Offering the first training program in Otolaryngology in the U.S., New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai (NYEE) has participated in the many changes of this specialty for nearly two centuries. The past 40 years have seen enormous advances in otolaryngology, which have led to its popularity among medical students, accounting for the highly competitive residency positions.

The scope and breadth of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery has increased greatly. While the treatment of ear, nose, and throat disorders still forms the core of otolaryngology, other areas, such as facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, voice and swallowing disorders, head and neck cancer, and skull base surgery have expanded the traditional borders of otolaryngology.

We are pleased to provide this current description of resident training at  New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and Affiliated Hospitals of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, as well as a history of Otolaryngology training at NYEE.

The Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery maintains a strong commitment to medical education. The residency program trains four otolaryngologists yearly. Approximately half will continue to train across the U.S. in highly sought-after, advanced training programs in subspecialties of otolaryngology, and many recent graduates hold teaching positions at hospitals throughout the country. This dedication to residency training, continuing medical education, and overall academic excellence attracts physicians from across the U.S., Asia, and Europe to study with the doctors at the Department of Otolaryngology.

Routine conferences are held to discuss new advances and treatments in skull base surgery, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, audiology, otology, and pediatric otolaryngology, as well as radiology and pathology. Tumor Boards are also held for the head and neck. A fully equipped dissection lab is available for courses in temporal bone dissection and techniques in soft tissue surgery and sinus anatomy and surgery.

Professor and Chair
George Wanna, MD