USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery

Clinical Education

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Clinical Education

The USC Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery provides residents with comprehensive education and hands-on experience in diagnosing and managing diseases and disorders of the ears, upper respiratory, and alimentary systems, as well as other head and neck structures. Through a progressive curriculum that aligns with each level of training, residents develop the clinical and surgical skills necessary to care for complex patients. With a focus on early surgical exposure, structured mentorship, and broad clinical settings, the program ensures that residents gain confidence and proficiency from their first year through their chief residency.

Dr. Alex Markarian and residents performing surgical procedures.

Clinical Education Overview

PGY1 Year

  • Six-month otolaryngology rotation split between Los Angeles General Medical Center and Keck Hospital.
  • Interns manage inpatient care, assist in surgery, and provide care in ambulatory clinics.
  • Rotations outside of otolaryngology are selected for their relevance to the specialty.

Los Angeles General Medical Center (Primary Training Site)

  • The sponsoring institution, with residents spending PGY2, PGY5, and part of PGY3 here.
  • Four resident teams, each led by a chief resident.
  • PGY2 residents serve as consult residents and run the tracheostomy service.
  • PGY3 residents gain autonomy in surgeries like tympanoplasty and septorhinoplasty.
  • Faculty supervision ensures high-quality surgical training, including advanced procedures such as anterior and lateral skull base surgery and microvascular reconstructive surgery.

Keck Medical Center of USC (Tertiary/Quaternary Training)

  • High-volume surgical center where residents gain expertise in complex cases.
  • PGY4 residents lead the head and neck surgery service.
  • Exposure to specialties including rhinology, otology, laryngology, and facial plastic surgery.
  • Training in microvascular reconstruction, TORS, skull base surgery, and sleep surgery.

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Rotation

  • PGY3 residents complete a three-month rotation shared with UCLA residents.
  • Exposure to high-acuity pediatric cases, including cochlear implants, airway reconstruction, and microtia repair.
  • Training in both routine and complex pediatric otolaryngologic procedures.

Through structured clinical exposure across multiple sites, the USC Caruso Otolaryngology residency program fosters progressive independence, allowing residents to develop the skills needed for surgical excellence, patient care, and leadership in the field.