Residency Program

Sub-Specialty Training in OTOHNS

VII Research Experience

Research training is provided throughout the residency. Five-months are dedicated to the research rotations in the PGY-3 and PGY-4 years. It is closely mentored by the Resident Research Committee, chaired by the OTOHNS Director of Research, Dianne Durham, PhD. In general the bulk of data collection is completed during the course of the four-month protected research time, and additional data analysis, preparation of presentations, and completion of manuscripts are carried out subsequently. Research can be performed in the Departmental Auditory and Vestibular Neuroscience Laboratory headed by Dr. Durham or another laboratory at the KUMC or VAMC.

The main OTOHNS Research Laboratory is housed in the Ralph L. Smith Mental Retardation Research Center (MRRC), located next to the hospital. This laboratory was established by Dr. Durham to investigate biochemical and anatomical changes in central auditory neurons following manipulation of peripheral auditory input. Similar studies are being performed in the vestibular system. The laboratory houses equipment for preparing tissue samples for light or electron microscopy, including a cryostat and paraffin microtome, as well as several research quality microscopes. The OTOHNS Department employs full-time technicians who oversee the day-to-day operation of the research lab and are available for training in histological techniques and a variety of tissue processing. Dr. Doug Girod's laboratory provides a sound-proof booth including equipment for controlled noise exposure of laboratory animals as well as measuring auditory evoked potentials and otoacoustic emissions.

The KUMC Clinical Vestibular Laboratory houses a Neurokinetics rotary chair, an Equitest posturography platform, and a Nicolet Nystar ENG apparatus and other ancillary equipment for the analysis of vestibular function in humans. A Nicolet Viking evoked potential apparatus is used for various evoked potentials and intraoperative monitoring of cranial nerve function. Ongoing studies include a prospective investigation of inner ear function after ototoxic drug exposure and intraoperative monitoring of endolymphatic sac and inner ear function in Meniere’s disease.

Several institutional facilities supplement the resources outlined above including a core facility for molecular biology, which contains facilities for RNA and DNA analysis, PCR, in situ hybridization, and gene chip microarray analysis, etc. An AAALAC-approved animal facility, located in the MRRC, provides veterinary support and housing for research animals. In addition, common use procedure rooms for small animal surgery as well as a fully-equipped OR are available within the main animal facility. An electron microscopy research laboratory (EMRL) is maintained by the institution for use by all KUMC investigators. The facility houses two transmission and one scanning electron microscope and employs two technicians to manage the facility and prepare tissue samples.

In addition to the basic science research projects outlined above, residents also participate in more clinically oriented projects in collaboration with the clinical OTOHNS faculty. These projects are accomplished during clinical rotations and often involve chart reviews, case reports, etc. These projects are also funded and presented at both regional and national meetings.

The success of resident and faculty research, both clinical and basic science, is showcased at the annual University of Kansas Department of OTOHNS Alumni Day Research Conference held in June of each year. This all-day forum includes research and clinical presentations as well as discussions amongst clinical and research faculty, residents, alumni, and community OTOHNS physicians as well as an invited nationally-renowned OTOHNS guest. Each resident is then encouraged and funded to also present their project at a national meeting, such as the fall Academy of OTOHNS meeting or the midwinter Association for Research in Otolaryngology meeting. During their residency training, all OTOHNS residents are required to publish at least one manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

 

Annual Alumni Day Golf Outing