Otorhinolaryngologist

Otorhinolaryngology is a surgical subspecialty within medicine that deals with conditions of the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and related structures of the head and neck. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otorhinolaryngologists, otolaryngologists, ENT doctors, ENT surgeons, or head and neck surgeons. They are commonly referred to as ENT physicians.

History

The specialty of otorhinolaryngology has a rich history, with notable figures such as Anton von Tröltsch, Hermann Schwartze, and Adam Politzer laying the foundation for the specialty in the 19th century. The first ENT specialist in the United States was James Yearsley in the 20th century.

Training

In the United States, otorhinolaryngologists complete at least five years of surgical residency training, following completion of medical school. This includes one year in general surgical training and four years in otorhinolaryngology—head and neck surgery. In Canada and the United States, practitioners complete a five-year residency training after medical school.

Subspecialties

There are several subspecialties within otorhinolaryngology, each of which focuses on specific areas of the head and neck. These include:

• Otology and neurotology
• Rhinology and sinus surgery
• Laryngology
• Head and neck oncology
• Pediatric otorhinolaryngology
• Facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Sleep medicine

Procedures

Otorhinolaryngologists perform a wide range of procedures on the head and neck. These include tonsillectomy, sinus surgery, laryngectomy, cochlear implants, and thyroidectomy, among others.

Professional organizations

There are several professional organizations for otorhinolaryngologists, including the American Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, the British Association of Otorhinolaryngologists, and the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology.

See also

• List of otorhinolaryngologists
• Otorhinolaryngology in animals