We welcome four residents each year to our ACGME-accredited five-year residency program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Residents are mentored by our outstanding otolaryngology-head and neck surgery faculty members who have advanced training and diverse expertise in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstruction, laryngology, pediatric otolaryngology, otology and neurotology, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, and rhinology and anterior skull base surgery.
Residents complete most of their training at University Hospital and Clinics, a Level 1 trauma center with 505 beds, ranked as Wisconsin’s top hospital on US News & World Report’s 2024 Best Hospitals list for the 13th year in a row. Many specialties, including otolaryngology–head and neck surgery, were also ranked among the best in the nation. In addition, otolaryngology residents spend significant time at the American Family Children’s Hospital, a nationally ranked hospital and trauma center, and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, both located next to University Hospital. Additional training sites include Unity-Point Meriter Hospital, Transformations Plastic Surgery Center, and the American Center, all within a ten-mile radius.
OTO-HNS RESIDENCY
What to Expect as a Resident
Cooperative faculty-resident relationships based on openness and trust- Accelerated clinical responsibility with early operative experience
- 24-hour access to our renowned Clinical Simulation Center
- Congenial community
- Integrated research experience with clinicians and scientists
- Inclusive environment that specifically calls on and integrates each resident’s strengths
- Robust and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion of all trainees, faculty, staff, and patient populations
- Opportunity for global surgery rotations
Conferences and Courses
The department offers a comprehensive, didactic lecture curriculum, with weekly conferences held Monday and Wednesday. We also provide a robust offering of annual training courses.
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Weekly Conferences
- Otolaryngology Grand Rounds series
- Quality Assurance/Complications conference
- Visiting professor lectures
- Resident-led lectures
- Multidisciplinary and faculty subspecialty lectures
- Resident research seminars
- Radiology and pathology specific seminars
- Head and Neck Tumor Board
- Journal Club and Home Study Review
Annual Training Courses
The University of Wisconsin is proud to provide a robust offering of annual courses for our trainees:
- Airway Bronchoscopy course
- Allergy course
- Clinical and Technical Skills (CATS) series (PGY1/2)
- Laryngeal Dissection course
- Local Flaps Soft Tissue course
- Maxillofacial Trauma series
- Microsurgery course
- Sinus and Skull Base course
- Temporal Bone course (PGY3)
- Phonosurgery Symposium (biennial)
Residency Benefits
Residents receive nationally competitive stipend rates and benefits packages, as well as three weeks of paid vacation per year and a professional development fund. Additional information can be found on the UW Graduate Medical Education (GME) web page.
Living in Madison
Natural Beauty
Madison, Wisconsin is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in America. Situated on an isthmus between two large lakes, Madison boasts stunning natural beauty. The city is bike-friendly, with numerous parks, lakes, beaches, and a famous weekly farmer’s market.
Vibrant Community
Madison is known for its social engagement and community involvement, making it easy to connect with others and feel part of a welcoming environment. Residents can enjoy activities like sand volleyball, golfing, skiing, paddle boarding, Badgers games, and happy hour at Memorial Union Terrace.
Quality of Life
Madison ranks highly for families, health, schools, food, sports, and environmental quality. As the state capital and home to the University of Wisconsin’s main campus, it offers big city arts, entertainment, and culture, with convenient access to Milwaukee and Chicago airports.
FAQs
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How many residents match each year?
We match four residents per year.
Where do hospital rotations occur?
How is the call system organized?
- Junior night float system: Primary week-night call for UW Hospital, AFCH, and VA Hospital covered by PGY1s (one month at the end of the first year) and PGY2s (approximately three one-month rotations). This system was resident-initiated due to clinical volume and an increase in the number of residents. It has been very well-received.
- The weekend junior call pool is covered by the PGY2s and PGY3s
- Backup call for UW/AFCH/VA and primary call for Unity-Point Meriter Hospital is covered by the PGY4s and PGY5s
- Facial trauma call is shared with plastic surgery residents
How many fellows match each year?
Each year we match one fellow in head and neck oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery and one fellow in laryngology. Due to the volume of clinical cases at UW Hospital, we feel that fellows strengthen the residency experience.
How are residents involved in research?
Four months of dedicated research time occur during the PGY2 and PGY3 years, but our residents participate in research throughout the residency program. Each resident develops projects according to their interest and may join the work of a funded faculty member within the departments of Otolaryngology, Communication Sciences, or other departments across the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Support is provided for residents to present their work at local, regional and national meetings.
See our Resident Research Opportunities page for more information.
What kind of research support is available?
All residents have access to:
- Biostatistics consultants
- Health science librarians to assist with literature searches, citation management systems, etc.
- Medical illustration and the publications office
- Medical writers
- Grant specialist support
- A wide range of laboratories across campus
- Outcomes research mentoring
Where do residents live?
Madison and its surrounding suburbs offer a wide variety of places to live, all within a 20-minute commute of our training hospitals. Many of our residents rent apartments or buy condos or homes within the downtown area or in the Dudgeon-Monroe, Hilldale, or Shorewood Hills neighborhoods close to University Hospital. Others choose to live in the surrounding suburbs (such as Verona, Fitchburg and Middleton).
Contact Us
Dana Gilbertson
GME Program Manager
(608) 262-6376
ddgilbertson@wisc.edu
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Sandra Lin
Credentials: MD, FARS, FAAOA
Position title: Department Chair, Charles N. Ford Professor of Otolaryngology
Tiffany A. Glazer
Credentials: MD
Position title: Vice Chair for Education; Associate Professor; Residency Program Director
David O. Francis
Credentials: MD, MS
Position title: Vice Chair for Academic Affairs; Associate Professor; Associate Residency Program Director
Ian J. Koszewski
Credentials: MD, FACS, FARS
Position title: Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs; Assistant Professor; Associate Residency Program Director