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Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Residency Overview

Under the guidance of dedicated faculty, residents receive in-depth instruction in all facets of otolaryngology and develop skills that equip them to exceed the highest standards of patient care and research.

Five residency positions are available each year; four are dedicated to our five year clinical program that includes six months of research training and one is dedicated to our advanced research program that includes 18 months of research.

Areas of Focus
  • Skull Base Surgery
  • Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
  • General otolaryngology
  • Head and neck oncology
  • Laryngology
  • Otology/neurotology
  • Pediatric otolaryngology
  • Rhinology
Clinical Experience

The typical training pathway follows the structure outlined below. Residents also have the opportunity for elective rotations during their fourth year of training, including a standing elective clinical rotation at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana or a local private practice.

5-Year Clinical Training Program
Our five-year program offers a balance of inpatient, outpatient, operative and research experience. Residents in this program spend six months doing research during their PGY-4 year.

6-Year Advanced Research Training
Like our five-year residency program, our six-year advanced research training track offers a balance of inpatient, outpatient, operative and research experience. Residents in our six-year program spend an additional 12 months doing research, starting in the PGY-3 year, for a total of 18 months of research.

Learn more about program rotations

RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

During the PGY-4 year, residents spend six months pursuing research and other professional development. For the research-track resident, an 18-month rotation starts during the PGY-3 year.

Our residents have been remarkably successful in competing for extramural grants, and research productivity has been impressive. Support is provided when residents are selected to present at conferences, and a stipend for educational expenses to support senior resident travel (event when not presenting) is available to be used any time through the training program.

Research Opportunities

Discover some of the research opportunities available to our residents.

Salary & Benefits

The University of Michigan offers highly competitive salaries and generous benefits to our fellows and advanced trainees. Trainee salary will be commensurate with that of a House Officer at an equivalent level of training based on the HOA contract.

Learn More About Trainee Salary & Benefits
Educational Opportunities

Small group and departmental teaching conferences occur throughout the program. Didactic teachings include weekly lectures, grand rounds and laboratory sessions. Special courses are given in temporal bone surgery, head and neck oncology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, microvascular surgery, nasal endoscopy and research techniques.

Throughout training, residents benefit from variety of didactic and hands-on educational opportunities to learn both both clinical and operative skills.

Ongoing Education

Explore ongoing educational opportunities available to our residents.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Dr. Shannon Fayson serves as the resident liaison for the department’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee where she advocates for diversity within the residency program and the department as a whole. In addition to the committee, she is an advocate for health equity, and currently participates in Michigan Medicine’s Healthcare Equity and Quality Scholars Program.

Dr. Fayson is also the founder of The Black Otolaryngologist Network, a virtually-based organization that aims to build a strong community, support network and mentorship among Black otolaryngologists.

Health Equity & Quality Scholars Program

The Healthcare Equity and Quality Scholars Program is a 14-month program that address cultural humility and social determinants of health. It provides foundational instruction on quality improvement to equip house officers with the skills needed to engage in systems-based approaches to deliver equitable, safe and high-quality care throughout their careers.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Otolaryngology
Resident Life & Wellness
Three people walking outside on a nature trail Resident Wellness

Our program has incorporated several wellness initiatives including:

  • Team wellness dinners (when appropriate)
  • Virtual wellness and mentoring groups
  • Ability to request a personal ½ day per month
  • Meal allowances
  • Explore wellness resources for residents
  • Downtown Ann Arbor with people walking the mall Resident Life

    Training at the University of Michigan gives you the opportunity to live in the vibrant city of Ann Arbor. The city itself offers an abundant array of restaurants, microbreweries, coffee houses, jazz, blues and rock clubs, museums, galleries and other entertainment.

  • Explore Ann Arbor
  • Program Leadership
    Profile-RobbiKupfer-2023 Robbi A Kupfer, MD
    Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Residency Program Director
    Laryngology Fellowship Director
    Shannon Rudy, MD Shannon F Rudy, MD
    Clinical Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
    Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Associate Chair
    Residency Program Associate Director
    Otolaryngology Education Lead