Medical Student Resources

You’re in medical school, but what’s next?


The AAO-HNS offers resources to help guide medical students who are interested in exploring a career in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.


Read the articles below to learn more about the match process, life as a resident, the path to becoming a fellow-in-training, and firsthand knowledge about practicing otolaryngology. The Academy also offers surgical videos and learning modules to provide an in-depth look at real procedures from expert surgeons.

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Preparing for your Residency Interviews

Join us for “Preparing for your Residency Interviews,” a valuable webinar where medical students will gain insights from a panel of program directors and physicians on excelling in residency interviews. Discover expert tips and strategies to make a lasting impression during this pivotal stage of your medical career. Don’t miss this opportunity to fine-tune your approach and set yourself up for success in securing your ideal residency placement.

Medical students often use online platforms to anonymously post questions and communicate fears, experiences, and successes with their peers. Questions were gathered anonymously in advance, and discussed and answered by the panelists (a resident, fellow, program director, department chair, and attending), without concern that a question will be attributed to any specific individual.

Learn about the specialty from both academic and private practitioners. Discussion topics will include applying to residency, subspecialties and interaction with other specialties, research programs, women and individuals underrepresented in the specialty, work life balance, and more.

This webinar covered an overview of the program and specific details of how preference signaling worked during the 2020 application season, including a discussion of the background, rationale, logistics, and benefits to both applicants and residency programs. For any medical student planning on applying for ENT residency, this session is a must to better understand the impact of preference signaling.

Learn from junior and senior residents and fellows-in-training about what to expect when you join the otolaryngology specialty. Discussion topics include: what to do (and not do) after you match, what to expect during your first year of residency, opportunities and resources available from AAO-HNS, how to connect with new colleagues, and more!

Designed for incoming residents, and students interested in otolaryngology, first and second year residents discuss their first-year experiences, address concerns and questions, and offer recommendations on how to prepare for the first year of residency.

Members of the AAO-HNS Diversity and Inclusion Committee share their own challenges and personal journeys to otolaryngology including tools and resources for students underrepresented in medicine, successful navigation of the system to match into Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and early Residency experiences.

Medical Student Travel Grant applications to attend the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Indianapolis, IN will open in Spring 2025.

Questions about Medical Student Travel Grants? Contact [email protected]

Diversity Endowment URM Away Rotation Grant – 2024 School Year Applicants

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Diversity and Inclusion Committee would like to introduce medical students from underrepresented minorities (URM) to the field of otolaryngology.

Recipients are required to participate in weekly meetings with a selected mentor, submit a letter from the program representative verifying proof of participation in an away rotation, and submit a 350-word article to the Academy at the conclusion of the rotation. The application process for 2026 graduates will open in Spring 2025.

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