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
Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
Cerumen removal and ear debridement
Epistaxis control
Foreign body removal
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
Airway procedures (e.g., tracheostomy)
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
Outpatient clinic
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
Work Environment
Combination of clinic and operative care
Scheduled procedures with on-call responsibilities
Team-based care with nursing, audiology, and ancillary staff support