Residency Program

Sub-Specialty Training in OTOHNS

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Experience and training in pediatric otolaryngology is accomplished primarily through a rotation at Children’s Mercy Hospital. This is supplemented by the pediatric otolaryngic experience at KUMC and KU MedWest. Extensive tertiary care pediatric otolaryngology is encountered, including the evaluation and treatment of basic and complex pediatric airway problems, (such as, sleep-disordered breathing secondary to adenotonsillar hypertrophy, congenital and subglottic stenosis, laryngo- and tracheomalacia, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and chronic respiratory insufficiency requiring tracheostomy).  In addition, evaluation and surgical treatment of head and neck neoplasms, (such as juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, rhabdomyosarcomas, lymphomas, and a variety of congenital bronchial cleft/sinus/cysts) will be encountered during the rotation. Residents are also trained in pediatric otology during this rotation through both clinical and surgical cases.  The Pediatric Otolaryngology faculty participates actively in multidisciplinary activities, such as a special care clinic for chronic, ventilatory-dependent patients with tracheostomy, NICU rounds and consultations, and assistance with the care of patients with multi-system diseases (such as, endoscopic sinus surgery for cystic fibrosis patients and invasive fungal sinusitis or other sinusitises in those who are immunosuppressed or compromised). There is also the opportunity to experience velopharyngeal insufficiency evaluations (VPI clinic).  In addition, Pediatric Otolaryngology is very active in the treatment of a variety of simple and complex head and neck infections.

A biannual bronchoscopy lab is offered as a part of the resident educational curriculum. This lab uses videoscopic equipment to provide additional training and expertise in the performance of upper airway endoscopy.

Emphasis is also placed on the physician-patient-family interaction as a model for practice improvement and for the successful provision of care. The OTOHNS resident involved in pediatric care is expected to work closely with the other pediatric practitioners as a member of the health care team.

During their pediatric otolaryngology rotations, residents are encouraged to participate in research.  Opportunities are ample for residents to learn all aspects of research development; including, project design, IRB submission, data collection, abstract submission and manuscript writing. With abstract acceptance, residents are fully supported to attend national pediatric otolaryngology meetings; including, the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology and SENTAC (Society of Ear, Nose, Throat for Advancement of Children).