Abstract
Objective: 1) Determine the amount of exposure to otolaryngology in medical training of nonotolaryngology residents (NOR). 2) Evaluate the general otolaryngology-related knowledge in these residents.
Method: A 10-question multiple-choice quiz was given to residents in family practice, pediatrics, emergency medicine, and internal medicine during scheduled educational conferences. Residents were also asked if they ever participated in an otolaryngology rotation during medical school or residency. Medical students and otolaryngology residents completed the quiz to act as controls.
Results: A total of 49 NOR and 44 medical students answered the questionnaire. Only 24% of the NOR had an otolaryngology rotation during medical school. The same amount (24%) had a rotation during residency. The average percentage correct on the quiz was 49%, 57%, and 91% for medical students, NOR, and otolaryngology residents respectively (P < .05). Questions with surprising results included one with an endoscopic image of the middle turbinate, and examinees were asked to identify the structure (NOR = 18% correct). A laryngectomy stoma was also shown, and participants were asked what would happen if the stoma was occluded for 10 minutes (NOR = 20% correct).
Conclusion: In this sample of nonotolaryngology residents, a minority experienced a clinical rotation in otolaryngology during medical school or residency. This nonvalidated questionnaire also suggested significant deficiencies in basic otolaryngology knowledge in these residents. Identifying mechanisms to improve exposure to otolaryngology in the medical training curriculum is needed.
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