The Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology welcomes all fourth-year medical students to apply for a rotation. This program is designed to provide the senior student with a strong interest in a career in Otolaryngology with the opportunity to gain more in-depth clinical exposure in all areas of Otolaryngology including:

  • Otology and neuro-otology
  • Head and neck oncology
  • Reconstruction
  • Anterior and lateral skull base surgery
  • Rhinology/para-nasal sinus disease
  • Facial plastics
  • Laryngology
  • Pediatric otolaryngology

Visiting students will have the same experience and expectations as home students, though it is up to the discretion of the visitor’s own institution if they will grant the student AI credit or not. A mandatory Self-Directed Learning Presentation is a component of all Acting Internships. The presentation consists of a 10 to 15-minute PowerPoint style presentation to the entire department during a Grand Rounds conference session.

Course Learning Objectives

  1. To provide students ample exposure to each otolaryngology area / subspecialty. 
  2. To competently diagnose and formulate appropriate treatment recommendations for common otolaryngology diagnoses. 
  3. To broaden the students’ understanding of how head and neck anatomy is integrated into surgical planning and dissection. 
  4. To competently perform a History and Physical for an Otolaryngologic chief complaint.
  5. To interpret audiograms and head and neck CT scans.
  6. Demonstrate Self-Directed Learning through a scholarly assignment.

Course Content

The student will begin each day by rounding with their assigned clinical team. The student will assist in completion of the therapeutic plan for their patients. The student will then proceed to the operating room or outpatient clinic, as discussed with their supervising residents.  The student will have ample opportunity to interact with all residents and faculty throughout the rotation. Attendance at all departmental conferences and lectures is mandatory.

Rotation Dates

Available rotation dates can be seen through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) portal.