Post-Graduate Years Two through Five

The second through fifth years of residency consist of three-month rotations at affiliated hospitals, with each rotation emphasizing different subspecialties of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.

PGY-2

Second-year residents rotate through the department's core clinical services, developing the foundations of patient evaluation, surgical decision-making, and operative technique.

Primary Rotation Sites

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute
  • Corewell Health–Dearborn
  • Henry Ford Rochester
  • McLaren Macomb Hospital

Training Focus

  • Comprehensive patient evaluation and history taking
  • Interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic studies
  • Diagnosis of otolaryngologic disorders
  • Preoperative evaluation and surgical planning
  • Postoperative patient management
  • Performance of basic surgical procedures
  • Assistance with major surgical cases
  • Development of fundamental surgical techniques
  • Head and neck surgical anatomy

PGY-3

Third-year residents expand their clinical responsibilities while gaining dedicated research experience.

Primary Rotation Sites

  • Karmanos Cancer Institute
  • Corewell Health–Dearborn
  • McLaren Macomb Hospital
  • John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

Additional Experience

  • Three-month basic science research block
  • General otolaryngology training at the VA Medical Center

PGY-4

Fourth-year residents continue to refine their clinical and surgical skills while assuming increasing responsibility for patient care and resident leadership.

Primary Rotation Sites

  • John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
  • Corewell Health–Dearborn
  • Karmanos Cancer Institute

Training Focus

  • Advanced clinical decision-making
  • Greater surgical responsibility
  • Leadership of junior residents
  • Expanded patient management responsibilities

PGY-5 (Chief Resident)

During the chief residency year, residents refine the clinical, surgical, supervisory, and administrative skills needed for independent practice.

Primary Rotation Sites

  • John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
  • Michigan Ear Institute
  • Corewell Health–Dearborn
  • Karmanos Cancer Institute

Training Focus

  • Chief resident leadership responsibilities
  • Advanced operative experience
  • Supervision of junior residents
  • Administrative and service leadership
  • Independent planning and performance of major and minor otolaryngologic procedures

Resident Resources