Enabling careers as surgeon-scientists in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery

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ABSTRACT Advancing the field of head and neck surgery through research and education has long been the defining mission of this department. This training program seeks to extend that mission to fill the urgent need for surgeon- scientists in all areas of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Two residents per year will embark on an 18 month period of research skills development designed to lead to long-term success as academic surgeon- scientists. The training period promotes innovation, collaboration, and strong research ethics, all guided by close mentoring and an individual development plan personalized for each trainee. Additionally, a medical student training program will enhance the pipeline of diverse medical students with research interests who are qualified to match in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, via a nine-month intensive research and mentoring program. We expect that this effort will increase diversity within our specialty as a whole, as well as locally. Finally, a “Communication Disorders” seminar series will disseminate state-of-the-art knowledge to trainees and faculty affiliated with this program and related departments. Research themes of the program are grounded by 20 successful faculty researchers and include: 1) Laryngeal Physiology and Voice Perception, 2) Hearing and Vestibular Function, 3) Head and Neck Cancer, 4) Bioengineering and Bioinformatics. Mentorship teams, comprising one full-time researcher and one physician- scientist, will collaborate to enhance the trainee's development in all aspects needed for an academic career. Milestones including coursework, grant-writing, presentations and research publications will ensure development of those skills needed to become successful and versatile researchers.