Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist – ENT)
Position Summary
The Otolaryngologist is a physician responsible for the evaluation, diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of disorders of the ear, nose, throat, head, and neck. The physician provides outpatient and inpatient care, performs office-based and operative procedures, and collaborates with primary care providers and other specialists to deliver comprehensive patient care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Evaluate patients presenting with ear, nasal, sinus, throat, airway, voice, and swallowing disorders
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Obtain histories, perform head and neck examinations, and develop differential diagnoses
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Order and interpret audiology studies, imaging, endoscopy findings, and pathology reports
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Provide medical management of ENT conditions including infections, allergies, and chronic inflammatory disorders
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Perform office-based diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
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Perform surgical interventions within scope of privileges
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Manage airway and urgent ENT conditions including epistaxis and foreign bodies
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Coordinate care with audiologists, speech therapists, oncologists, and primary care providers
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Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans and preventive care
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Document clinical encounters and procedures in the electronic medical record
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Participate in quality improvement and peer review activities
Procedural Scope (Typical)
Office-Based
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Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
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Cerumen removal and ear debridement
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Epistaxis control
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Foreign body removal
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Incision and drainage of abscesses
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Biopsies of head and neck lesions
Operative (based on privileges)
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Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
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Tympanostomy tube placement
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Septoplasty and turbinate reduction
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Endoscopic sinus surgery
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Excision of head and neck masses
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Salivary gland procedures
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Airway procedures (e.g., tracheostomy)
Conditions Commonly Managed
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Otitis media and externa
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Hearing loss and tinnitus
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Chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction
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Allergic rhinitis
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Tonsillitis and pharyngitis
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Hoarseness and voice disorders
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Dysphagia
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Sleep apnea
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Head and neck tumors
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Salivary gland disorders
Practice Settings
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Outpatient clinic
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Ambulatory surgery center or operating room
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Hospital inpatient consult service
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Call coverage depending on staffing model
Qualifications
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Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
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Completion of accredited residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
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Board Certified or Board Eligible in Otolaryngology
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Eligible for unrestricted state medical license
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DEA certification (if prescribing controlled medications)
Core Competencies
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Head and neck diagnostic expertise
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Surgical and procedural proficiency
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Airway management
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Patient counseling and communication
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Multidisciplinary care coordination
Work Environment
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Combination of clinic and operative care
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Scheduled procedures with on-call responsibilities
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Team-based care with nursing, audiology, and ancillary staff support
