Otolaryngologist

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

Evaluate patients presenting with ear, nasal, sinus, throat, airway, voice, and swallowing disorders

Obtain histories, perform head and neck examinations, and develop differential diagnoses

Order and interpret audiology studies, imaging, endoscopy findings, and pathology reports

Provide medical management of ENT conditions including infections, allergies, and chronic inflammatory disorders

Perform office-based diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

Perform surgical interventions within scope of privileges

Manage airway and urgent ENT conditions including epistaxis and foreign bodies

Coordinate care with audiologists, speech therapists, oncologists, and primary care providers

Educate patients and families regarding treatment plans and preventive care

Document clinical encounters and procedures in the electronic medical record

Participate in quality improvement and peer review activities

Procedural Scope (Typical)

Office-Based

Cerumen removal and ear debridement

Epistaxis control

Incision and drainage of abscesses

Biopsies of head and neck lesions

Operative (based on privileges)

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

Tympanostomy tube placement

Septoplasty and turbinate reduction

Endoscopic sinus surgery

Excision of head and neck masses

Salivary gland procedures

Conditions Commonly Managed

Otitis media and externa

Hearing loss and tinnitus

Chronic sinusitis and nasal obstruction

Allergic rhinitis

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis

Hoarseness and voice disorders

Dysphagia

Sleep apnea

Head and neck tumors

Salivary gland disorders

Practice Settings

Ambulatory surgery center or operating room

Hospital inpatient consult service

Call coverage depending on staffing model

Qualifications

Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Completion of accredited residency in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

Board Certified or Board Eligible in Otolaryngology

Eligible for unrestricted state medical license

DEA certification (if prescribing controlled medications)

Core Competencies

Head and neck diagnostic expertise

Surgical and procedural proficiency

Airway management

Patient counseling and communication

Multidisciplinary care coordination

Combination of clinic and operative care

Scheduled procedures with on-call responsibilities

Team-based care with nursing, audiology, and ancillary staff support