post-Graduate Year 4

    • 4 months of apprenticeship experience in facial plastic surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
    • 4 months of focused otology/neurotology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
    • 4 months of otology and advanced head & neck surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

    Post-Graduate Year 5 (Chief Rotations)

    • 4 months experience managing a busy inpatient service with clinical emphasis in head & neck surgery, endocrine surgery and other complex otolaryngologic disorders at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital provides.
    • 4 months overseeing outpatient clinics and operative schedule in all adult otolaryngology at the Washington DC Veterans Hospital.
    • 4 months heavily concentrated in head & neck surgery and trauma at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

  • Research

    Research Rotation

    A student in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program stands next to her abstract presentation at a conference.All residents participate in annual scholarly projects during their tenure in the training program and are expected to submit their work for local and national presentations as well as publication. During PG 3 year, a 4-month block dedicated to research where residents are exempt from clinical responsibilities.

    Each cohort class engages in a longitudinal quality improvement initiative that spans the five years of training. Residents receive formal education in process improvement methodology and design.

    Residents pursue their specific interests and enjoy ample faculty support. In the past, research topics have spanned the breadth of otolaryngology and have included both basic science and clinical endeavors.

    Our program has the advantage of access to research facilities at the National Institutes of Health and the Georgetown’s Lombardi Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.


    Research Fellowship

    The MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) Otolaryngology-HNS Research Fellow position is currently an unfunded position for medical students who are interested in gaining more research experience prior to entering residency. It is a one-year position, although adjustments can be made for less or more time depending on a case-by case basis. The research fellow will work closely with Dr. Michael Hoa, who will oversee the research projects and timeline throughout the year. The research fellow is encouraged and expected to work with a variety of faculty members at MGUH, the VA, and MedStar Washington Hospital Center to gain experience in various subspecialties of Otolaryngology.

    Over the course of the year, the research fellow is expected to conduct a number of projects, ranging from national database studies, single-institution retrospective studies, and cohort studies. The fellow will also have the opportunity to work with the Otologists on research studies through the NIH. Furthermore, there are opportunities to perform research on educational simulation, 3D modeling, and machine learning depending on interest and availability of active projects in those arenas.

    If you are interested in research, please fill out this form.

    If you have any questions, please contact our Research Coordinator Magalie Middeke.


    Recent Publications

    Group photo of students in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program.Crossley JR, Almasri M, Samaha N, Deklotz TR, Harley EH, Davidson BJ, Malekzadeh S, Kim HJ. Citations and Author Characteristics in Open-Access and Subscription-Based Otolaryngology Journals. Laryngoscope. 2023 Jan;133(1):79-82. doi: 10.1002/lary.30167. Epub 2022 May 13. PMID: 35560994.

    Guirguis CA, Crossley JR, Malekzadeh S. Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis in a Patient With Neurosarcoidosis: A ChatGPT-Driven Case Report Describing an Unusual Presentation. Cureus. 2023 Apr 10;15(4):e37368. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37368. PMID: 37181995; PMCID: PMC10171033.

    Missner AA, Crossley J, Hoa M. Economic Impact of Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Cost Analysis. The Hearing Journal. 2023 Jan 1;76(01):14-5.

    Towfighi P, Hill A, Crossley JR, Walsh A, Leonard JA, Giurintano JP, Pierce ML, Reilly MJ. A retrospective analysis of pain and opioid usage in head and neck free flap reconstruction. World J Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Jan 12;9(2):153-159. doi: 10.1002/wjo2.87. PMID: 37383327; PMCID: PMC10296052.

    Crossley JR, Nelson LL, VanDolah H, Davidson BJ, Maxwell JM. The impact of COVID-19 on presentation and diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. 2022 Aug 12. Epub ahead of print.

    Crossley JR, Nelson LL, Chou J, Maxwell JH. Distant metastases in human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Head Neck. 2023 Jan;45(1):275-282. doi: 10.1002/hed.27230. Epub 2022 Oct 28. PMID: 36306202.

    Habib AM, Johns JD, Hakimi A, Maxwell JH. Upper Airway Manifestations of Monkeypox: A Case Report and Literature Review. Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. ahead of print http://doi.org/10.1089/lap.2022.0473.

    Johns, JD, Habib, AM, Dixit, RB. Retained tracheostomy stay suture with migration into the glottic airway: A case report. Clin Case Rep. 2022; 10:e06625. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.6625.

    Johns JD, Mortazavi A, Welschmeyer A, et al. (October 03, 2022) Reliability of Home Sleep Apnea Testing for Diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Spontaneous Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaks. Cureus 14(10): e29854. doi:10.7759/cureus.29854.

    Lovett B, Welschmeyer A, Johns JD, Mowry S, Hoa M. Health Disparities in Otology: A PRISMA-Based Systematic Review. Otolaryngology Head Neck Surg. 2022 Jun;166(6):1229-1237. doi: 10.1177/01945998211039490. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34488507.

    Missner AA, Johns JD, Gu S, Hoa M. Repurposable Drugs That Interact with Steroid Responsive Gene Targets for Inner Ear Disease. Biomolecules. 2022 Nov 5;12(11):1641. doi: 10.3390/biom12111641. PMID: 36358991.

    Parsa KM, Hakimi AA, Hollis T, Shearer SC, Chu E, Reilly MJ. Understanding the Impact of Aging on Attractiveness Using a Machine Learning Model of Facial Age Progression. Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine. Accepted March 5, 2023; pending publication.

    Walsh A, Peesay T, Newark A, Shearer S, Parsa K, Pierce M, Gao WZ. Association of Severe Tongue Edema With Prone Positioning in Patients Intubated for COVID-19. Laryngoscope. 2022 Feb;132(2):287-289. doi: 10.1002/lary.29773. Epub 2021 Jul 31. PMID: 34287907; PMCID: PMC8441932.

    Wu EL, Peesay T, Randall JA, Nelson LL, Shearer SC, Johnson BC, Maxwell JH. Increased body mass index predicts prolonged survival in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck. 2022 Feb;44(2):325-331. doi: 10.1002/hed.26922. Epub 2021 Nov 12. PMID: 34773312.

    Shearer SC, Parsa KM, Newark A, Peesay T, Walsh AR, Fernandez S, Gao WZ, Pierce ML. Facial Pressure Injuries from Prone Positioning in the COVID-19 Era. Laryngoscope. 2021 Jul;131(7):E2139-E2142. doi: 10.1002/lary.29374. Epub 2021 Jan 5. PMID: 33389768.

  • Annual Events

    Group photo of students and faculty in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program.

    ORL Emergencies Boot Camp

    Georgetown hosts an annual ORL Emergencies Boot Camp each July under the leadership of Sonya Malekzadeh, MD. Now in its 15th year, we welcome over 50 residents from Mid-Atlantic region to this one day course, designed to onboard junior residents with knowledge and skills to successfully manage bleeding and airway emergencies.

     

    Academic Day and Roy B Sessions Lecture

    Every June, our Department honors our former Chair, Dr. Roy B. Sessions. Residents present their research, and distinguished guest speaker delivers a keynote lecture.

    Group photo of students and faculty in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program.

     

    2023 Dr. Amy Chen - Nuances in thyroid cancer surgery: when is too much or not enough?

    2022 Dr. Kevin Cullen - 50 years of the War on Cancer – Successes and Challenges

    2019 Dr. Ashok Shaha - Thyroid Cancer – The Last Decade

    2018 Dr. Richard V. Smith - Evolution in Laryngeal Cancer Treatment

    2017 Dr. Mark Persky - The Changing Paradigms of Paraganglioma Treatment

    2016 Dr. Lucian Sulica - Current Concepts in Vocal Fold Paralysis

    2015 Dr. Chris Holsinger - Transoral Robotic and Endoscopic Head and Neck Surgery and Its Role in the Multidisciplinary Treatment Paradigm

    2014 Dr. Terrence A. Day - Diagnosing the Early Stages of Oropharyngeal Cancer

    2013 Dr. Dan Deschler - Making the Extraordinary Ordinary

    2012 Dr. Robert Sofferman - Hyperparathyroidism Imaging and Management

    2011 Dr. Gayle Woodson - Management of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerves in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery

    2010 Dr. David Eisele - Parapharyngeal Space Neoplasms- New Perspectives

    2009 Dr. Randal S. Weber - Evolution of Head and Neck Cancer Care: From Scalpel to Targeted Therapy

Affiliates

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

MedStar Georgetown is a world-renowned, not-for-profit, acute-care teaching and research hospital located in Northwest Washington, D.C., Neurosciences is among the many centers of excellence at our facility.

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, D.C., 20007

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

MedStar Washington is Washington's largest and busiest hospital. MedStar Washington Hospital Center is a Level I Trauma Center, and this provides residents with exposure to craniomaxillofacial trauma. 

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20010

Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC)

Children’s National is a leading pediatric health system serving children in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.

111 Michigan Ave. NW
Washington, D.C.,  20010

Washington, D.C., Veterans Affairs Medical Center

The VA Medical Center is the nation’s only health care system dedicated exclusively to the health care of veterans of the U.S. military.

50 Irving St. NW
Washington, D.C., 20422

Our team

A group of faculty from the MedStar Health Otolaryngology Head and Neck Residency program stand together for a group photo outdoors.
Meet Our Faculty
A group of residents from the MedStar Health Otolaryngology Head and Neck Residency program stand together for a group photo outdoors.
Meet Our Residents
A group of alumni from the MedStar Health Otolaryngology Head and Neck Residency program stand together for a group photo outdoors.
Meet Our Alumni

Life in D.C.

Washington DC

Washington, DC is an exciting, vibrant city with no shortage of things to do and explore. From museums and concerts to free attractions and sightseeing. Our residents live throughout its eclectic neighborhoods and greatly enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Georgetown

Georgetown is one of DC’s most treasured neighborhoods and is known for its unique aesthetic with its historic brick and frame row houses and cobblestone streets. It is also a major shopping destination and is home to various restaurants, bars, and cafes. MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is just a short walk to the heart of Georgetown.

Living in DC

Things to do in DC

Best food spots

Transportation


Group photo of students in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program work together in a classroom.

Medical students

  • Junior Clerkship (3rd Year)

    The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides a variety of programs to medical students. Clinical conferences on selected topics correlated with basic science instruction are given in the pre-clinical curriculum. Third-year students may select a two-week clerkship in the department as partial fulfillment of the six-week requirement in the surgical subspecialties. During this clerkship, students participate in a broad range of otolaryngology services, including surgical, inpatient, and outpatient management. Specialized skills in head and neck physical examination will be stressed.

  • Senior Clerkships (4th Year)

    Otolaryngology Acting Internship Elective: OTOL-500

    • Department: Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

    • Instructor: Nazaneen E. Grant, MD

    • Contact: Magalie Middeke (Program Coordinator) at magalie.karin.middeke@gunet.georgetown.edu

    • Locations: Georgetown University Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, and Veterans Affairs Medical Center

    • Duration: Four weeks

    • Max Students: 4 students/block

    • Description: The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery offers a four-week acting internship elective to fourth year medical students. Students spend the majority of their time at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and also do a 1 week rotation at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. The rotation provides the student with a broad exposure to both the clinical and surgical aspects of the specialty through work with specialists in pediatrics, rhinology, plastic/reconstructive surgery, otology/skull base surgery, laryngology, trauma, and general otolaryngology. Students assist in the operating room and work with the attending staff and residents in clinic to gain experience in performing complete head and neck examinations, obtaining focused histories, and formulating differential diagnoses and treatment plans. Leadership and teaching skills in guiding 3rd year medical students on the team are also encouraged. Students take part in inpatient rounds and, under direct faculty and resident supervision, share in the responsibility of caring for hospitalized patients. At the end of the rotation, the students give an in-depth presentation on a topic in the field of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.

    The Otolaryngology 4th year elective is open to visiting students who are considering Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery as their career. Each 4 week block has a maximum of 4 students. Georgetown medical students are given priority over visiting students until 6 weeks before the start date of the rotation.

    Georgetown students wishing to do this elective need to have filled out our departmental application (see link below) AND need to meet with Dr Grant (ENT Clerkship Director) in person.

    Visiting students wishing to do this elective need to submit TWO applications – one through our department, (see link below) which is available now, and ADDITIONALLY apply on the VSAS/VSLO system. The VSAS/VSLO system will not open until April 1st, 2023, however you can complete the departmental application now using the link below.

    To apply, please complete the application in the link below, and send a copy of your CV to Magalie Middeke, our Program Coordinator, magalie.karin.middeke@gunet.georgetown.edu.

    Application for 4th year elective at Georgetown Otolaryngology-HNS

    Note: The VSLO application for Georgetown University is expected to open April 1st, 2024.

    2024 Georgetown 4th Year Block Schedule:

    Block 0: 5/28/24 - 6/21/24
    Block 1: 7/1/24 – 7/26/24
    Block 2: 7/29/24 – 8/23/24
    Block 3: 8/26/24 – 9/20/24
    Block 4: 9/23/24 – 10/18/24

  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital Underrepresented in Medicine Scholarship

    The Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery is offering up to $1,500 away rotation scholarships to students of diverse backgrounds. We embrace diversity in our residency, our faculty, and our community. We understand that an inclusive academic program will enrich our learning environment and improve care of the patients we serve. As a department, we are committed to developing a diverse physician work force by supporting members of all ages, ethnicities, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds pursuing Otolaryngology. Students may use this scholarship to offset any expenses that are associated with participating in our fourth-year medical student away rotation, which is a four-week elective rotation.

    Grant Eligibility 

    • Fourth year medical student in good academic standing at an LCME-accredited, allopathic medical school.

    • Complete a formal application through VSLO (formerly VSAS).

    • Complete a departmental application.

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology: OTOL-502

    • Department: Otolaryngology

    • Instructor: Earl Harley, MD

    • Contact: Nazaneen Grant, MD at nazaneen.grant@gunet.georgetown.edu

    • Location: Georgetown University Hospital

    • Duration: Four Weeks

    • Max Students: 1 student/block

    • Description: The Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery offers an elective that concentrates exposure in the field of pediatric otolaryngology. This rotation is best for students planning to pursue pediatrics or family practice with a desire to deepen their knowledge and perfect their examination skills for head and neck problems in children.

      Particularly emphasized are careful examination of the ear, management of chronic otitis media and hearing loss, evaluation of obstructive sleep and feeding problems, indications for tonsil surgery, management of congenital disorders of the head and neck, and special consideration for syndromic patients.

      The student will work with two fellowship-trained faculty members as well as the resident team, and exposure to audiology is also available. A range of experience is offered in outpatient clinics at Georgetown and at a satellite location in Maryland. In addition, the student will be able to participate in surgery and with the care of hospitalized patients. At the conclusion of the elective, the student will be responsible for a short presentation on a topic in pediatric otolaryngology of his or her choice.

    Interested students should email the contact above. Rotations are generally offered in the spring semester. Students who would like to pursue otolaryngology as a field are encouraged to apply for the General Otolaryngology Acting Internship, OTOL-500.

Applicants

Interested in applying? Get more details on how to apply to join our program.
A student in MedStar Health's Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Residency program works in a classroom.

Learn more about our application process

Learn More About Salary and Benefits

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like further information about our program, please contact: 

Magalie Middeke
Magalie Middeke
Residency & Research Program Coordinator

Magalie.karin.middeke@gunet.georgetown.edu

Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery
Gorman Building, 1st Floor
3800 Reservoir Road NW
Washington DC 20007
Phone: 202-444-0924
Fax: 877-826-5501