Resident Research

Resident involvement in research provides a strong foundation for physicians entering either academics or private practice and equips each resident with the tools necessary to understand the scientific method, critically analyze the medical literature, maintain scientific curiosity, and test hypotheses.  A block of dedicated research time, 3 months, is provided during the PGY-3 year, with merit-based funding available from the department up to $5000. In addition, the residents are mentored to compete for extramural funding. Under the guidance of the  faculty, residents will undertake a clinical or basic science research project.  Residents are encouraged to design a study to answer a clinical question they have gleaned from their experience, and with mentorship from core otolaryngology faculty members.  Additionally, collaborators from other departments and specialties provide opportunities to participate in ongoing projects.

In addition, the department asks that each resident present a summary of his/her most recent research each year at the annual UTHSC Edwin Cocke Otolaryngology Research Symposium.  The projects are judged for merit and selected for awards in Basic Science, Translational, and Clinical Research.

Our residents are expected to present and publish their research. Each of the national meetings is well represented by UTHSC Otolaryngology resident research poster and podium presentations. At the 2016 American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery meeting in San Diego, there were 7 poster presentation.  At the most recent Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (COSM) meeting in Chicago, there were 15 poster presentations and 2 podium presentations. The department offers financial support for every trainee whose research is accepted for oral or poster presentation at recognized national meeting. All residents are strongly encouraged to take their projects to completion through peer-reviewed publication.