Curriculum
Didactic Outline:
Core Didactic Curriculum: Every Wednesday morning, our program features two faculty- and resident-led lectures from 7:00 to 8:30 AM. The didactic schedule follows the American Academy of Otolaryngology Core Curriculum, covering 100 topics over a two-year cycle. Additionally, residents present on topics such as Head and Neck, Otology/Voice, Radiology, and participate in a monthly Journal Club, all with faculty support.
Resident Self-Study/Administrative Time: Each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, residents have dedicated time for reading and study. This period emphasizes both individual and group engagement with the weekly topic and assigned AAO Core Curriculum materials.
Tumor Board: Held every Wednesday at noon in the Cancer Center, the Tumor Board provides a valuable learning opportunity focused on cancer care and current patient cases, specifically for residents on the Head and Neck Service.
Otology Lunch and Learn: This multidisciplinary conference occurs quarterly, on the second Tuesday of the month at noon. Hosted by Dr. Johnathan Castaño (Pediatric Otolaryngology) and Dr. Brian Kellermeyer (Otology), the session brings together surgeons and audiologists from our cochlear implant team, as well as audiologists statewide via teleconference. The conference is dedicated to discussing current and upcoming cochlear implant patients, reviewing advances in cochlear implantation, and exploring topics in both pediatric and adult otology.
Hands-on / Simulation Events:
Temporal Bone Dissection Course: Each year, junior residents (PGY-2 and PGY-3) participate in a hands-on cadaveric dissection course at WVU’s temporal bone lab, located near our department office. The course runs from January through May and is directed by Dr. Kellermeyer with support by other WVU faculty. It consists of eight sessions held on Wednesday evenings from 5 PM to 8 PM, covering a variety of otologic and neurotology approaches. This experience helps prepare residents for operative otologic surgery.
Annual Resident Sinus and Skull Base Course: Each May, our department hosts the Annual Sinus and Skull Base Course, led by Dr. Makary with support from other rhinology and skull base faculty at WVU. The all-day course is held on a Friday and involves didactic plus cadaveric dissection in our neurosurgical lab covering endoscopic sinus and anterior skull base approaches.
Pediatric Airway Foreign Body and Laryngotracheal Reconstruction Courses: Our department hosts annual airway courses that provide both didactic and hands-on training in pediatric foreign body removal and laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) techniques. These courses are directed by Dr. Jaffal and other pediatric faculty.
Facial Plastics Injectables Clinic: Led by Dr. Freiser, we offer educational Botox clinics where residents and faculty can participate and learn about injectable procedures.
Outside Resources: Residents regularly attend additional external opportunities tailored to their career interests, including courses in facial trauma, rhinology/skull base, otology/neurotology, laryngology, and facial plastics. Some residents have also participated in overseas global health mission trips, such as those organized by the Global Smile Foundation.