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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.
Updated 11-06-2023 for 2024: 
Otolaryngology Learning Objectives 2024.pdf
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Objective |
Assessment |
Teaching/Learning Activity |
Corresponding Collegiate Objective(s) |
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Interpersonal and Communication Skills |
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Develop proficiency in writing inpatient notes particularly focused on post‐surgical patient cares and considerations |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical Care |
ICS03 |
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Medical Knowledge |
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Compare and contrast the diagnosis and treatment of common otolaryngology problems in pediatric and adult patients |
Clerkship exam |
RCE, Independent learning |
MK03 |
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Expand knowledge base for the differential diagnosis and evaluation of common head and neck symptoms/complaints seen in primary care |
Clerkship exam |
Independent learning |
MK03 |
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Recall the indications for common ENT procedures: Myringotomy and tube placement; Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy |
Clerkship exam |
Independent learning |
MK03, PC03 |
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Compare and contrast complete and incomplete acute facial nerve paralysis and summarize common causes and medical/surgical treatment options |
Clerkship exam |
Independent learning |
MK03, PC03 |
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Recognize risk factors and common presenting symptoms of head and neck cancer |
Clerkship exam |
Large group session, independent learning |
MK03 |
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Explain the common causes of neck/thyroid masses in pediatric and adult patients, and recognize the importance of excluding the presence of a malignant process |
Clerkship exam |
RCE, large group session, independent learning |
MK03, PC03 |
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Practice‐Based Learning and Improvement |
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Expand knowledge base for the differential diagnosis and evaluation of common head and neck symptoms/complaints seen in primary care |
Clerkship exam |
Independent learning |
PBL02, MK03 |
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Patient Care |
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Recognize complicated ear, nose, and throat disorders that require referral to an otolaryngologist for management |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical care |
PC03 |
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Obtain an accurate and focused patient history, with attention to specific ENT and related systemic complaints |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical care, history taking & communication skills assignment |
PC01 |
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Become proficient with performance of and presentation of the focused head and neck examination |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical care, Physical examination assignment |
PC01, ICS02 |
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Recognize normal laryngeal, otologic and nasal anatomic landmarks. Differentiate normal vs abnormal tympanic membranes |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical Care, independent learning |
MK03, MK02, PC02 |
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Recognize and address quality of life issues that affect patients with head and neck disorder: Speech, hearing, swallowing, balance, pain, sleep disturbances |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical Care, independent learning, large group session |
PC03, MK03 |
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Outline the diagnostic uses and how to perform the following common procedures: Flexible laryngoscopy, audiogram evaluation, ear microscopy examination |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical care, RCE |
PC03, MK03 |
Reviewed by the Strand Directors 12/10/19 Approved by the MEC 10/20/21
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Professionalism |
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Demonstrate respect when communicating with patients and families regardless of characteristics, cultural background, and beliefs. |
Clinical evaluation form (CEF), direct observation |
Clinical Care |
PR01 |
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Systems‐based Practice |
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Acquire a general overview of the clinical scope of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck surgery |
Clerkship exam |
Clinical care, independent learning |
SBP02 |
Past (see update above) 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