University at Buffalo Program

Program Identity & Fit

University at Buffalo's Otolaryngology program is a small, five-year academic residency (two positions per year) built on a four-hospital consortium that gives residents distinct, high-volume exposure to trauma/general otolaryngology at the Level I trauma center (ECMC), pediatric otolaryngology at Golisano Children's Hospital, head and neck oncology at NCI-designated Roswell Park, and rhinology/facial plastics/otology/neurotology at Sisters of Charity. Research is structurally embedded rather than optional: a mandatory PGY-3 twelve-week research rotation requires IRB/IACUC approval, a completed manuscript, and a research day presentation as a graduation requirement, reflecting a program that treats scholarly output as a core competency alongside operative training. Chief residents (PGY-5) function as primary surgeons with faculty oversight and are explicitly prepared for either academic or private practice careers, indicating the program does not funnel graduates toward a single fellowship-heavy or community-practice track but builds broad competency across subspecialties (pediatric, oncologic, otologic/neurotologic, facial plastic). The program values candidates who show academic achievement (grades, honors, board scores), demonstrated research experience, and the interpersonal capacity to function within a tight-knit, multi-site team structure.