This elective provides an intense learning experience for students interested in a career in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, and for others with specific interest in head and neck cancer, facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, allergy involving the nose and sinuses, and the auditory system. Students observe and work with faculty and residents in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Boston Medical Center. Approximately half of the time is devoted to learning how to evaluate and treat ambulatory outpatients with otolaryngologic disorders. The other half of the time is spent observing and assisting in the operating room and evaluating hospitalized patients. Students are expected to attend weekly teaching conferences including Friday morning case conference, Pathology conference, Radiology conference, Audiology conference, Tumor Board conference, and structured Wednesday afternoon didactic lectures. Student Responsibilities – Fourth year medical students are required to do the following: 1. Be present and on time for clinics, rounds, surgeries, conferences 2. Acquire specified knowledge and skills (as delineated in “Otolaryngology Student Knowledge/ Skills Checklist”) 3. Assist residents in providing patient care 4. Prepare and present an eight minute Powerpoint presentation on a chosen topic. Participation, Expectations of Performance, and Grading The Department of Otolaryngology uses elements adapted from the ACGME Residency Review Committee Guidelines for General Competencies in Medical Education as a basis for student evaluations. Because the clinical rotation can be considered an opportunity to begin learning skills that a medical school graduate will be expected to acquire, we shall judge student performance in the categories of the six ACGME1 competencies listed below: 1. Patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health programs and the promotion of health 2. Medical Knowledge about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and cognate sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care 3. Practice-based learning and improvement that involves the investigation and evaluation of care for their patients, the appraisal and assimilation of scientific evidence, and improvements in patient care 4. Interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and other health professionals; 5. Professionalism, as manifested through a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities, adherence to ethical principles, and sensitivity to patients of diverse backgrounds; 6. Systems-based practice, as manifested by actions that demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger contMAS and system of health care, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.

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