Fellowships & Clinical Instructorships

Education

  

    

To provide advanced training, Stanford Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery offers nine clinical instructorships and two ACGME-accredited fellowship programs. The principal goal of these programs is to prepare academically-inclined residency graduates for their first faculty appointments.

Clinical instructors not only undertake training in their sub-specialty of interest, but also serve as junior faculty members with a major role in resident education.

See general information relating to Fellowships in the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery Sub-Specialty Fellowship Search.

    

Endocrine Surgery

Clinical Instructorship

Lisa A. Orloff, MD, FACS, FACE
Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, Clinical Instructorship Director of the Endocrine Surgery, Director of the Endocrine Head and Neck Surgery Program (Stanford Cancer Center)

Duration: 1 year

 

Emphasis: The fellowship provides one year of advanced training predominantly in the management of thyroid and parathyroid pathology, from office-based to operative settings. Our referral basis allows for a wide breadth of clinical and operative experience, and education will focus on thoughtful care of the full range of disease, from primary to recurrent, complex, and invasive. Emphasis is placed on learning and incorporating comprehensive thyroid and neck ultrasound into clinical practice and surgical planning. The fellow will be exposed to and able to perform ultrasound guided procedures, including fine needle aspiration, radiofrequency and ethanol ablation (RFA and PEI); transoral thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy (TOETVA); and other minimally invasive therapies. Dedicated time to work with faculty in Endocrinology, Medical Oncology, Nuclear Medicine, and Pathology is provided. Part of the year will also be spent on the Head and Neck Oncology service with training in the full spectrum of ablative surgery and Transoral Robotic Surgery.

The fellow will participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards in thyroid/parathyroid and head and neck oncology, as well as clinical trial activities in endocrine oncology. He or she will serve as a clinical instructor able to conduct independent clinics and cases commensurate with experience.

Application and deadlines: via AHNS website

Tausha Richardson
Administrative Associate

taushar1@stanford.edu

Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Clinical Instructorship

Sam P. Most, MD, FACS
Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fellowship Director of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Duration: 1 year

 

Emphasis: Balance of facial cosmetic and reconstructive procedures

Application: via San Francisco Matching Program

OPERATIVE EXPERIENCE:
Our goal is to provide a broad experience to the fellow in preparation for an academic career.  The Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine have two full time Facial Plastic Surgeons (Drs. Most and Pepper) who actively participate in fellow training.  Dr. Pepper’s practice focus is on treatment of facial paralysis.  The fellow may spend time with other faculty surgeons for additional clinical exposure to microtia, oculoplastic surgery, oral surgery, or microvascular surgery.  Dr. Mai Thy Truong performs microtia and other congenital repairs and is a member of the fellowship faculty. Dr. Andrea Kossler is an oculplastic surgeon who can mentor the fellow in periorbital work.

The clinical experience will include exposure to aesthetic surgery of the face, including emphasis on rhinoplasty and surgery of the aging face.  In addition, the fellow will be exposed to reconstructive case, including maxillofacial trauma, repair of cutaneous defects, facial paralysis, and reconstruction of the nasal airway (functional rhinoplasty).  Through the fellow clinic, the fellow has the opportunity to generate a significant number of his/her surgical cases, as well as perform office procedures (injectables, lasers/IPL, for example).

RESEARCH:
The fellow is expected to generate at least one scholarly project in either basic or clinical sciences in preparation for an academic career.  The Department of Otolaryngology and the Stanford University of School of Medicine provide access to numerous resources for clinical and basic science research.  Multiple prior fellows have won awards for their research projects in the Division, and have moved on to successful academic careers.

TEACHING RESPONSIBILITIES:
The fellow is an instructor and clinical faculty in the Department of Otolaryngology at Stanford University School of Medicine and is expected to participate in regular teaching conferences as well as supervising residents.

CASE LOAD:
Good mix of cosmetic and reconstructive cases; emphasis on Rhinoplasty (both cosmetic and functional) and aging face surgery; good exposure to non-invasive techniques.  Emphasis also on facial rehabilitation for facial paralysis. 

Marlena Sandoval
Administrative/Academic Associate

Marlenas@stanford.edu

 

Head & Neck Surgery

Clinical Instructorship

Vasu Divi, MD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, Chair (2021-present) of Quality, Patient Safety, and Effectiveness Committee, Stanford Health Care, Medical Director of Quality (2021-present) (Stanford Cancer Center), Director of the Head & Neck Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery Program, Fellowship Director of Head & Neck Surgery

Duration: 1 year

 

Emphasis: The clinical instructorship offers the full spectrum of training in head and neck surgery, both ablative and reconstructive. Ablative procedures include major head and neck resections, transoral robotic surgery, open anterior skull base surgery, advanced endocrine surgery, and cutaneous oncology. Reconstructive surgery includes local and regional reconstructive techniques, and, based on trainee interest, can also include microvascular reconstruction.

Separate tumor boards in head and neck, thyroid/parathyroid, skull base, and melanoma expose trainees to a number of focused multidisciplinary learning environments and mentored experiences in head and neck surgical oncology.

Clinical instructors have the opportunity to train with Drs. Baik, Divi, Chen, Finegersh, Holsinger, Orloff, Sirjani, and Sunwoo, each of whom has unique clinical interests and experience.

Application: via American Head and Neck Society

Tausha Richardson
Administrative Associate

taushar1@stanford.edu

Laryngology/Bronchoesophagology

Clinical Instructorship

Edward J. Damrose, MD, FACS
Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and, by courtesy, of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Chief of Laryngology Stanford Hospital, Chief of Staff (2017–2020), Immediate Past Chief of Staff, Clinical Instructorship, Director of Laryngology/Bronchoesophagology

Duration: 1 year

 

Emphasis: Advanced training in the care and treatment of voice and swallowing disorders; airway reconstruction; conservation surgery for laryngeal cancer; diagnosis and management of dysphagia; Transnasal Esophagoscopy (TNE); Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES); microlaryngeal surgery for benign and malignant neoplasia; rehabilitation of the paralyzed vocal fold, including reinnervation and laryngeal framework surgery; medical and surgical treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.

The instructor will play an active role in ongoing research, including clinical outcomes following phonosurgery, laryngeal framework surgery, and surgery for dysphagia; elucidating the pathophysiology of subglottic stenosis and the possible role of estrogen receptors; understanding innate laryngeal biological defense mechanisms at the cellular level; and the role of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of vocal tremor.  Educational opportunities include a monthly laryngology conference with the resident staff and opportunities to present research at local, regional, and national meetings.  The fellow serves as a member of the faculty in the role of clinical instructor, with commensurate admission and operating privileges.

Clinical instructors have the opportunity to train with Drs. Edward Damrose, Elizabeth DiRenzo, Ann Kearney, Brian Nuyen, and C. Kwang Sung, each of whom has unique clinical interests and experience.

Application:
Email Maureen Baran

Maureen Baran
Administrative Associate

(650) 723-5828
mbaran@stanford.edu

 

Neurotology & Skull Base Surgery

ACGME Fellowship / Clinical Instructorship

Nikolas Blevins, MD
Larry and Sharon Malcolmson Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, Chief of Otology & Neurotology

Duration: 2 or 3 years

 

Emphasis
The Stanford Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship is a two-year program providing ACGME-accredited advanced subspecialty education in the diagnosis and management of complex otologic and neurotologic disorders.  Our mission is to train future leaders in the field of otology, neurotology, and posterolateral skull base surgery, who will provide expert and compassionate care while advancing the specialty.  The Stanford Neurotology Fellowship has a long and proud history of training some of the world’s preeminent leaders in the field.

We have the capacity to support 2 fellows at any given time.  There are two distinct training pathways:  a standard 2-year position, and a 3-year “clinician-scientist” track.  Both offer a mentored experience in comprehensive clinical care and microsurgery, while also balancing the opportunity for individualized academic growth and research.  The 3-year track has additional protected time for significant research, with 50% of fellowship time being devoted to projects undertaken in conjunction with the department research faculty and greater Stanford community.  Candidates for this track are expected to demonstrate a commitment to academic otology-neurotology with the intention to prepare for a career as a clinician-scientist.

Faculty
The primary mentors for the fellowship include the faculty of the Division of Otology & Neurotology.  Our fellows have the opportunity to work closely in clinical care and academic projects with world-class faculty from Audiology and other Otolaryngology divisions, as well as Neurosurgery, Neuroradiology, Radiation Oncology, Neurology, and others comprising Stanford Medicine. This collaborative environment provides a rich and diverse experience enabling valuable complementary insights.

Teaching
The Fellows are active contributors to the didactic and practical education of our residents, students, visiting scholars, and those seeking continuing medical education.  They are central in supervision of otologic resident teams, leading resident education sessions, and leading microsurgical laboratory courses.   We seek individuals to share our enthusiasm and dedication to the academic mission of Stanford University.

Availability
We will be offering an ACGME-approved fellowship position through the 2023 Match, to begin in July, 2024.

Application
Application to the Stanford Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery Fellowship is though the Centralized Application Service of SFMatch.  Please see their site for specific requirements, procedures, and dates.  Candidates must be eligible for a California Medical License.

Contact
Stanford University Neurotology Fellowship Program
c/o Carolyn Taylor
801 Welch Rd., MC 5739
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1611

Carolyn Taylor
Administrative Associate

(650) 862-2197
cet02@stanford.edu

Pediatric Otolaryngology

Clinical Instructorship

Mai Thy Truong, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, and, by courtesy, of Pediatrics Clinic, Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Fellowship Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology

Duration: 1 year

ACGME Accredited Fellowship Program

Emphasis: Established in 2005, this is a one-year ACGME accredited clinical fellowship at Stanford Children’s Hospital.  The fellowship aims to provide broad training for advanced care in complex pediatric otolaryngology.  Fellows work with a team of residents, medical students, advanced practice providers and faculty who participate and often lead in multi-disciplinary clinics and teams including:

  • Aerodigestive
  • Voice and swallow/Vocal Fold Dysfunction
  • Velopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Vascular anomalies
  • Microtia and atresia
  • Thyroid/parathyroid (endocrine)
  • Cleft and craniofacial
  • Complex sleep
  • Children’s Hearing Center/ Cochlear implant
     

Learn more about our faculty and subspecialty clinics by visiting the Stanford Children’s Pediatric Otolaryngology website

Our goal is to train our fellows to become successful academic pediatric otolaryngologists who value and excel in patient care, education and innovative research. Fellows should also understand the importance of quality, safety, wellness and leadership. We deeply value diversity and inclusion.  The fellowship provides dedicated research time with an individualized research mentoring program. 

Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in clinical research with time and support from our nine faculty and full-time research coordinators. Our goal is to foster and mentor each fellow with career guidance that continues beyond the year with our group.  Please refer here to review a listing of our alumni.

Deadline: Feb. 1

Application: via San Francisco Match Program


Duration: 1-2 years

International Clinical Instructorship Program

Emphasis: Established in 2021, this is a one-year or two-year clinical instructorship at Stanford Children’s Hospital. The instructorship aims to provide advanced training in complex pediatric otolaryngology to exceptional physicians from international programs.  Eligible applicants must have completed their Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery training from approved hospitals and institutions who wish to dedicate their practice to caring for children. Applicants must be able to demonstrate previous extraordinary achievement in the field of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery to apply. Instructors will train with our Pediatric Otolaryngology faculty and work with a team that consists of an ACGME fellow, residents, Advanced practice providers, and medical students.  Instructors will participate in multi-disciplinary clinics and teams including:

  • Aerodigestive
  • Voice and swallow/Vocal Fold Dysfunction
  • Velopharyngeal dysfunction
  • Vascular anomalies
  • Microtia and atresia
  • Thyroid/parathyroid (endocrine)
  • Cleft and craniofacial
  • Complex sleep
  • Children’s Hearing Center/ Cochlear implant
     

Learn more about our faculty and subspecialty clinics by visiting the Stanford Children’s Pediatric Otolaryngology website.

Our goal is to train our Clinical Instructors to become successful academic pediatric otolaryngologists who value and excel in patient care, education and innovative research. Instructors should also understand the importance of quality, safety, wellness and leadership. We deeply value diversity and inclusion.  We hope to foster future international collaborations that will advance the field of pediatric otolaryngology throughout the world.  The Instructorship also provides dedicated research time with an individualized research mentoring program. Instructors will have the opportunity to participate in clinical research with time and support from our nine faculty and full-time research coordinators. Our goal is to foster and mentor each instructor with career guidance that continues beyond the year with our group. Please click here to review a list of our alumni of the International Clinical Instructorship program.

Deadline: Feb. 1

Application: via San Francisco Match Program

Jose Alejo
Administrative Associate
Education Coordinator, Pediatrics Otolaryngology fellowship

jalejo@stanford.edu

Neurorhinology and Advanced Sinus Surgery

Clinical Instructorship

Zara Patel, MD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery, Director of Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery, Co-Director of Clinical Instructorship in Rhinology & Advanced Sinus Surgery
Jayakar V. Nayak, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery, and, by courtesy, of Neurosurgery, Co-Director of Clinical Instructorship in Rhinology & Advanced Sinus Surgery

Duration: 1 year & 2 years

1-year Track: The rhinology fellowship at Stanford University is a one-year program designed to prepare individuals for successful academic careers in rhinology. The Stanford Sinus Center offers a high-volume tertiary clinical experience covering all aspects of advanced medical and surgical rhinology. Fellows receive comprehensive surgical training in advanced techniques, including revision sinus surgery; frontal sinus surgery; and endoscopic skull base, orbit, and tumor surgery. Equally emphasized is personal academic mentorship to develop and refine skills in teaching, research, writing, and presentation. 


Fellows receive a faculty appointment at the instructor level and are actively engaged in all aspects of the department’s teaching program, including medical student conferences, resident didactics, grand rounds, and teaching in the clinic and operating room. Fellows carry an independent clinic and surgical caseload in addition to other clinical duties. Opportunities for clinical and translational basic science research are plentiful. Protected academic time is provided.

2-year Track:  The two-year Rhinology fellowship at Stanford University is an intensive training experience designed to prepare individuals for successful academic careers in rhinology. The fellowship offers a 50% clinical, 50% research experience, with dedicated research time integrated into the weekly schedule throughout the fellowship. The Stanford Sinus Center offers a high-volume tertiary clinical experience covering all aspects of advanced medical and surgical rhinology. Equally emphasized by the fellowship directors is personal academic mentorship to develop and refine skills in teaching, research, manuscript preparation, grant writing, and oral presentation.

The two-year fellowship is available every other year with starting dates of July 2021, 2023, etc. Fellows receive comprehensive surgical training in the full spectrum of advanced techniques, including revision sinus surgery, frontal sinus surgery, office-based surgical procedures, and endoscopic skull base and orbital surgery for benign and malignant disease. Over the course of two years, fellows receive the equivalent clinical training as that of the one-year fellows. Fellows typically finish with >350 cases over the course of their fellowship.

Fellows receive a faculty appointment at the instructor level and are actively engaged in all aspects of the Department’s comprehensive educational program, including medical student conferences, resident didactics, grand rounds, and teaching in the clinic and operating room. Fellows carry an independent clinic and surgical caseload, including tertiary sinus and skull base cases, in addition to other clinical duties. The schedules for the one-year and two-year tracks are complementary with no overlap between clinical duties of the two fellows to ensure individually enriching experiences.

Candidates for the two-year track are keenly interested in pursuing a path in academic rhinology and successfully balancing a research career along with a surgical practice. They typically pursue challenging basic science laboratory projects or clinical projects, both of which have translational applications. Half of each week is protected to advance research pursuits, with the remainder of the week devoted to clinical practice. At the completion of the fellowship, it is anticipated that the two-year fellow will have 1) learned how to design and complete a core body of research; 2) published several manuscripts; 3) presented their work at national and international forums; 4) positioned themselves to be competitive for grant funding as an academic rhinologist.

Application: via San Francisco Matching Program

Questions: Email Celina Ritter

For more details, please refer to the American Rhinologic Society website

 

Celina Ritter
Administrative Associate

(650) 723-5651
critter@stanford.edu

Sleep Surgery

Clinical Instructorship and/or Non-ACGME Fellowship

Pedro Martins Gomes de Oliveira, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery and, by courtesy, of Psychiatry and Behaviorial Sciences

Duration: 1 or 2 years

Emphasis: The sleep surgery fellowship at Stanford University is a one or two-year program designed to prepare individuals for successful academic careers in Sleep Medicine and Surgery. The Stanford Sleep Surgery Center in combination with the Stanford Sleep Disorders Center offers a unique tertiary clinical experience covering all aspects of medical and surgical sleep medicine. The fellow will receive comprehensive clinical multidisciplinary exposure to sleep disorders, and will receive intensive training in diagnostic and surgical advanced techniques. It is emphasized that the fellow will receive personal academic mentorship and is expected to develop and refine skills in teaching, research, writing, and presentation.

Application:  Please email the following required documentation to Ryan McSwain:

  • CV
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • USMLE, if available
  • Case Log
  • Cover letter
  • Professional headshot

 

Ryan McSwain
Administrative Associate

mcswain@stanford.edu