What is ENT?

The name of our specialty comes from Oto : ear, Rhino : nose, Larynx : throat. An

ENT surgeon

is a doctor who specializes in treatment of abnormalities of Ear, Nose, Throat and Head /Neck region.

What do we do?

We treat diseases of the Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck. This includes infections, tumours as well as providing rehabilitation for hearing loss, balance, speech and swallowing disorders. This field is challenging because head and neck is a very complex area of the body containing important vessels, nerves and glands controlling the rest of the body. A head and neck surgeon can provide treatment for disorders of mouth, throat, thyroid, salivary glands, windpipe, food pipe as well.

Ear examination using WelchAllyn Otoscope.

What kind of training is required to become an expert in the field?

In India after completing medical school, 3-year post-graduate training program is offered in this specialty. However, in United States the post-graduate training program consists of 5 years that includes research, one year of General surgery to understand the surgical principles followed by four years of ear, nose, throat training. This extensive training includes Head and Neck Onco surgery, Facial Plastics and Reconstructive surgery, Facial Trauma and Skull base surgery as well.

After completing the residency in United States the doctor has to appear for a competitive test offered by American Board of Otolaryngology/Head and neck surgery. It is a two-day test consisting of written and oral sections. Once the doctor passes the test he/she receives certification by American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOTO). The board has now launched maintenance of certification to test the competency of their doctors through case modules and CME activity.