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Otolaryngology Residency Lubbock

Otolaryngology Residency training consists of five years in a formal otolaryngology program with six months of non-otolaryngology rotations (ICU, General Surgery, Trauma, Anesthesia, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology). We as a faculty group view this apprenticeship model of training as a commitment to your education. We expect the same dedication from our trainees. During your residency, you will have the opportunity to provide patient care under the direction of full-time faculty and adjunct faculty. You will have access to a multitude of resources including online database, human anatomy lab, didactics, and medical conferences.

Each rotation will focus on the educational objectives to reflect growth in:

Medical Knowledge
Professionalism
Patient care with practice-based learning,
Interpersonal Communication skills
System-based practice.

Residency training is a marathon and not a sprint! Take joy in that journey and remember to take away learning points from each situation that you encounter. The small interactions can be sometimes harder than some of the tangible aspects of residency. We expect you to commit yourself into becoming the best otolaryngology resident that you can be.

Upcoming Admission Dates for Spring 2027

  • Aug 1 Applications
Open
  • Oct 2 Applications Close
  • Jan 1 Start Date

Required Education: 42 hours of prerequisite coursework

Program Overview

The Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a full complement of services in the major areas of:

  • head and neck cancer
  • otology/neurotology
  • thyroid surgery
  • voice, swallowing and airway disorders
  • trauma
  • facial plastic and reconstructive surgery
  • pediatric otolaryngology
  • cleft lip and palate surgery
  • vascular anomalies
  • laser surgery
  • oral and maxillofacial surgery
  • skull base surgery
  • audiology
  • allergy 
  • general otolaryngology

Quick Facts

  • Five-year training program
  • Selection of one resident per year
  • Six-months of Otolaryngology during intern year
  • Three-months of dedicated for research time (PGY3)
  • Every Otolaryngology subspecialty represented, including Sleep
  • Sites of primary rotations and call are on three medical campuses
    • TTUHSC Medical Pavilion
    • University Medical Center
    • Covenant Medical Center and Covenant Children's Hospital
  • Three-to-Four hours of protected resident education/academic time per week
  • Multiple dedicated courses including:
    • Journal Club
    • Temporal Bone Lab and Course
    • Endoscopic Sinus and Skull Base Course
    • Head and Neck Cadaver Dissection

Curriculum & Coursework

  • Resident will spend the first two months with the Department of Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in rotations, including general surgery and trauma. The additional four months will include rotations with anesthesiology, neurosurgery, neuro- intensive care and ophthalmology. The remaining six months of the year are spent on Otolaryngology Services. The role of the intern on these services is primarily to manage inpatient care. However, the intern is typically assigned to clinic or surgical cases appropriate to their level of training. 

  • Resident rotates six months on the General Otolaryngology, three months on the Pediatric Otolaryngology and three months on the Head & Neck Surgery/Laryngology rotation. On each of these services, the resident sees all inpatient consultations. Responsibilities are split between clinic and the operating room. In particular, the resident becomes very proficient at airway management (tracheostomy, direct laryngoscopy, etc.) and general pediatric procedures. 

  • Resident year is split between time on the General Otolaryngology services (General, Pediatric and Otology). Responsibilities are split between clinic and operating room. The PGY3 resident gains significant experience with basic otolaryngology procedures, sinus surgery, septorhinoplasty and facial reconstruction. The last three months of rotation includes Otology completed with our clinical faculty in Ft. Worth, Texas.

  • Resident rotates three months on General Otolaryngology, Head/Neck Laryn, Otology/Neurotology and Pediatric Otolaryngology. The PGY4 resident spends a large majority of their time in the operating room and gain significant experience with multiple head and neck procedures. This year is also an opportunity to build on previous experience with sinus surgery, septorhinoplasty, and facial reconstruction.

  • Resident rotates three months on Head/Neck Laryn, three months on General Facial/Plastics and six months on General Otolaryngology. The resident spends a large majority of their time in the operating room. They are the chiefs on all services and direct junior residents. The Chief Resident has significant autonomy and directly mentors a PGY2 in the clinic and operating room. The Chief resident gains significant experience in advanced surgical cases and is able to finesse their surgical skills with increased independence.

How to Apply

Online Application

Application Fee

Transcripts

Admissions Requirements

We ask that you start the application process as soon as possible. Submitting an acceptable application is the responsibility of the prospective resident. We do not set a specific minimum score requirement for the USMLE as we review your application as a whole, but your score must be competitive. If you are selected, you will be contacted via email with an invitation to interview. Our interview dates are December 11, 2026 and January 8, 2027. All interviews will be in person.

Cost & Aid

Access information about tuition and fees, along with scholarships and financial aid resources, to help you plan and finance your education at TTUHSC.

Tuition & Fees 

The following information is not intended to be comprehensive and is subject to change. Tuition, fees, and charges are subject to change by administrative, legislative, or regent action, and changes become effective on the date enacted. The following tuition information should be used only as a guideline for estimating charges.

Estimate Tuition & Fees

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Our goal is to make obtaining a college degree within reach by supporting you with financial aid and scholarships programs. TTUHSC relies on a variety of financial aid sources to increase the university's affordability. This may include scholarships, grants, student loans, and waivers. As a student, please know that you and your family have a dedicated financial aid advisor who can assist you with this process.

Apply for Scholarships  Apply for Financial Aid

Military/Veteran

Explore financial resources, benefits and support available to military members and veterans.

Military & Veteran Resources

Additional Resources

  • Salaries

    PGY-1 PGY-2 PGY-3 PGY-4 PGY-5 PGY-6 PGY-7
    $65,764.23 $67,250.96 $69,374.62 $72,532.92 $74,685.79 $76,841.81 $78,997.84

    *These amounts are for the Lubbock Campus only. Please contact TTUHSC Amarillo and TTUHSC Permian Basin for their salary information.

    *Previous Years' Salaries

    Year PGY-1 PGY-2 PGY-3 PGY-4 PGY-5 PGY-6 PGY-7
    2024-2025 $63,725.03 $65,165.66 $67,223.47 $70,283.84 $72,369.95 $74,459.12 $76,548.30 
    2023-2024 $61,570.07 $62,961.99 $64,950.21 $66,936.99 $68,923.76 $70,913.45 $72,903.14
    2022-2023 $58,918.73 $60,250.71 $62,153.31 $64,054.53 $65,955.76 $67,859.76 $69,763.77
    2021-2022 $57,202.65 $58,495.83 $60,343.02 $62,188.87 $64,034.71 $65,883.26 $67,731.82
    2020-2021 $55,536.56 $56,792.07 $58,585.46 $60,377.54 $62,169.63 $63,964.33 $65,759.05

    Benefits Include

    Professional Liability Insurance
    Coverage for House staff Officer (Resident) is at the level of $100,000-$300,000 while participating in TTUHSC sponsored training activities. This insurance covers any activity which is part of Appointee's training program.

    Health Insurance
    Group Health/Dental/Vision insurance for residents and eligible dependents. 

    The individual monthly premium for the group hospitalization coverage is furnished by TTUHSC. Coverage for dependents is available at the House staff Officer's (Resident's) expense. A $5,000 term life insurance policy and $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included in the insurance plan.

    Long-Term Disability - Is provided by TTUHSC for all residents and their eligible dependents.

    Workers' Compensation
    Workers' Compensation website

    Vacation

    • PGY 1-21 Working Days
    • PGY 2-28 Working Days
    • PGY 3-28 Working Days
    • PGY 4-28 Working Days
    • PGY 5-28 Working Days

    Leave

    Retirement & Savings

    Residents and fellows are not eligible for TTU System's 401K plan but can participate in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) the Tax-Deferred Account Program (TDA). More information will be provided upon starting your program.

    Specific information pertaining to benefits is found in the House Staff Policies and Procedures. CONTACT US FOR PDF

    Other Benefits

    • Monthly meal allowance
    • Lab coats and laundry service
    • Membership to AAO-HNS including FLEX (Focused Lifelong Education Xperience) Home Study Course
    • ACLS and ATLS required. ACLS and ATLS must be obtained prior to start of residency. The department will pay for ACLS renewals through residency. 
    • PGY 1's receive loupes

    Miscellaneous

    Meeting Expenses-for meetings where resident is presenting an abstract and has written the manuscript in journal format

    Resident office area is equipped with computer and access to the internet and database programs

  • How do I submit my application?
    We accept applications only through the ERAS System.

    What constitutes a complete application?

    • An ERAS application form
    • Personal statement
    • Current Curriculum vitae
    • Medical school transcript
    • USMLE (or COMLEX)  transcript
    • 3 letters of recommendation (You may submit more if you prefer; Chair LOR not required)
    • Medical School Performance Evaluation
    • ECFMG certificate (if applicable – applicants must be ECFMG-certified no later than the application deadline of October 4th) 

      *​If you wish to submit information to supplement your application (publication updates, etc.), you may do so by contacting the residency coordinator and sending this information on to her via email for updating your file.

    Is there a pre-filter file review?
    There is no official pre-filter file review, nor is there a minimum required USMLE score. Each applicant, as a whole, is taken into consideration.

    What exams are required for MD and DO applicants?
    Our program requires Completion and Passing of USMLE Step 1, Step 2 and COMLEX-USA Level 1 and Level 2.

    Do you accept international medical graduates?
    We do accept applications from international medical graduates. You must be ECFMG-certified and acquire by July 1 of your intern year a J-1 visa.

    Does your program require previous U.S. clinical experience?
    No, previous U.S. clinical experience is not required to apply to the program; however, to remain a competitive candidate, it is strongly advised.

    What are the visa options for the program?
    An applicant must be able to qualify for a J-1 visa. Upon hiring, visa applications are handled through the GME Office.

    You are encouraged to start the application process as soon as possible. Please note that no final decision on selection can be made on an incomplete application. Submitting an acceptable application is the responsibility of the prospective resident. We do not set a specific minimum score requirement for the USMLE because the Selection Committee views the application as a whole, but your score must be competitive. If your application is chosen by the Selection Committee you will be invited for interviews. Our interview process will take place during the month of October. Our interviews will be scheduled on Fridays when the faculty is readily available.

  • “Our Mission is to assure that at the completion of their five-year training our Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and technical skills to succeed professionally whether they choose academic or private practice, with or without further fellowship training. Our graduates will be expected to have the maturity, personal skills and ethical standards to become respected and productive members of the surgical profession.”

    Winslo Idicula, M.D.
    Associate Professor and Program Director
    Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

Contact Us

Otolaryngology Residency Lubbock

We're here to help. Contact us if you have questions.

  • Address

    3601 4th Street, MS8315
    Lubbock, TX 79430
    United States