ENT Specialty Profile

Otolaryngology and head and neck surgery is also referred to as ENT or ear nose and throat surgery. These surgeons treat a spectrum of surgical and several medical disorders which occur in the head and neck (excluding the eyes and brain which are treated by ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons respectively). This surgical specialty is particularly technically challenging given the complex anatomy involved and a high reliance on endoscopes and microscopes during surgery. Surgical procedures may vary in complexity from basic tonsillectomy to laryngectomies and cochlear implants. ENT surgeons are trained treatment of paediatric problems. In addition medical conditions related to the nose and throat are also treated primarily by ENT surgeons resulting a specific, yet varied practice.

Read more...

 

ENT Training Program

Training Program

Selection for training is performed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for Australian placements and by the Australian and New Zealand Societies of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS & NZOHNS).... more

Application process

The application process is through the SET framework. Prior to commencing the training program the following mandatory requirements must be met: Complete 24 weeks in surgical rotations Complete 8 weeks in an emergency rotation Complete 8 weeks on a critical... more

Length of Training

The training program is five years duration and applicants may commence in SET 1 or SET 2 depending on prior levels of experience.... more

Cost of Training

See Surgery - Cost of Training... more

Availability/Competition for training positions

In 2007 three trainees were appointed to SET 1 in Australia.... more

Flexibility in Training

See Surgery - Flexibility in Training... more

ENT Workplace

The workplace

ENT surgeons treat both medical and surgical disorders related to the head and neck. The range of conditions which they deal with are diverse as ENT surgeons are trained in both surgical and medical treatment modalities. Common conditions which ENT... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Both paediatric and adult patients are treated. Patients are generally of low acuity with many going home the day of surgery or after an overnight stay. ENT surgeons often develop rewarding relationships with their patients and there is opportunity for... more

Intellectual content

This is an intellectually demanding specialty. Specialists have a detailed understanding of head and neck anatomy, clinically as well as radiologically and pathologically. The intellectual content is tailored to the specialty and the training program delivers focused teaching on topics... more

Medical indemnity

As with many medical specialties this is increasingly becoming a concern. Use our risk category tool to see what risk category is assigned to this specialty.... more

Lifestyle and Practice Options

ENT is often jokingly referred to as standing for Early Nights and Tennis by other surgeons. Compared to other surgical specialties this has the potential to be less demanding at a consultant level. A survey conducted in 2002 revealed that... more

News Archive

 

btn return to topReturn to top