How Competitive is an Otolaryngology Residency? Updated for 2024

If you want a career as an otolaryngologist, here is how competitive the medical specialty is to match into an otolaryngology residency. Otolaryngology is the branch of medicine that involves the surgical and medical care of the ear, nose and throat (often referred to as an ENT).

Statistics on the Otolaryngology Match

As of the most recent NRMP data, otolaryngology had a total of 556 applicants and 361 spots. This equates to 1.54 applicants per position. Of the 455 U.S. MD seniors who applied, 140 did not match.

Osteopathic (DO) Students Matching into Otolaryngology

The total number of DO Senior Applicants was 35. Of those, 21 matched, for a 60.00% match percentage. This makes otolaryngology a Not Friendly field for osteopathic students.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) Matching into Otolaryngology

Because there are 1.26 U.S. MD applicants per 1 program spot, otolaryngology is considered to be Not Friendly for IMGs students.

Honors, Research and Awards for Otolaryngology Residency Candidates

The average matched U.S. applicant had 9.2 volunteer experiences and 4 work experiences. They had 7.3 research experiences and 17.2 abstracts, presentations and publications. That makes this specialty on where the number of publications needed is High.

Average Step 2 Scores for Otolaryngology

The mean USMLE Step 2 CK score was 257. The overall competitiveness level of otolaryngology is Very High for a U.S. senior.

How long is a residency in otolaryngology? What is the lifestyle like for an otolaryngology resident?

Compared to other residencies, otolaryngology has a Long training length. As far as lifestyle, otolaryngologists generally have a Medium stress lifestyle. Of course, lifestyle is very subjective and if you love what you do, it does not matter! And if you hate what you do, it can still be rough no matter what. In medicine, you should find the specialty that makes you enjoy your everyday interactions with patients, staff and colleagues.

What is the average salary for an otolaryngologist?

The average salary post-graduation from an otolaryngology residency is $455,000, provided one does not go on to sub-specialty training which can change the salary substantially. Academic versus private practice as well as location also play a large role in physician compensation.

What are fellowships one can do from an otolaryngology residency?

Following the successful completion of general otolaryngology residency, some physicians may choose to continue their graduate medical education with subspecialty training. Board-certified subspecialists complete additional training and qualifying examinations beyond those required for board certification in otolaryngology. Currently, the American Board of Otolaryngology certifies the following fellowships:

• • Otology-Neurotology
  • Pediatric Otolaryngology

What are the best otolaryngology residencies in the country?

The best residency for otolaryngology, or any specialty, is very driven by personal preference and situation. How close you are to family, loved ones, the type of training environment, the opportunities available are all things to take into consideration above and beyond name recognition of a program. However, there are some highly regarded names in the world of otolaryngology including:

• • Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)
  • University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City)

Much of the data above is available from the AAMC Charting the Outcomes report.

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