The Head and Neck Service is actively involved in the management of tumors of the head and neck. Approximately 1,400 major surgical procedures are performed every year. This elective surgical rotation for fourth year medical students, especially for those who have specific interest in head and neck surgery, will be extremely helpful to develop their careers in this discipline. They will be able to scrub in on a large number of cases that involve thyroid and parathyroid tumors and tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract, including oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, salivary glands, and neck dissections. They will be able to acquaint themselves with complete head and neck examination, fiberoptic examination, tracheostomies, and management of complex head and neck problems.
Basic emphasis will be given to the anatomy of the head and neck region and the technique of neck dissections. It will be an excellent beginning for students interested in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery, and plastic surgery. The Service has many educational activities including Grand Rounds, Journal Club, research meetings, and floor rounds. There will be ample opportunity for the student to have one-on-one discussion with the attending surgeons.
