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General Course Objectives:
By the end of the clerkship, students will demonstrate proficiency in diagnosing and describing treatment of common otolarynglogic problems occurring in adult and pediatric patients. Students will gain a general overview of the clinical scope of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, and will recognize when to refer patients to an Otolaryngologist for management of complicated otolaryngologic conditions.
Specific Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this clerkship students will be able to:
1) Take an appropriate, accurate and focused patient history, with attention to specific otolaryngologic and relevant systemic complaints
2) Gain proficiency in the differential diagnosis of and treatment of common head and neck problems seen by primary care providers, such as:
- Epistaxis - Sensorineural and conductive hearing loss
- Hoarseness - Tinnitus
- Nasal obstruction - Adult neck mass
- Otitis Media - Management of the thyroid mass
- Rhinosinusitis - Dysphagia
- Allergic rhinitis - Oral cavity lesions
- Obstructive sleep apnea - Vertigo
3) Recognize normal laryngeal, otologic and nasal anatomic landmarks
4) Become proficient with performance and presentation of the focused head and neck examination
5) Differentiate a normal appearing tympanic membrane and middle ear space from an abnormal one, indicative of a middle ear effusion or other pathologic process
6) Know the indications for myringotomy and tube placement, as well as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
7) Differentiate complete from incomplete acute facial nerve paralysis and understand the common causes as well as the medical and surgical treatment options for acute facial paralysis
8) Recognize the predisposing risk factors and common presenting symptoms of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
9) Understand the common causes of neck/thyroid masses in pediatric and adult patients, and recognize the importance of excluding the possibility of a malignant process
10) Gain proficiency in writing inpatient notes particularly focused on post-surgical patient cares and considerations
11) Appreciate and attend to the particular difficulties that patients with head and neck problems endure that affect the functions of daily living, such as speech, hearing, swallowing, balance, pain and sleep disturbances
12) Describe the diagnostic uses of and how to perform the following procedures:
- Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy (written instruction) Internal Nasal Anatomy for Intubation - Transnasal Laryngoscopy "The High
- ear microscopic exam