Residency Program | Otolaryngology & Communication Sciences

榴莲视频 Otolaryngology Residency Program

Positions Available Per Year: 4, 3, 4, 3, 4 (3 positions will be offered in the 2024 Match)
Years of Training: 5
Locations: Froedtert Hospital, Children's Wisconsin, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, and Froedtert Hospital Menomonee Falls
Program Director: Thomas Robey, MD
Residency Coordinator: Diann Fiscus
dfiscus@mcw.edu
(414) 955-0827 | (414) 955-0074 (fax)

ENT Residency at MCW - Video Presentation

Hear from our residents about what it's like to be an otolaryngology resident at MCW.聽

Message from the Program Director

We welcome your interest in the Otolaryngology Residency Program at the 榴莲视频 (MCW) in Milwaukee. Otolaryngology is a competitive and vital specialty and our department has a rich history of dedicated fellowship-trained leaders in all subspecialty areas. Because of the depth of our faculty, and the state-of-the-art institutions we work in, we are able to offer residents a dynamic clinical, surgical, and research experience. At MCW, it is our aim to develop residents into well-rounded clinicians who will be future leaders in otolaryngology and who are committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and life-long learning. We are proud of our diverse resident family 鈥� you will not find a better group to join! Please don鈥檛 hesitate to contact us with any questions regarding our program.

Thomas C. Robey, MD
Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology & Residency Program Director
榴莲视频

Resident Spotlight: Stefan Vidovich, PGY3

I was born in the Chicagoland area. After attending University of Kentucky for undergrad, I returned to Chicago where I spent 2 years working and traveling prior to attending medical school at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I chose ENT due to the anatomic complexity, variety of cases, and overall culture of our field. I chose MCW because of the breadth of operative and clinical experiences, close-knit resident group, and supportive faculty. I am still undecided on fellowship after residency though I plan to pursue an ENT career in the community. My favorite things to do outside of work include international travel with upcoming trips to Serbia, Montenegro, and Egypt as well as spending time with family/friends, volleyball, digital photography, and gardening.

Keeping Wellness Initiatives Alive

Established in 2018, the resident wellness committee plans quarterly outings funded by the department for residents and their significant others to unwind and explore our wonderful city. Recently, some of our residents and faculty participated in a bike ride along the beautiful Lake Michigan Lakefront.

Reasons to live in Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a one-of-a-kind city with a vibrant and diverse culture, this charming, yet metropolitan must-see is just 90 minutes north of Chicago and nestled on the coast of Lake Michigan. Whether you鈥檙e catching a show at Summerfest, the world鈥檚 largest music festival, immersing yourself in the old world charm of the Historic Third Ward or taking in the sights and sounds of one of the many caf茅s, beer gardens or restaurants that line the city鈥檚 riverbank and shoreline, Milwaukee never disappoints. Find out why MCW residents and fellows take pride in calling Milwaukee home.

Training Overview

The Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the 榴莲视频 (MCW) provides residents with a superior, quality education in an academic setting.

The Department features a very sizeable and diverse group of specialty trained otolaryngologists, representing all facets of the specialty. Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized, and are amongst the leaders in the field of otolaryngology as well as their respective sub-specialties.

In addition, the Department has a robust Division of Research, receiving almost $4,000,000 of external funding annually.聽

Meet Our Residents

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences Residency Program is to produce superbly trained otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons who provide exceptional patient care and are future leaders, researchers, and educators in otolaryngology. This mission aligns with that of the 榴莲视频 to promote excellence in patient care, innovation, research, and education in an academic environment. The residency program strives to define the future of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through core values of compassion, professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

Program AIMS

The Otolaryngology Residency Program at MCW aims to:

鈥� Develop residents into well-rounded clinicians who practice evidence-based medicine and exhibit high-quality surgical skills in all areas of otolaryngology.
鈥� Prepare future leaders, researchers, and educators in otolaryngology.
鈥� Provide and support a training experience that will allow graduates to choose their own specialty career path.
鈥� Establish an environment committed to promoting a healthy work-life balance and life-long learning.

Resident Experience

Otolaryngology residents train at four different hospitals, each offering a unique perspective on patient care.

The main teaching institution, Froedtert Hospital, is a 585-bed tertiary care facility serving all Southeastern Wisconsin. Located on the same campus, Children鈥檚 Wisconsin is the oldest and largest children鈥檚 hospital in the state and is one of the busiest children鈥檚 hospitals in the country. The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, located a few miles from the main campus, offers trainees the unique opportunity to care for our nation鈥檚 veterans. Finally, located 15 miles from the main campus, Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital provides residents the experience of working in a community-based hospital.

With the abundant opportunities available, otolaryngology residents receive a well-rounded education with excellent clinical and operative experience allowing graduates to choose their own specialty career paths.

Learn more about our residency program including rotation schedule details, duty hours, conferences, call specifics and more.聽

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General Program Outline

Five Year Training Program

PGY-1 Resident
The PGY-1 year is managed by the Department of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences as mandated by the ACGME. Rotations include Trauma Surgery, Plastic Surgery, SICU, Pediatric Surgery, Anesthesia and General Surgery in addition to six months on the otolaryngology service. All rotations are completed in 榴莲视频 affiliated hospitals.

The PGY-1 year is designed to allow the resident to accumulate background information leading to more specialized training. Trainees emerge from this year with excellent patient care skills.

PGY-2 Resident
The PGY-2 year consists of 12 months of otolaryngology with rotations at Froedtert Hospital, Children's Wisconsin, and VA Medical Center. The PGY-2 resident is exposed to a variety of clinical dilemmas and diseases and is guided by faculty and more senior level residents.

The resident perfects examination techniques in this year and learns to evaluate patients in the outpatient and inpatient settings.

The PGY-2 resident begins to display learning through participation in conferences and case presentations. Examples of early surgical experience include: myringotomy, tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, tracheotomy, endoscopy, and skin and oral cavity excisions. The PGY-2 resident assists in more complex procedures. Direct supervision is required for all surgical procedures at all of the institutions.

PGY-3 Resident
The PGY-3 year includes 3 months of dedicated research along with 2 months of research and clinic duty. A research proposal must be developed and presented, under the mentorship of a faculty member, before beginning the PGY-3 year.

One month of electives (divided weekly with the VA clinic) are dedicated specifically for resident exposure to allergy, audiology, head and neck radiology, radiation oncology, speech pathology, and surgical pathology.

Five months of the PGY-3 year are spent on rotations at Froedtert Hospital and the VA, rotating specifically in laryngology, facial plastic surgery, otology, and general otolaryngology. And, one month is spent at Children's Wisconsin.

The PGY-3 resident will continue to learn to diagnose a broad spectrum of adult and pediatric patients presenting to the clinic, emergency room, and as inpatient consultations.

PGY-4 Resident

The PGY-4 year consists of rotations at Froedtert Hospital (8 months) and Children's Wisconsin (4 months). While at Froedtert, the resident will spend dedicated time in rhinology, otology, head and neck, laryngology, and facial plastic surgery. While at Children's, the resident first tests his/her administrative skills, serving as Chief Resident.

The PGY-4 resident is expected to be able to discuss all but the most complex patients. Surgical experience includes a variety of more complex procedures, including major head and neck, sinus, and pediatric, although the resident continues to assist on the most complex cases.

PGY-5 Resident
The PGY-5 year consists of four months at the VA Medical Center and eight months at Froedtert Hospital; the PGY-5 serves as Chief Resident at both institutions.

The PGY-5 resident routinely performs complex head and neck, otology, sinus, general, and reconstructive procedures under faculty supervision.

They may also be involved in multi-disciplinary surgical procedures with plastic surgery, oculoplastic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and neurosurgery.

The PGY-5 resident is expected to be capable of discussing the most complicated patients, confidently handling emergencies, recognizing and handling complications, seeking help at appropriate decision points, and expertly teaching more junior level trainees and medical students.

In addition, increased administrative and teaching duties further prepare each PGY-5 resident to become an independent otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon.

Benefits, Conditions & Terms of Employment

The 榴莲视频 Affiliated Hospitals, Inc. (MCWAH) offers an excellent comprehensive benefits package. View MCWAH's Benefits, Conditions & Terms of Employment.

Educational Conferences and Experience

Our otolaryngology residency program is designed to meet the educational needs of residents and provide a foundation for lifelong learning while fulfilling knowledge and competency requirements.

Protected time each Tuesday afternoon allows residents to assemble as a team for presentation and review of core otolaryngology topics. Each subspecialty is offered monthly, including facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, head and neck oncology, laryngology, otology, pediatric otolaryngology, and rhinology. Otolaryngology Grand Rounds and a Morbidity/Mortality - Quality/Improvement conference is also held every month during this block time. Temporal bone drilling, along with presentations in business education, comprehensive otolaryngology, humanities, patient safety, research, surgical sleep, journal club, and mock orals round out the educational curriculum. Focus is placed on interactive, flipped classroom, and problem-based learning styles.

A multidisciplinary tumor board and facial trauma conference supplement the curriculum outside of the dedicated education block. Also, an e-learning curriculum is available to augment learning and increase independent self-study skills, preparing the resident for lifelong learning, self-discipline, and time management.

Lastly, otolaryngology residents participate in hands-on educational opportunities throughout the year such as simulation infant bronchoscopy, foreign body removal, tracheostomy, and ear tube placement, along with a soft tissue skills lab and a rhinoplasty and sinus dissection course. Our residents likewise have access to funding for educational opportunity beyond Department means.

Application Process

The otolaryngology residency at the 榴莲视频 is 5 years in length, and 3 candidates are matched each year. The application and match processes are administered by the Association of American Medical College鈥檚 Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

All applicants must apply through ERAS and completed applications must include:

ERAS Application
At least 3 letters of recommendation
Dean's Letter
Personal statement
Medical School Transcript
USMLE/COMLEX Scores

International medical graduates must follow all ECFMG guidelines and apply through ERAS, in addition to supplying all documents listed above.

Approximately 50 candidates are interviewed each year. An excellent way to learn about our program, and for us to get to know you, is to schedule an elective rotation with us. To find out more about away rotations at the 榴莲视频, visit the 榴莲视频 Office of the Registrar or call (414) 955-8733.

Residency Contact:
Diann Fiscus
(414) 955-0827
dfiscus@mcw.edu

Alyssa Schwab
(414) 955-0833
alschwab@mcw.edu

Mailing Address:
Department of Otolaryngology
8701 Watertown Plank Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Call

Call responsibilities vary depending on PGY level. Primary call is covered by the PGY-2-4 residents. Second call is covered by the PGY-5 residents at Froedtert Hospital and the VA Hospital. Second call is covered by staff at the Children鈥檚 Wisconsin. There is currently no resident call coverage at Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital.

PGY-1: During the six otolaryngology months, residents take daytime call for 1-2 weekends a month (7am to 7-m) and are backed up by a more senior resident. No overnight call.
PGY-2: 12 months of home call covering Froedtert, Children鈥檚, and the VA, averaging 4 calls/month and 1-2 weekends per month.
PGY-3: 12 months of home call covering Froedtert, Children鈥檚, and the VA, averaging 4 calls/month and 1-2 weekends per month.
PGY-4: 12 months of home call covering Froedtert, Children鈥檚, and the VA, with 3-4 calls/month and 1-2 weekends per month.
PGY-5: 12 months of 鈥渟econd call鈥� for residents covering Froedtert and the VA. Shared between all PGY-5 residents.

Weekends call consists of Friday/Sunday or Saturday.

If you are not on call for the weekend, then you don鈥檛 round. Typically, each resident gets 2 (sometimes 3) weekends off a month.

A holiday schedule is set at the beginning of the year including the July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year鈥檚 and Memorial Day.

Research

A structured research curriculum and devoted standing oversight committee guide resident clinical and basic science research. Formal presentations are scheduled throughout the year promoting a step-wise process for the PGY-1 and PGY-2 residents through the development of a full research proposal. The Department is committed to a protected and fully funded research block during the PGY-3 year. Research opportunities allow residents to travel, present, and associate with influential leaders in otolaryngology.

Clinical Experience and Education

The Department’s policy concerning clinical experience and education is consistent with the policy set by the 榴莲视频 Affiliated Hospitals, Inc. (MCWAH), under guidelines established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the Otolaryngology Residency Review Committee (RRC).

The otolaryngology program schedules resident assignments to in compliance with all applicable ACGME requirements and faculty members know, honor, and assist in implementing limitations. Residents must observe this policy, accurately report duty hours, and participate in monitoring procedures. All involved are expected to identify and report potential violations and collaborate to devise appropriate corrective action.

Otolaryngology residents are not permitted to practice medicine and receive financial compensation (moonlight) outside of the residency training program.

Residency Photos

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2024-2025 Otolaryngology Resident Team

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Group Photo from Dr. Drake's Wedding

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Group Photo from Dr. Thomas' Wedding

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2022 Orientation

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Graduation 2022 - Congrats Drs. North, Shum and Puccia

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Resident Boot Camp

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Group Photo from Dr. Rohde's Wedding

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Hands on Practicum: Botox and Filler with Dr. Sachin Pawar

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Past Residents

Class of 2023
Kenneth Akakpo, MD - head and neck surgical oncology and reconstructive surgery fellowship, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD
Kaleigh Stabenau, MD - Arizona Program for Exploration (APEX) Aerospace Medicine and Surgery, Banner University Medical Center/University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ
Adam Thompson-Harvey, MD - Neurotology fellowship, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA

Class of 2022
Axel Shum, MD 鈥� pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, Medical College of WI, sleep medicine fellowship, Medical College of WI, Milwaukee, WI
Lauren North, MD -neuro-rhinology and advanced sinus surgery fellowship, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA - academic practice, Medical College of WI, Milwaukee, WI
Ryan Puccia, MD 鈥� facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship 鈥� Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC - academic practice, Medical College of WI, Milwaukee, WI

Class of 2021
David Campbell, MD - head and neck oncology - microvascular reconstructive surgery fellowship, Mount Sinai, New York, NY, academic practice, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
Mana Espahbodi, MD - pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, neurotology fellowship, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah - academic practice, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
Hillary Newsome, MD - facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship, Washington University, St. Louis, MO - academic practice, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT

Class of 2020
Rachel Fee, MD - facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship, 榴莲视频, Milwaukee, WI - private practice, Jacksonville, FL
Miranda Horton, MD - private practice, Atlanta, GA
Matthew Partain, MD - pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, Harvard Medical School/Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA - academic practice, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN

Class of 2019
Karl Doerfer, MD - pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, 榴莲视频/Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; neurotology/skull base surgery fellowship, Michigan Ear Institute, Farmington Hills, MI - academic practice, Medical College of WI, Milwaukee, WI
Ryan Little, MD - rhinology fellowship - Medical University of South Carolina - Charleston, SC - academic medicine, Dartmouth Medicine, Hanover, NH
Derek Vanhille, MD - private practice - Salem, UT

Class of 2018
Kevin Casey, MD - private practice, Hinsdale, IL
David Linn, MD - private practice, Pewaukee, WI
Kendra Luebke, MD - private practice, Omaha, NE

Class of 2017
Jad Jabbour, MD - pediatric otolaryngology fellowship, Boston Children鈥檚 Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA - private practice, Charlotte, NC
Jessica Southwood, MD - rhinology fellowship, California Sinus Centers, Atherton, CA - private practice, Mobile, AL
Justin Yan, MD - private practice, Arvada, CO

Contact Us聽

Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences

Clinical and General Information
(414) 955-0830
slistinsky@mcw.edu

Education Information
(414) 955-0833
alschwab@mcw.edu