Otolaryngology ENT is an exciting and diverse surgical specialty treating a broad range of patients and diseases. It is presently one of the most competitive surgical subspecialties. Programs are most interested in students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to the field through clinical exposure and research.
Spend some time working with an ENT physician. Many physicians would be happy to allow a medical student to shadow. Consider shadowing in the clinic, observing outpatient procedures and viewing more complex cases in the operating room.
Join an ENT interest group. Review the websites of professional organizations. Develop professional relationships with ENT physicians and work with your senior medical students and recent alumni in ENT residency. ENT is a very competitive specialty and while research experience is not required it would certainly strengthen your application.
Your research does not have to be specific to ENT. Most importantly do a research project that you find highly interesting and are eager to engage with. Your preclinical years are a great time to get started with a research project. It is generally preferable to have completed one or two comprehensive projects where you had significant involvement rather than multiple projects where you were only minimally involved.
Talk to your mentors and Dr. Work with your peers, recent graduates, Residents and Fellows as well as ENT faculty and express your interest in getting involved.
