What Is an Otolaryngologist?

An otolaryngolgist is a surgeon who diagnoses and treats disorders of the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.

The medical disorders treated by these physicians are among the most common problems that afflict any person, from children to geriatric patients. They include chronic ear infections, sinus disorders, snoring and sleep apnea, hearing loss, allergies, throat disorders, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and cancer of the head and neck.

In the United States, otolaryngologists are physicians who complete at least five years of surgical residency training after the completion of medical school. This is composed of one year in general surgery training and four years in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). Following residency training, some otolaryngologists elect to complete advanced training in a subspecialty, called a fellowship. Fellowships often include an additional one to two years of training. Examples of fellowships can include head and neck surgery, rhinology/allergy, voice disorders, and cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the face, head, and neck.

All of the otolaryngologists at MetroHealth belong to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgeons (AAO-HNS).