Day in the Life Series: Otolaryngologist

What is an otolaryngologist? Otolaryngologists are also known as ENT doctors (ear, nose, throat). This medical specialty deals primarily with diagnosing, treating illnesses and disease of those areas, including cancer in the head and neck regions. An example of a patient visit with an otolaryngology physician would be to seek management and care for chronic sinus problems, the most popular reason one seeks an ENT doctor. Otolaryngologists also treat patients with allergies by conducting broad tests and administering the necessary shots to prevent attacks. In their work, these practitioners tend to work closely with speech-language pathologists, audiologists, nurses and scientists. The medical school path of becoming an otolaryngologist will require a commitment to four years of undergraduate work, followed by four years of medical school, plus an additional 5 years of special training and residency. Practicing specialists in the U.S. are also certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Check out this day in the life series with Dr. Jeff Nelson for an inside look at otolaryngology.