Rotation Schedule

PGY-1 residents spend 6 months on otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, split evenly between KMC and LAGMC.  Here they begin to learn both inpatient and outpatient management of a variety of head and neck pathologies.  The remainder of the year is spent rotating with anesthesiology, OMFS, neurosurgery, trauma, vascular surgery and plastic surgery.

The PGY2 year is spent entirely at the Los Angeles General Medical Center on the Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery service. During this year, the resident is part of a team consisting generally of a PGY5, PGY1 and medical student. One of the three-month blocks will include a PGY3 resident.

The PGY-3 year is split between LAGMC, KMC, and CHLA.  At LAGMC, residents are afforded more independence and operate 1-on-1 with attendings to perform basic rhinoplasties and tympanoplasties.  While at KMC, the PGY-3 residents focus primarily on the inpatient and outpatient management of rhinologic, laryngologic, and otologic problems.  The vast majority of pediatric training occurs at CHLA.

Most of the PGY-4 year is spent at KMC operating at a tertiary/quaternary care facility.  PGY-4 residents perform a high volume of advanced surgeries  and are in charge of the inpatient service, taking care of complex post-operative patients.  There is also dedicated research time during this year.

PGY 5 work in the capacity of Chief Residents and are expected to act as a supervising resident following the guidelines as laid by the Caruso Department of Otolaryngology -Head and Neck Surgery and the Los Angeles General Medical Center. They will and are expected to be the leader of one of the four teams. They spend the entire year at Los Angeles General Medical Center.